My Letterboxd review of Godzilla Minus One: https://letterboxd.com/rogzilla71/film/godzilla-minus-one/
Thought it was great! Felt like I was engaged the whole time, which generally isn't the case (blasphemy, I'm sure, but true for me). Certainly some holes, but it's a Godzilla movie - I'm not looking for rock solid story-telling from my monster movies.
I just got back from seeing it this afternoon. Definitely not a movie for your five-year-old. I know that if I brought my son, he would’ve been a wreck. It’s very dramatic/sad..
It took me a six hour chunk of my Sunday with waiting, bus journeys, and plenty of walking, but I managed to see Minus One at a limited nearby screening. I know, probably old news to most people by now, but this type of film does not ever really get screentime where I am, so I had to take the opportunity. Anyways, it was effort, but so worthwhile, and on a day of learning of Satsuma Kenpachirō's passing, seemed very fitting to honour the franchise. No spoilers ahead. I really enjoyed it. I had a lot of the experience I would have done without (which I won't get into here) which unfortunately took away from the glorious wonderment of the film, but I found plenty in it to enjoy. As someone who also really loved Anno's Shin and everything new and different that that absolutely brilliant film brought into being, in Minus One Yamazaki has both breathed new life [yet again] into the franchise while keeping one giant foot heavily rooted in the original. Honestly, the throwbacks were great, and something I truly appreciated as a massive fan of '54 Godzilla, a movie I can watch and re-watch and still enjoy every time to this day. The little nods were perfect and done in a respectful homageing way, which is a lot more than I can say for Hollywood fare (I am looking especially at you, certain Disney franchises....) You didn't have to get them, but if you did you couldn't help but feel a little warmth and grin building inside. The real change I think is pairing this with the humanity and character stories, it it so much more than just a giant monster destruction movie; which probably means it will not be for a lot of folks. The move has some flaws, don't get me wrong, and there is some serious deus ex machina, but all of that is to be expected. This is entertainment, fun, and story; on all of that it delivers. I don't think there is a serious deep message in this one, but it wasn't mean to be. And it also isn't high art. But this is leagues and leagues ahead of anything Hollywood is putting out. I am really glad that it is getting the massively positive reception in the US that it is. Hopefully this means we will start seeing increased production and distribution of films like this. But, above all else, the highlight for me was hearing that Ifukube score suddenly come building through at just the right moment. I think I melted a little. It was a very welcome joy that I needed right now.
Roger, I actually have to say, I agree with everything you've said in your review - and thank you for taking the time to share it. There is definitely a whole lot of this movie that I probably would have changed given the option to, but that feel's a bit like armchair writing/directing You're definitely not wrong in pointing out that some of the major intended 'strengths' of this movie are actually its 'weaknesses' I would say. And so much of that is really on some of the character choices and telegraphed setup. It's a monster movie, I can completely get on board with some quackery and hand-waving to advance what is at heart a fantastical story; but if you want to go for the deep emotions then I think it could have been better thought out and portrayed. So I totally respect your opinions on all of this, but it just didn't make me hate it. I think my take and yours are actually pretty aligned from the general standpoint of things, but maybe just expectations and reactions differed slightly. I think probably it's just been far too long since I have seen a new, enjoyable film (let alone at a cinema) and so I am holding this up against normal offerings which, in all honesty, set a pretty darn low bar. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Favourite Godzilla move ever? No, come on, that is never going to be possible. Favourite Reiwa era Godzilla movie? Hmmm, might not be either, have to let that one stew a bit I think. Damn fine romp at the cinema? Yes. TL;DR - Godzilla Minus One is worth going to see, to make up your own mind, but if for no other reason than to show movie theatres your support for this type of film getting screentime.
It's funny because that's what nearly everyone says about that review, "I agree what you said in it." They still seem to love it. And that's fine. I still hate it. Matt Alt and Patrick Macias revisited the movie in a recent episode of their podcast and one of them said that if Godzilla wasn't in this movie, very few people would be talking about it, and those people would likely be mocking how silly it was.
It's interesting seeing such glowing reviews, almost across the board, from places outside kaiju fandoms. I suppose anything that has a decent human story and amazing performances is gonna stand out compared to the quality most people expect from Godzilla movies. Though, in this case, I'm more curious reading some people's criticisms. The film is very well made. Great writing, cinematography, costumes, set design. Really strong characters. Loved seeing the Showa era depicted through a modern lens. Really, my only major criticism was the Godzilla itself. Normally, we don't really need to answer many questions with a kaiju film. Suspension of disbelief is just sorta part of the deal. But, with so much attention to detail in the rest of the film, I think the bar is higher than usual. And this Godzilla was distractingly underdeveloped? Almost disconnected from the rest of the film IMO. Not physically, but thematically and emotionally. I felt like there was a missing chunk of story. Spoiler: plot spoilers The bomb test hits him, his face bubbles, all that within a 10 second flash? Blink and you miss it. Person I was with didn’t even see it or understand that’s what mutated him (she just thought he got bigger). Boom, he’s huge, and just as mean as before. The trailer had a line that did not make the film, that now almost feels like a broken promise. Something like “that monster will never forgive us”. And I think that element of developing this monstrosity was the missing component that would have tied everything together. Especially if the Godzillasaurus' first appearance was a little less rabidly vicious, less spikey, and more animal like. So the resulting aftermath of a thorny nuclear powered rage monster with a grudge against humanity would have felt more poignant, in contrast to what it started from. Kinda “This war created even more lasting anguish on the earth, and only regular people coming together and choosing life can stop it.” Am I alone? It’s still miles better than all the American Kaiju movies combined. It was a great film. Just… Godzilla himself was a bit empty. ya know? And I think I'm very much in the minority with this... an underwhelming Godzilla design too IMO. Lots of Heisei era in the face (a look I love, but prefer each era to find its own new likeness), kinda erratic textures. Some moves felt like they got pulled straight out of the US Legendary movies. And my biggest pet-peeve: 3D sculpt mirrored down the center... in a FILM? His most distinct feature is the dorsal plates, and even each of those seem copy/pasted and resized. Probably nit-picky. But, I've seen some jaw-dropping Godzilla renditions in model kits and illustrations from artists in Japan. Jus wanted to be wowed by this Godzilla as much as the rest of the movie. Shin remains King of the Reiwa Era.
