Godzilla Minus One: Review (Spoilers)
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- čas přidán 19. 11. 2023
- My review of Godzilla Minus One, spoilers included. #godzilla #godzillaminusone #godzilladay
This review is based on my first viewing when I saw it in Japan on 11/3/23 . It didn't have ENG subtitles but I've been studying Japanese for a few years so I was able to follow along with most of the dialogue. - Zábava
This review is based on my first viewing when I saw it in Japan on 11/3/23. It didn't have ENG subtitles but I've been studying Japanese for a few years so I was able to follow along with most of the dialogue. After a second viewing on 11/29/23 with ENG subtitles I was able to put some corrections/clarifications below:
**Corrections/Clarifications**
1:14 - "Baka" bomb is a specific reference to the Ohka rocket kamikaze that I show on screen, not the kamikaze in general.
3:08 - These are fish dying from decompression; after being pulled up from the deep as Godzilla rises. They look weird because their bellies are popping out of their mouths.
11:50 - Technically they weren't minesweeping during this scene, they were there to stall Godzilla until the Takao showed up.
17:18 - Sumiko doesn't tell Akiko that Noriko is dead, I just sort of assumed she did based off that heart-breaking reaction.
21:18 - The Shinden's ejection seat might have been installed already and Tachibana was just telling Shikishima about it.
Thank you for all the comments teaching me about the military vehicles depicted in this movie as well, like the Japanese ships, the Shinden, and the Type 4 Chi-To tanks ^_^
.nowadays
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,😊lĺĺ
I just saw it like two hours before this writing this comment, personally I think Tachibana didn't install the ejector seat, but I think he made damn sure it worked.
Not visually flawless but it was dam good!
based godzilla and sports youtuber
adding to the last point, i watched the movie with a German dub (which was surprisingly decent considering how quickly they must have churned that out) and they definitely made it sound like the ejection seat was built-in already. (iirc they show the text reading "schleudersitz" aka ejection seat in german when tachibana first looks at the plane and wouldn't have had time to find one and build it into the plane yet)
Every scene with Godzilla was jaw-dropping. Legitimately Godzilla has never felt so intimidating. A true force of nature. Absolutely loved this movie as a lifelong fan
I started getting frustrated with Godzilla. Like leave these people alone 😩 they really sold him as an antagonist 👍
Was already a fan for many years, but now im a massive fan, they did amazingggggggg! I hate the human scenes in past movies, but I grew to love the cast so much!
Agreed! They did such an amazing job with his design in this movie! Absolutely loved it!!!
New flash that's not godzilla he cannot die
@@user-zz1os6vx9u And he doesn't. He starts regenerating at the end
$15 million to make a visually flawless effects movie. I love how the Japanese make movies for the Japanese. None of this crap about trying to appeal to everybody while ultimately pleasing no one.
Hollywood (as a whole) doesn't have the talent or the insight to put out a movie of this quality...they only deal in dumpster fires.
To be fair it’s a lot easier when damn near everybody’s the same.
I don’t know, not every Japanese movie looks as good as an American one but this one in trailers looks pretty good. Also guys right, in their country you only have to worry about a Japanese audience
@@dontaetrowell5011real
Who is in charge at Hollywood?
Stop crying you damn baby. Go wave your 🏳️🌈🙋🏼 flag because that's who you people are since the ancient Greko-Roman days.
The idea for killing Godzilla by pressure rise came from the dead fish he kept seeing. The dead fish all are dead from rapid decompression, their bellies protrude from their mouths.
oooo I see, I love that. No wonder I wasn't sure what the hell I was looking at.
A-ha! So the fish aren't dying from radiation exposure - they're being sucked up from the deep as he rises and dying! Thank-you! That explains why it happens even before he's hit by the nuke later in the movie.
@@andymacgrain1247the fish is still affected by the radiation
@@Alcapone901Logically this isn't the case, when you see the Proto Godzilla in the prologue his arrival is preceded with the dead fish appearing. The film clearly shows him being irritated and mutated several years AFTER this sequence. The fish being turned inside out due to decompression is a very specific plot point that is used in the climax of the film. I'm not refuting that Minus Goji is highly radioactive during most of the movie, and that his origins are still deeply tied to nuclear issues - but the fish themselves are not dying of radiation exposure.
@@andymacgrain1247+qq
Noriko surviving is Koichi's reward for having faith in living. For having not despaired and given in. Tachibana, who had every reason to want Koichi to complete his duty to Japan that he ran from in the beginning of the film, has forgiven him and knowing what Koichi intends to do, tells him the plane has an ejection seat implores him to live. In this moment he realizes he can forgive himself.
It's funny how the plan 'B' is reference everytime Godzilla is near.
Because they say that the fish are specified as "deep water" fish.
So when Godzilla nears land, the fish are displaced and die from coming up to the surface.
It's a really cool detail I realized after the fact.
They need plan Z at the least
Noriko saying “Is your war over?” at the end of movie while she was in a hospital bed made me cry.
