Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
The Japanese film “Gojira -1.0” – Godzilla Minus One is now available to watch on OTT (Netflix) and anybody looking for a larger-than-life “Monsters versus Humans” movie should just go stream it. Godzilla, of course, is the only crazily unreal thing in this otherwise serious story, which delves into the themes of human resilience in the face of destruction and tragedy.
Directed by Takashi Yamazaki, “Gojira -1.0” / “Godzilla Minus One” stars Ryunosuke Kamiki as Koichi Shikishima, a fighter pilot who arrives at Odo Island for a brief respite from World War II, only to witness a terrifying dinosaur-like monster known as Godzilla emerge from the ocean and kill everyone on the island except him and a technician. Shikishima survives the war unscathed but suffers severe PTSD, which only worsens when Godzilla re-emerges to wreak havoc on Tokyo. Abandoned by all allies, Japanese citizens must come up with a plan to save themselves from the colossal sea monster.
Takashi Yamazaki and writers Ishirô Honda and Takeo Murata pull no punches in criticizing the Japanese regime for exploiting its soldiers during World War II, sending them on suicide missions with no regard for their lives. Sample the following dialogue from a scene in “Gojira -1.0” / “Godzilla Minus One,” where a strategy meeting is ongoing to discuss how to neutralize Godzilla:
“Does this plan of yours mean certain death?”
“Of course it doesn’t!”
“Okay. Well, those odds are better than the war.”
The meeting room breaks into soft laughter; it’s a tragicomedy scene where facing a near-invincible gigantic monster seems less risky than going to the front line. Like the original 1954 Ishiro Honda movie “Godzilla,” this newer version retains the same themes, with the monster serving as a clever metaphor for war—aimless, except for its drive to annihilate humans. And yet, Godzilla somehow seems to be a lesser evil than actual war.
Ryunosuke Kamiki delivers a spirited performance as protagonist Koichi Shikishima, whose character undergoes significant growth over the two-hour runtime, evolving from a nervous, shifty fighter pilot who abandons his duties to a determined young man seeking redemption. Post-war, he finds himself a dangerous job to scan naval mines in the sea, and ends up being part of Tokyo’s efforts to defeat Godzilla.
The special effects in the film are engaging, even though the character design for Godzilla is only a mild upgrade from its older onscreen depictions and looks ridiculously fake. However, its unnaturally hideous appearance lends “Godzilla Minus One” a subtle comical undertone, which ups its entertainment value. While I didn’t like the special effects for Godzilla at all, the rest of the effects in the movie are well executed and engaging to watch.
Director Takashi Yamazaki lulls you into expecting a tragic climax but surprises viewers with a clichéd yet satisfying ending. Overall, “Gojira -1.0” / “Godzilla Minus One” is the kind of guilty pleasure movie you can enjoy without worrying too much about logic and details.
You can watch “Godzilla Minus One” on Netflix.
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