Godzilla Minus One (2023)

In the aftermath of a devastating war, Japan is struggling to rebuild. Amidst the ruins, a new terror emerges in the form of a colossal monster, born from the ashes of nuclear destruction. As the monstrous creature wreaks havoc, a group of survivors must band together to save their nation from annihilation. (Bard AI)

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There have been many versions of the Godzilla mythology, but, in my opinion, Godzilla Minus One is one of the best I’ve seen. It’s a Japanese language film, and it’s surprisingly explicit in its critique of various aspects of Japan’s approach to its past history in wartime. It’s commentary on war and nuclear power, symbolised by the post-war emergence of Godzilla, is powerful. And the themes of loss, survival, and hope add emotional depth.

The story focuses primarily on Sosaku Tachibana, a fighter pilot, who has managed to avoid his fate as a kamikaze pilot by avoiding action altogether. At one point in the film, it is noticed that his plane hasn’t been damaged. The guilt of not fulfilling his orders, including not defending his colleagues against Godzilla early in the story, haunts him, and his internal struggles with this are constantly present as the story unfolds.

The other characters are also well-developed and very relatable, bringing a sense of stability in the middle of the chaos. This adds a deeply human element to the story, which focuses more on the humans than the action and special effects, giving us a reason to empathise with and care about these characters rather than just seeking the thrills that come with this genre.

Having said that, though, the visual effects in Godzilla Minus One are stunning and bring Godzilla, a very intimidating monster, to life with realism and fine detail. And the action sequences are intense and exciting. Godzilla really feels powerful and destructive as it goes on its rampages.

Some viewers may find the plot a bit predictable. But the Godzilla mythology is well-embedded among many filmgoers, so that may increase the sense of predictability. And occasionally, it is obvious that CGI has been used, so there are moments when things seem a bit artificial. And there is not much humour to lighten the relentless sadness and fear of the storyline.

My recommendation: If you are a fan of monster movies and action films, and especially of the Godzilla story, go and see Godzilla Minus One. It delivers what it promises when it comes to spectacular visuals and intense action. The explicit exploration of themes of war and loss is handled well. These elements, plus the violence and intense scenes, make it better suited to a mature audience.

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)