I legitimately cried when the parachute deployed. This movie handled grief and the value of human life so well. The scenes with the general and the men agreeing to help was one of the best call to action scenes ive ever seen. Im not a long time godzilla fan. I remember seeing 98 in theaters as a 5 year old. I think we saw 2000. And then it didnt come back into my mind until 2014s film. And then Shin Godzilla showed up and my mind was blown. And now this movie made me feel even more for japan and its people. Just seeing how years go by and the damage is just still there. Like man, this film is so haunting and dramatic in the best way. I loved the characters arcs and how they couldn't move on. It was so good. I love the chase in the water before the city wide rampage. The shot of Godzilla behind the wooden boat is so terrifying. This is easily a top 3 godzilla film for me. Ive seen like 12 now. This was incredible.
Bro if i was alone watching the movie i wouldve bawled at that part (the parashoot opening), it was so tense before that scene that the tension release of the parashoot wouldve sent me into tears lol
@brodyrussell9521 I can tell you I wasn't the only one you could hear having a reaction at several different points during the movie. I found myself getting emotional several different times. They took the whole thing serious, and it paid off.
Tbh I thought it was a pretty weak ending, like no one actually had to sacrifice anything since his wife is still alive and every important character survived the final battle. Though I suppose that bit at the end with the black mark on her neck implies that they didn't really get away free, I was just hoping for more of a bittersweet ending like the original. Though of course a kamikaze ending would have been a bit disappointing, since it would seem like more of a suicide than a sacrifice as he believed at the time that he lost everything he ever cared about.
@@kidfox3971 i liked it being a happy ending, and it didnt really feel like anyone had plot armor for the most part to me atleast i was constantly worried that on of them would die, and them all surviving seems very plausible like his wife got blown away in the blast not actually crushed or in the explosion itself, so it’s understandable she survived with injuries. I actually wouldve been more upset if they just left it as she got blown away off screen and assumed dead but never actually confirmed
@@brodyrussell9521 I liked the ending too. A bittersweet sacrifice would have been in complete opposite of the central theme of the film. Enough people have been sacrificed. It is more noble to live for the future than die for the future.
12:19 something of note. Every time Godzilla takes a significant amount of damage, not only does he heal but he gets bigger. This makes me believe that he started as a hyper adaptive creature from the deep that over time grew to the Odo island size. And the bombs made him adapt further leading to increased size and his breath
I thought I noticed that too. Glad I wasn’t crazy.
I also noticed him healing a bit after blowing up the decoy ships, so that’s terrifying that he could just spam that and grow more and more powerful
I also noticed that there is a scar where the mine was in his mouth. Thought that was a good touch.
Usually, Japanese films are allocated a budget with the intention of being recouped only domestically, so even a big movie like Godzilla has only 1/10 to 1/20 of the budget of a Hollywood movie, as the director Takashi Yamazaki said, it is amazing that they were able to produce such quality CGI in such a small budget. I hope that this film will make a lot of money at the box office overseas, and that the next film will be made with a larger budget.
Definitely impressive
I think Toho is cautious about increasing the budget even if Godzilla-1 becomes a hit in the global market.
The crown prince of Saudi Arabia is a fan of anime and is promoting the entertainment industry, so it might be interesting to request investment from him.
Godzilla needs to be kept low budget, its part of the charm
@@weilam03 but i like how the american one looks. the animations are amazing. the attention to detail the weight is all really impressive, something jusrassic world kind a failed on with a simmilar budget.
Don't see how it's even possible to make this for even five times that budget. Pretty crazy
My theater was silent during the final sequence it was insane 😭. You could hear your own heartbeat with how serious everyone took this movie
This movie is a masterpiece and a testament to the way Toho studios has handled Godzilla since 1954. From better human character development to making Godzilla the monster you need to be terrified of. The most amazing part is how Toho pulled it off with a $15 million budget. Legendary take note and learn from the master.
where can i watch it
@@Brian-tf2liit’s on dvd at stores I think in other countries I think I could be wrong tho
so impressive with just 15 million, I love both takes on Godzilla! Legendary is the Monster mash we deserve to have, so fun and fantastical with some excellent shots and truly showing why Godzilla is king of the monsters. I also love Toho's take as a truly terrifying force of nature, gotta agree that they know how to make Godzilla a monster to be terrified of. We are so lucky to be living in an age where we get these two fantastic renditions of this awesome character!
@@Brian-tf2ligo to a movie theater
@@trashboat5388it’s out of theaters, unless they decide to release the Minus Color edition
I loved how Godzilla did not eat anybody. He didn't care about eating anyone at all he literally just wanted to kill people. And that is how Godzilla is supposed to be.
I noticed this too, he had people in his mouth multiple times and tossed them instead of eating them. Makes you wonder of he was even a carnivore to begin with or just a territorial herbivore that felt backed into a corner
Its like how sharks don't really want to eat us. We're garbage food wise so we're probably the same to Godzilla. We'd be such a waste of energy to chase down and get eaten by something that huge.
It's also a strict rule that Toho has. Godzilla can kill humans, but he can't eat them.
@@jakefoley9539He feeds on radioisotopes.
@jakebocek2949 is that really true? I didn't know that! I always wondered about that.
