My quick rating - 8.0/10. I’ve been eagerly awaiting my chance to see Godzilla Minus One, especially since it clinched the Oscar for Visual Effects, and it did not disappoint. This latest installment in the Godzilla saga takes us back to postwar Japan, where the iconic monster wreaks havoc on a nation already devastated by war. The story is grounded in the human experience, centering on survivors who, with no military or government support, must band together to confront this unstoppable force of nature. The visual effects are breathtaking, and it’s easy to see why the film won its Oscar. From the meticulously recreated 1940s cityscapes to the terrifyingly lifelike Godzilla, the effects team managed to bring the monster to life in a way that’s both modern and nostalgic. There’s a particularly striking scene where Godzilla marches upright through a downtown area, toppling buildings in a clear homage to the original films. It’s a powerful blend of old and new, honoring the franchise’s roots while pushing the boundaries of what modern technology can achieve. But this movie isn’t just about the spectacle. The human characters are given depth and significance, with the story focusing on their struggle for survival and their determination to fight back. The little girl’s role is especially poignant, adding an emotional layer that’s often missing in monster movies. The war cry speech, delivered to rally the citizens, is well-written and genuinely stirring, encapsulating the film’s theme of resilience in the face of overwhelming odds. The period recreation is also spot-on. Everything from the buildings and military equipment to the everyday costumes feels authentic, transporting the audience back to the 1940s. The decision to portray Godzilla as the villain again, a force that humanity must figure out how to stop, brings the franchise full circle, echoing the tone of the original 1954 film. The movie wraps up with a feel-good ending that’s both satisfying and true to the spirit of the Godzilla legacy. While I’ve enjoyed the Godzilla vs. Kong films from Hollywood, Godzilla Minus One stands out as the best overall Godzilla movie I’ve seen. It’s a visually stunning, emotionally engaging, and thematically rich addition to the franchise.
Commentaires