Super valid criticisms on those points, Robb. The monster design itself/himself, as well as his 'evolution' though the film were one of the major areas I thought a little more time/depth could have greatly improved upon. I naturally lean almost exclusively towards the Showa films, so probably my opinion on this is more biased than some, but the look was very much Heisei as you said, whereas it would have been cool to do something a little more.... unique to this new franchise [as it seems that is what it is aiming to be]. I guess they did not want to take it as original as Shin, and maybe it is more difficult than I think coming up with a Godzilla look that is still recognisable as Godzilla, but it did seem a bit less creative than perhaps would have brought it to an even higher level. And especially with his actions and movements. As you said, it felt a bit more empty somehow and at the same time more 'action-y', very much what I might thing of expecting from the Monsterverse stuff (although not nearly as extreme). Again, I am coming from a Showa perspective here, but I still like the slowed down, guy-in-a-rubber-suit actions that implied heft and power of a huge beast, and not just a terrorising mad animal that is for all intents and purposes shown in the film as being indestructible and and near super-powered in strength. Also, probably also being nit-picky myself, but something about the eyes just seemed off with the way he was intended to be portrayed (or maybe it wasn't, and that was what it was going for). Ultimately though, I think that many of these decisions in design and aesthetic of the movie come down to trying to get new audiences, who might have not paid attention to or be unaware of Shin, and are of a culture that grew with with heavily/almost exclusively rendered 3D games, CGI films, etc. It's not a bad thing necessarily, stuff has to grow and adapt, I am not one of those people who is stuck in the path and only wishes to re-experience nostalgia through rose-tinted glasses. So I can understand some of the decisions here. Like I said, I did still enjoy it, even if not everything about it I find was perfect in my own way.
I enjoyed Shin and Minus 1.0 equally, but for different reasons. Original 1954 and these two movies are probably my top 3. Haha. I laugh because why not. Love and or hate what you want, but go see this movie.
Well, I don't really think this is necessary personally, and I will die on the hill proclaiming that - while it is absolutely fine and perfectly aesthetically reasonable to shoot a film in B&W in the 21st century - this is not the same as just adjusting screen tones to achieve this same effect. But here we are. It's news, and pertinent, and of course I do get the intended homage so: Godzilla Minus One: Minus Colour, a new black and white re-release of the 2023 film.
To me that title reads, "Godzilla Minus 1.0 Divided by Color." It gives them an excuse to sell monochrome toys.
Ah thanks Michael, The article that had tipped me to this additional re-release had no mention, oddly enough, of it being a different version of the film. If it is a completely different edit, I'd also be very interested to know what the cuts were and to see this version, if it really comes out as a distinct movie.
I mean, there are probably a few areas I could leave this, but I am sure it is no small coincidence that this campaign coincides with the release of Minus One, so here is maybe as relevant (or barring that, at least as contemporary as any other). Godzilla vs. McDonalds View this post on Instagram
And see also [as part of the above campaign] this interesting Bearbrick collaboration featuring some McDonaldland characters alongside a Heisei-era looking Goji interpretation. While I don't collect BBs, I would still be down for one of these and have to say that they look leagues ahead of the Cactus Plant Flea Market figures from last year. I am sure this is Japan-only, and also is a lotto entry I gather, but still, rather cool. https://www.mcdonalds.co.jp/campaign/godzilla-bb-2024-e12a0/
Saw it last night at some old timey theatre where I’m staying. Super fun monster movie. Loved the score and expected the melodramatic storyline so I left very pleased. A few scenes I was imagining the diorama possibilities. goji chunks in sofubi anyone? Not for a lil kid but will make the day of any mid kid.
Caught the B&W version last night. I really couldn't tell if there were any new scenes or shots, but I thought it looked really good. Goji was still freakin terrifying. There are so many moments in this film that give me chills or bring the tears. I find the story very compelling of all the characters traumatized in the war in different ways and all left alive and trying to figure out how to make that work. Then Godzilla shows visiting a new kind of madness. I love the little crew of the minesweeper boat. I love the little family in the bombed out houses. The mix of new soundtrack music and the original theme was perfect. And that plane is cooooool! https://www.historynet.com/godzilla-vs-shinden/