Call me crazy but I immediately thought that Noriko's mark implied that she along with any other survivors were "infected" with Godzilla's mutation and would lead to taking a note out of Shin's concept art and ending with the humanoid Godzilla mutations. In reality it's probably just poisoning but I could also see them spin the mutations as an allegory for both the "alligator people" reported at the sites of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and overall radiation poisoning that killed many after the fact. Either way it's a bittersweet ending because it has dark implications
I think it was just a trick of the eyes. her hair is also moving around her neck . So hair, shadow, movement, and the burn make up playing a trick.
@@PowerPackers90definitely not the trick of the eyes. the camera angle even focuses on it to show you it will lead into something more in the next godzilla film
@1ripstunna We don't know if this will get a sequel thou. Everyone thought Shin Godzilla was getting one. for all we know. Toho may be happy after the reception of both Shin and -1 of just letting different creative teams have their own one-shot takes at Godzilla, and will let the Legendary films be the big cinematic universe with sequels.
@@PowerPackers90 the novelization of the movie describes it as a moving shadow. regardless of a sequel, its confirmed to not just be a normal injury. her being infected with some kind of godzilla mutation also helps explains how she reappears after presumably being blown away by a radioactive blast, perhaps inheriting some kind of regeneration.
I saw that and I immediately started thinking aliens, genetic mutation ala biolante, shin Godzilla, gforce. That is just from franchise history. Who knows what exactly will come from it.
I just loved the introduction of the Shinden. Being a prototype but more advanced than current warplanes at the time, it reminded me of the fictional aircraft used in previous films like the Super X. And seeing Koichi piloting it was awesome, truly one of the best protagonist of a Godzilla film.
That's what a prototype is mate
Turns out it's a real plane.
Koichi expertly flies the Shinden, making it clear that it would have been a great waste for him to crash into a Navy ship and detonate.
It is possibly my favorite Atomic Breath ever. The scales, the stature, the FORCE in that sound effect when he fired was perfection. And that framing of Big G against the cloud and our gero completely breaks is just *chef's kiss*
I think the fact that this godzilla is quite tiny compared to the others also helped just because you don't expect something that powerful from a kaiju that size.
27:03 it's most definitely a budget thing. Minus One has a roughly 15 Million USD budget in comparison to say, Godzilla vs Kong, which had roughly 155 - 200 Million...the fact it can even compete says a lot about how talented they actually are
The biggest difference is more more monsters lots of cgi but as Godzilla has been good Japanese made and Japanese over site over hollywood excs ceo cfo diversity ceo etc etc and crews that love I mean love Godzilla
filming in Japan vs Hollywood makes a huge difference in $$
@@dougmoore4653 that says a lot too
Knowing that Godzilla basically regenerating at the end just made my whole day. Long live the king.
You probably CRIED LIKE A NEW BORN BABY 👶 😭 WHEN GODZILLA SAVED THE GIRL..
All that for nothing... Minus One indeed. :'(
so godzilla wont die
@@theone-ds7iz. What are you even talking about WHAT GIRL!? Godzilla didn’t save any girl lol
The last Godzilla I saw was Shin Godzilla in 2016, so I was thinking of Shin the whole time, and seeing that blob of regenerating, mutating flesh at the end felt almost like a tease of Shin… 💀 Shin is the scariest Godzilla ever, I don’t want Akiko to grow up and have to live through Shin lol
I watched it last night. There were people in the audience sniffling, and it had me in tears at one point.
After the movie the audience I was with stood up and we applauded for like 5 seconds.
It’s the first time I’ve enjoyed an international film with a US crowd that had this kind of reception.
It’s deff worth the price of the ticket.
i have to admit i saw it today and noticed a few people having tearful eyes (me included)
I wanted to cheer at the parachute and Noriko surviving but my room didn't have any energy.
I was pretty sure the ejector seat reveal came from the fact that you could clearly see German writing behind the seat--implying that Japan didn't use ejector seats at some point but Germany did. At the moment, I whispered to my girlfriend, "it's a good thing these German-made planes have ejector seats." And it's the writing that the mechanic points out to Shikishima before it cuts.
The German writing on the fighter's seat was a dead give away for me. I hope most people missed it, but I'm glad I didn't! =)
Saw that too. 😉
Same.
I was about to text my Germanophile buddy and ask him what it says.
Which plane? The Shinden? Why is it significant?
@@madscientist2621 yes, the Shinden… and why it’s significant is because Japan didn’t make ejection seats, a point that the movie went out of its way to point out. So the German seat was a dead giveaway that it was one.
I think it’s worth noting that Godzilla doesn’t actually initially attack anyone on Oto island, he only attacks when he’s shot. It really raises the question over whether or not Godzilla became a destructive force or if he simply became such due to the violence he was shown from the beginning
Doesn’t he take out the watch tower?
@@BigActionBill he might, but I believe there was a spotlight fixed on him. Akin to how Shin Godzilla is almost like a frightened animal when he first appears in his first two forms, here he seems to have a similar manner.
