Review - Godzilla Minus One (2023)

          Hey guys, Chuck here. Well, it looks like Toho made easily one of the best movies of the year. Godzilla Minus One, which was released back in November in Japan, was released for a limited engagement in American theaters, and was an absolutely awesome flick to see on the big screen. 

          So, the movie focuses on a World War II Japanese fighter pilot named Koichi Shikishima, who ends up at a holdover base on Odo Island, when it ends up attacked by a creature that the locals call Godzilla. Unfortunately, Koichi is unable to shoot the creature, leaving many scientists based on the island to be killed. 

       Upon returning home, Koichi meets a woman named Noriko, who is looking after a small orphaned girl named Akiko. As time goes on, Koichi is given an opportunity to right a wrong and stop Godzilla, who is making various attacks on Japan. 

         Now, I don't think it's hyperbole to say this, because pretty much everyone else has said it, but Godzilla Minus One is honestly one of the best movies of 2023. Honestly, Toho and the creative team on this movie succeeded in making an excellent character driven story that also delivers on what makes an excellent Godzilla movie. Now, for those who may not remember, but Godzilla was created as a commentary on the devastation brought upon atomic weapons falling on Japan back in World War II. But, while this movie explores that, it also explores the element of post-war trauma, and acts as commentary on the Japanese war effort in World War II. 

          And, of course, whenever Godzilla was on screen, it was absolutely fantastic. The absolute destruction and devastation brought whenever Godzilla attacks or goes on a rampage is simply awesome to behold, and I think that the visual effects team really did a fantastic job with it. But, the real heart of the movie was the story of Koichi, and his journey of navigating the trauma of going through war, and trying to find his inner peace. And, I liked how there's a number of slower, more intimate moments between Koichi, Noriko, and Akiko. Although they're not a family in the movie, the moments they have are very much like a family, and really gives Koichi motivation beyond just wanting to right a wrong from his past. 

         Aside, from the visual effects, which kicked all kinds of ass, the music by composer Naoki Sato was awesome as well, especially when the classic Godzilla theme music kicked on. Honestly, as someone who jumped with sheer joy when those classic themes were featured in Warner Bros. and Legendary's 2019 film Godzilla: King of the Monsters, it is always great to hear the classic themes from the Godzilla franchise in a big screen Godzilla movie. 

         Let's face it, 2023 has had more than a few stinkers and disappointments come from Hollywood. So, it's genuinely refreshing to see an outright fantastic movie on the big screen, especially one that came from Japan. I'm giving Godzilla Minus One a rating of 5/5. Honestly, my love for this movie just makes me more excited for when Warner Bros. and Legendary come back next year with Godzilla X Kong: The New Empire. 

        Anyway guys, this is Chuck signing off, and I'll see you guys this weekend for the official start of 12 Reviews of Christmas.