It was also interesting that Oto Godzilla had a little of the Godzilla 1998 look about him, because you’re right, he was more horizontal in his stance in this appearance
He attacks after they shine the light on him
@@BigActionBillI feel this godzilla is a representation of mother nature and after nuking and to continually be toxic to the earth and killing it (especially nukes). But our overconfidence has betrayed humanity and we'll regret the act soon indeed. Humans are a plague to the planet and its trying to eradicate the infection. Thank you for this video. I saw it yesterday and can't get enough 😂
@@flammingdragonso, Who are "we". Majority of people didn't create those toxic environment, mega Corp are doing that.
Just got out of the movie and I have never in my life had a movie so hyped with such rave reviews, and to go into a film and STILL have my jaw on the floor by the end. I went in as spoiler free as possible and I'm rewatching this film every year. This is my new favorite film in the franchise, and a film worthy to be on the same pedestal as the original 1954 film
The ocean water was so well realized as an environment. It kept reminding me of those Japanese paintings with the wave and white water.
AMAZING movie!!! My son and I saw it in IMAX this evening. Easily the BEST Japanese Godzilla movie since Shin! Loved every minute of it. The human story was just as powerful as the action scenes. Superbly acted, brilliantly scored, excellently shot and directed. A crazy rollercoaster ride!
I also watched last night with my dad, it was PEEEEAAAAAAAAAK
I saw it in 4DX tonight and I almost got whiplash but it was the most fun I've had in a movie theater in years. IMAX next!
@@hitachicordoba 4DX? Is that the panoramic screen that wraps around the theater?
Lucky! No IMAX near me is playing it, would be great on IMAX
@@zshakur nah it’s the one where the seats move
So I am a hobbyist CG artist, and I can maybe offer an explanation. If you watch the credits of an american blockbuster, you might notice 20-30 people just on the CGI "hair" team for example. Things like snow, smoke, water, hair, etc. use a huge amount of computing power and have enormous teams dedicated to perfecting their look. I imagine Toho simply prioritized the monster and maybe the water over the snow and the smoke, not wanting to hire the necesaary team/studio to handle particle effects thag would only be in one or two less important scenes. I doubt its a talent thing, moreso a resources/budget thing. Just a theory, mind you.
Great review. You're not just telling us what happened in the movie, but also giving the historical and behind-the-scenes context. Very interesting. Thank you!
P.S: I also love Jet Jaguar! 🥰
I was blown away by how good this movie was. Loved the story and the characters and how utterly destructive and terrifying Godzilla is.
I hope Noriko pulls through her sickness.
It doesn't always happen, but people have pulled through, but not without suffering.
I also hope if we get a sequel, it should be set years later. We need new human characters that are on par with the cast of Minus One. I feel like Koichi, Noriko, and Akiko's story is mostly open and shut. I think we can assume they've moved on from their trauma.
Noriko can definitely survive if it is in fact radiation sickness. I agree, new characters at the focus if this turns into a series. Maybe down the line they reappear for a cameo.
My only real criticism of the movie was going to be Noriko surviving, thought it was a bit ridiculous. However, seeing the quick glimpse of whatever that was on the back of her neck immediately put it into a different context and now I think I like it even more. My theory is Noriko died, triggering the G-cell regeneration to kick in. When the mine blew up in G's mouth in the first water battle, it looks like it initially killed him, then he popped back to life. I'm fine if they leave us on that cliff hanger, but of course would welcome a sequel.
Yeah I have mixed feelings about the whole Noriko thing. Her surviving I’m sort of okay with but I hate the whole concept of her getting Godzilla’s cells or whatever😂. Not the most ridiculous thing in the franchise as it’s been done before but I felt the movie was grounded outside of Godzilla but either way it doesn’t soil my enjoyment of this movie.
@@BigActionBillWho knows, maybe we'll learn more in the sequel, Godzilla: Break Even
@@BigActionBill The mark on her neck appears to be a keloid scar. Apparently they were common with survivors of the blast. Not sure why they developed, but it may have something to do with the radiation. I have keloids and it appears very reminiscent to the ones I have. I think it was showing that despite her surviving the blast, she ultimately isn't going to make it. Still a sad ending despite appearing positive.
@@lukebecker9326 followed by Godzilla: stable upwards growth.
@cassascorner611 It wouldn't make any sense to be a Keloid Scar, she'd have to have regeneration to survive being thrown into the wind by an atomic explosion, bare minimum slammed into concrete going Mach 2. She has regeneration now, but who knows. It might just give her super cancer and kill her anyways.
I saw a video of a Japanese TV station interviewing the director about the production of "Godzilla -01" and the director said that the SGI for this Godzilla was made by a young man about 20 years old with no name.
Please look forward to more Godzilla and Japanese movies in the future.
From Japan
I dragged my girlfriend to the IMAX with me today, and although she was reluctant to see a monster movie, she was drawn in by the storyline and plot. As amazing as the actual Godzilla scenes are the human themes were much more powerful.
Godzilla is the embodiment of war, Atomic War. And the entire movie is an allegory of that. The harder they fought Godzilla the larger and more powerful he became. While Godzilla might’ve been killable on Oda Island by the plane (unlikely, but we like to convince ourselves that one well placed bullet can prevent a war) he was unstoppable after the Atomic bombing of the bikini atoll. To the average person war is a monster that arises from nowhere (the sea for Japan), and it’s horrible and monstrous.
It was amazing seeing how fleshed out the human experience was written. Themes like PTSD, Survivors guilt, the youthful eagerness to run into battle, finding love during war, suic!de, how all wars begin with lies and secrets by the government, and finding purpose and meaning through love and family. We even see themes about the medical side effects of war like cancer from Atomic bombings. Noriko’s mark is basically cancer from the atomic blast. Multiple generations struggled with the side effects of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
🤡
@@yougotfelted8297You are the clown here
Honestly, the Godzillasaurus scene at the beginning has some shotty CGI, but as the film went on, you could see where the budget went, and I realized it was worth it. I’m glad American filmgoers have welcomed this Godzilla with open arms! Minus One is the Godzilla movie I’ve wanted to see since 2014!
This Godzilla looks awesome, love to see him return to his roots, this is why he’s amazing, he’s a villian, he’s a hero, he’s what the plot needs him to be, he simply is….. him
I think the shot of Godzilla regenerating is just to set it apart from the original. Instead of seeing Godzilla reduced to a skeleton and them mysteriously return in the next film, we're shown that he's on the ocean floor healing.
It doesn't return. At the end of '54, they mention that other creatures like Godzilla could appear and in Raids Again, it's a different Godzilla.
I didn’t really understand why people loved Godzilla before I saw Minus One. Now I’m obsessed and watching every single one of the movies!
Solid review of a very solid movie. I couldn't be much happier with Minus One. Both the human and kaiju elements are handled brilliantly and it's just a joy to watch throughout. Godzilla is honestly intimidating in a way he's never been before, especially in the unbelievably tense minesweeper chase scene. I hesitate to call this the best Godzilla movie ever made simply because we're comparing apples to oranges and rutabagas with a lot of these comparisons, but it's undeniably right up there.
The Japanese Government refused to help basically because it would require making an announcement confirming Godzilla's presence, and they didn't want to seem weak or cause a panic. As quoted from the movie, "Information control is Japan's speciality"
The "Baka" bomb is a specific reference to the Ohka rocket kamikaze. My late grandfathers ship, USS Stanley DD-478 was hit by one off of Okinawa in April '45 but it didn't explode. It punched clean through his destroyer. Another one was a near miss.
As for the firebombing of Japan, I believe the US General in charge of the Army Air Force bombers in the Pacific, Curtis LeMay, is quoted as saying something along the line of, "If we don't win this, we'll be charged as war criminals." That said, the firebombing, tragically, worked. Conventional high altitude bombing was ineffective due to the jet stream effect. The bombs were always miles off target. Low altitude bombing with incendiary bombs was, unfortunately for Japan, very effective against their mostly wood and paper construction. The firebombing of Tokyo is often regarded as the single most deadly day in warfare.
As for your movie review, very interesting. I'm even more eager to see this movie now than I already was. Thanks.
My mom spent WWII separated from her parents in a bomb shelter in Hitachi. She never spoke much about it but I was later surprised to learn that it was a US/British naval bombardment rather than aerial firebombing.
As far as I know it: Fire Bombing mostly worked for murdering civilians and maybe causing issues in infrastructure and supply chains.
Strategic Bombing of Civilians is usually used in attempt to break a country's morale. In that sense, Strategic Bombing is completely ineffective. It only unites the civilian populace against a now visible enemy killing all of their loved ones. All it does is foment hatred. Anyone who was originally going to sue for peace will now be blinded by hatred. Or dead. There were huge cracks in the Japanese Empire that were not caused by the Firebombs. Firebombs caused untold devastation to the civilian populace but dead civilians don't directly affect military capability. At worst, you tell a soldier stationed on a far off island that their their mother burned to death.
Japan was already losing by the time the atomic bombs dropped. However, the government managed to whip up their soldiers and populace into such a frenzy in the defense of their homeland. They really believed it was fight or die (or fight AND die, if you're a soldier, I suppose).
The true way to break a country's morale is to convince its citizens that continuing the war is pointless. That's how the US lost the Vietnam War, despite winning every battle militarily. Oh, and the US Napalmed the crap out of Vietnam. The US citizens lost their taste of war first.
By the way, Fun Fact!: Even after the atomic bombs dropped, Imperial Japan almost didn't surrender. It took an active conspiracy in order for the messengers to deliver the Emperor's Surrender to a radio broadcast. The Military Leaders were ready to smother the surrender message and continue the pointless war. Military Leaders that cared not for its soldiers or citizens.
Anyways, I'm glad your late Grandfather survived to tell his grandchildren the story. That sounds like a heck of a close call right near the end of the war.
I’ve seen this three times now, and the human character drama brought me back to the theater as much as the giant monster action / special effects scenes. There’s just nothing else out there that’s like this in tone.
I was surprised how good the human cast was, definitely rose the emotions!
I think this film and the first pacific rim are perfect examples of polar opposite tones in how to do kaiju films. These 2 are what id call the best kaiju films to date.
I really love the design namely the eyes. Like many have pointed out they're almost human looking. Which I take as an evolution of the whole "Godzilla is just an unfiltered reflection of humanity as a whole" theme Toho films sometimes do.
I think it’s the second option for Noriko’s condition. She was most likely “regenerated” from impossible damage just like how the immediate next scene was seeing Godzilla regenerating.
Which raises question about if all humans who were exposed to that blast has the same condition. And if this is leading to even bugger tragedy.
About the Japanese CG VFX quality… it is the combination of budget and talent more than style for sure. This whole movie only costed $15M. That is insane. That’s less than a single episode’s budget of some Marvel TV series.
Im a 3D animator. None of this craft is easy by any manner. Especially working with 3d and live action. The more time spent on the effects the better they will be, so more time means more money. But you also need the team capable of getting it done too. If the 3D looked like a prop, then they did a good job.
Watching the water sims, that was just a massive undertaking
And for only 15 mil usd!!!!😮
I definitely respect the talent and long hours of animating, I can’t even imagine. And when I found out how small their budget was making this, I was blown away. The most realistic-looking Godzilla ever.
Glad to hear you mention the mark on Norikos neck at the finale. You can see movement in the mark in her neck - its either regeneration or degeneration. My hope is that the next movie is some form of Gargantua / Matango type horror movie within a new continuity.
Hahaha whoa, imagine. I forgot where but someone mentioned an amazing idea of a mantango remake, and then without any warning or spoiler, Godzilla appears at the end to fight some giant monster lol
Or biollante
I just hope she doesn't die I cannot handle her dying if they keep it going.
I saw it yesterday, but the mark on her neck appears to be a keloid scar. Apparently they were common with survivors of the blast. Not sure why they developed, but it may have something to do with the radiation. I have keloids and it appeared very reminiscent to the ones I have. My take was that she survived but not for very long.
ur wrong that shit was moving bud @@cassascorner611
Saw it in a 4DX theater in LA tonight and it was like Star Tours on steroids! The seats shook so violently that I was worried that older viewers could get whiplash. 10/10 can't wait to see/feel it again and again
Lmao I still haven’t done a 4D movie, I have to try that
I cried when godzilla used his atomic breath in Ginza and Noriko was blown away. They way they showed everything getting blown away and sucked back in, so powerfully and so quickly, was just jaw dropping. When Shikishima got up and looked around for Noriko she was nowhere to be found. In the span of a second she was there with him and then taken away and we see him trying to make sense of what has just happened and there's no way to comprehend that you have lost someone you loved in a single moment. I think it hit me hard because I was thinking of all of those families in japan who instantly lost loved ones during that time and couldn't make sense of what had just happened, and then I thought about how violence and death and war are just terrible. This film made me feel something deeply and I was moved and I think ultimately thats what I missed from cinema. Thank you for this excellent film, I cannot wait for the honor to purchase it and add it to my collection.
After seeing and really enjoying this one, and I thought it was great, my thought was Noriko is now Godzilla sensitive. If they do a sequel, she will be one of the first people to feel and realize that Godzilla is back. This may come as dreams or illness but I believe the mark shows she's connected to Godzilla now
Godzilla versus the small wooden minesweeping boat in the middle of the ocean reminded me so much of the original Jaws, in the best way possible. Both movies are really about the people, not necessarily about the monster/shark.
I just saw Minus one, It did not disappointed. the movie blew me away with its emotional tone. You're not alone when you teared up, I did too, most specifically when then showed Akiko. speaking of, I knew the tone was going to be super serious when they showed Akiko, or else why include her in the trailer. when I saw godzilla for the first time, he looked menacing, and terrifying. it was like I was watching a horror movie, especially during Odo Island. what I liked about Minus one is that they don't treat Godzilla like a minor inconvenience, they treated him as an actual threat. The Atomic Breath is what terrified me, I've never seen an atomic breath that powerful. When I saw it the first time at sea, I saw the Godzilla V Kong reference, but the aftereffect spoke volume. I knew that was an appetizer, because when Godzilla did it in Ginza, I was like "we're about to dial thing up here". The roar was visceral, I could hear that it was modified, but it was nonetheless terrifying. I keep saying "Terrifying" because it was, this movie didn't pull any punches and this Godzilla meant business. I did noticed Noriko's scar burns on her neck, obviously in Godzilla's dorsal fin design. I found it interesting that they pointed out that minor detail, maybe hinting at a sequel?
Overall, I give Minus One a 9/10, I took a point off because somethings did drag out, Koichi and Noriko's dynamic, Noda's plan (kinda expected an Oxygen Destroyer type plan), but frankly, that's to be expected. other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. As this being called the best Godzilla movie ever made, it's debatable whether it is or not. but since the movie just came out, I fell the sentiment is understandable, but give it 3 maybe 5 years and I won't be surprised if the topic is brought up again. Is it as good or better than the original? personally, not really but like I said, this, movie just came out, give it a few years and I can guarantee you that Minus One will be in that discussion. For me, it's top 10, but in a few years, It'll be top 5.
As far as your Godzilla 2014 review, It's okay Bill, we understand, we can wait.
This movie was my wish. My wish, for a Godzilla movie that takes place back in post war Japan, have finally came true.
I love everything about this film. From the action, the effects to the actual characters who we got to form an incredible bond with. There wasn’t one human character I didn’t like. And they all had meaningful parts to play. I thought the young boatman who was too young to be in the war was a notable character just from the perspective that he showcased a previous world view that is realistically not to be glorified. The bonding of the characters was so heartfelt and genuine, not forced or cliche. Idk I’m just so thrilled I CARED about all of them. Godzilla was an absolute terror and it was refreshing and exciting and horrifying all at the same time. His scenes were exhilarating as they were paralyzing. It really brought back his roots with being an analogy for the trauma of post-war Japan. This movie felt so incredibly cohesive and streamlined. I thought the pacing was fantastic and all the scenes were well put together. This movie shot up to the top end of my list in best Godzilla movies for sure.
When Godzilla is plunged into the depths and the pressure gets to him and he suffers a minor implosion crush, I actually winced. This movie is entirely brilliant
This was freaking awesome, cant believe they were able to do this movie on such a short budget. It’s one of the best Big G movies to date
I loved how many times I saw this Godzilla and thought this is the best looking rubber suit I’ve ever seen then to have it move and do things that could never be done with the original practical effect suits. I honestly want them to keep making these style of Godzilla movies, its tone at times felt like a live action anime in the best ways, it felt like the rubber suit movies times 1000 slightly mixed with a horror movie. Such a fun time in the movie theater
I agree. Especially when they were at sea. My brain kept getting anime imagery . Also the character design on the humans and monster
That chase scene in the ocean felt like a horror movie hahaha
Watched this with my son tonight. I really loved this movie. I think it is up there as my favorite Godzilla movie. I thought about how if this movie was just a drama about a man and his struggles to find it in himself to live a life while being haunted by not doing his duty in war how I would be entertained just by that. Point being I’m not shutting off until Godzilla shows back up on screen. I can’t wait to own this one and watch over and over lol.
Such an amazing film, just got out of the IMAX early screening and I'm over the moon. The best Godzilla film in the franchise. Even tops Shin for me!
Saw it for a second time tonight, and I might be right there with you on that ha
shin godzilla is a terrible godzilla design and movie.
@@Sir_Adam wow now that's a radioactive take 😳
Great review! I was able to catch this film recently, and really loved it. I find it strange, but amazing that something I saw as a child can still entertain me as an adult. Not to mention still get some kind of emotional response from me whether it's horror, sadness, or joy. Big G just keeps reeling me back in for more.
I've seen this Masterpiece 3 times now. I simply can't get Enough. It is such a Masterpiece. Im probably gonna go see it again. 😅
It’s very different from other Godzilla movies by focusing on the human characters and it works amazingly! I never thought I’d be teary eyed by the end of a Godzilla movie
That whole scene where he's wrecking the city, my jaw legitimately dropped. It was awe inspiring. When that rendition of the classic theme kicked in, just blew me away. And that version of atomic breath, dear god.
I feel like this movie really cut to the heart of what Godzilla represents as well. Was just an incredible experience all around.
Couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for the video. G-1.0 reportedly cost $15million USD. Yamazaki is excellent at economically making period pieces. Notice how the miliary outpost in the opening scenes is shot. There isn't a huge airfield or base shown. Yamazaki shoots around it, only showing a single building and watch tower. In Tokyo, there's a quick couple of shots showing a populated street(no cars) in the bombed out remains to sell the setting but after that most scenes take place inside meager homes, municipal buildings or warehouses. There's no shots of bustling Ginza streets before Godzilla attacks. And after 3 viewings it appeared the dead fish were churned up by Godzilla and had their insides blown out their mouths from explosive decompression. Hoping subtitles will clear this up.
what's your opinion of the mark on her neck? That's the thing I'm most curious about.
@@BigActionBill my wife & I both thought it was something like Godzilla radiation sickness from being directly hit with the blast. And that she'd die soon. But we both thought it was too happy that everyone lived. The audience was audibly choked up & applauded in a suburban working class theater. The Godzilla Day footage is crazy! A lot has changed from scant promotion & the Final Wars premiere full of teen girls just there to see Masahiro Matsuoka in person 😆
@@BigActionBillI think it’s radiation sickness from the blast, but 1) there’s a chance she still manages to beat it, and 2) even if she doesn’t, even if she only has weeks now, she and Koichi and Akiko live as a family, none of the hiding from before. Choosing to live doesn’t mean living forever, it means making the most of the time you have. Even a few months or weeks in love is worth pulling that ejector seat for.
I've seen this movie 4 times in theatres, I wish i could wipe my memory because on my first watch through, I FELT the "no one has plot armor" I thought Koichi was going to die. Now the tension is gone, i still love it but i miss that adrenaline.
I find Ikara Ikafube scores matches so well especially after you realize that the other soundtrack score in the film, Resolution, is a heavy retooling of the song Prayer for Peace from the original 1954 film.
One quick correction, that tachibana didn't build an ejector seat in the plane, it already had one. If you look there are instructions on the seat in German, and Germany during WWII developed the first ejector seats. Seeing as the shinden was for final line defense, it probably had the best of the best of the best. Seat included
The movie literally said he put in the ejector seat
Hmm, I did notice the German but I think Tachibana installed it. That or he was just letting Shikishima know.
@@kennethbarnhill no it didn't he told him about the bombs replacing some of the front cannons, then said "oh yea and there is..." then it cut to him whispering in his ear. nothing outright says he installed it, they just wanted to get the aircraft in working order. where would he find a German ejector seat on a few days notice? it's a documented fact that the shinden had ejection seats, the kind used....was German made...ya know, them being allies and all that.
@@BigActionBill I'm pretty sure he was just letting him know. Tachibana was a tired man by this point too, and was probably satisfied Shiskishama was actually willing to do what he decided not to during the war. Homie gave him his way out imo. as i said to other commenter, the plane was there since the war odds are, doubtful he found an ejector seat, none the less that it's documented that the shinden had ejector seats in them, what few of them there were produced
@@PattyOflan88ahh gotcha, makes sense. I’m enjoying learning about the military hardware they had in this movie. A few other commenters have noted the plane, but also the tanks were apparently special too. Cool stuff.
Got to see this yesterday and was speechless. Given enough time after seeing this movie with my thoughts and years of Godzilla movies outside legendary… this is the best in its 70 year history, a perfect origin story that showed how Godzilla became a recognized coming king, it showed how both sides. Even seeing it’s healing factor outclasses even wolverines by margins on, meaning even blowing up the kings head was futile, sure it can die but it’s like a temporary subject. Overall if this is a beginning with a guy in a suit with this level of storytelling, kaiju movies from here on will undoubtedly bring phenomenal cinema
Yes my great-uncle was a occupational soldier over in Japan for a number of years before he went to fight in Korea and he told me about the devastation of the Japanese cities.
I heard the genius director Yamazaki dedicated his best in his life to this movie, I now realized this Godzilla is what I've been waiting for a long time!
Just saw this movie it was fantastic. Absolutely loved it, one of the few times I was really invested in the human characters in a Godzilla movie.
This is the Standard for how all movies - especially ones as important as Godzilla - should be reviewed. Brilliant video. Thank you.
Thank you, very nice of you to say.
Character stories are great. Attention to detail was fantastic, especially the WW2 Takao cruiser and the destroyers. Don't know if you noticed, but the shot of the Shinden fighter plane cockpit showed lettering in German on the back of the seat - because the plane was basically derived from a German Dornier model fighter plane.
The director really said "My critics are dumb and illiterate" lmao.
he aint wrong😭
With Shin, Singular Point, and Minus One, there’s been some excellent Japanese Godzilla content lately.
Thanks for all the reviews, I used to watch Godzilla when I was a kid and with your channel I get a lot of behind the scenes info which interests me.
I love the parallel you can draw between this movie's climax and Spider-Man 2002's climax.
Spider-Man was produced and takes place right after the 9/11 attacks, and they even delayed the film to shoot a scene where NY civilians band together to help fight Green Goblin by pelting him with junk from atop the bridge. The scene's intent is to show that even so soon after livelihoods were threatened in such a devastating way, the people still stand united and strong.
Godzilla's climax features a very similar moment where all the civilians show up in their boats to help fight Godzilla together, despite everything the country has endured in the years prior. Again, a moment displaying the people's strength and unity.
It's also kinda funny how both movies feature the civilians helping to beat up an evil green monster.
I really relate to your last point on FilmBros who just feel the need to invalidate other movies just because they feel the need to defend it. A good work of art should stand on its own and doesn't need religious zeal to be appreciated.
My favorite Godzilla movie is GMK. It's riddled with mistakes and when you find out the monsters were supposed to be more obscure ones it makes sense to why things feel off, but the heart of that movie wins me over.
this is the first Godzilla movie I actually rooted for the humans instead of the big man himself
I absolutely loved it as well brother! Goji in the beginning as a Godzillasurus was an awesome surprise and made me jump as well lol. The special effects were absolutely fantastic and thought they surpassed Shin Godzilla in most scenes. I thought I wasn't imagining that mark on Noriko's neck, it also kinda looked like it was in the shape of one of Goji's dorsal plates too. I really hope they continue this timeline as well, bring on reiwa Baragon and Varan in the next one or something too lol
The undertones of optimism goes for all involved, from the main characters and Godzilla himself.
We know Godzilla is a hateful, vengeful monster in this one. His regeneration into a new Godzilla form which might show up in a later movie might be a positive as well in that it likely won't carry the hateful personality of the godzilla that we see in this movie assuming his regeneration doesn't involve some insane cell memory. It would be interesting to see a restored post minus 1 godzilla literally just trying to figure out its place in the order of the world.
There's just one thing that's horrifying. If his pieces can regenerate. What does that mean for all the other pieces?
Oh gods...
Reminds me of the Reptilicus ending.
@@Culturewatcher Honestly I think it would be interesting is someone made a modern update of Reptilicus. Sure he looked kinda crappy at the time but honestly I think today he could actually turnout to be a pretty awesome looking monster with modern artwork and designs.
In the movie he had a snake like body, wings and at least 4 limbs. If properly designed he could look like a very imposing monster although I would probably change the wings into something more like fins given his ability to go aquatic.
we might get mutation from the godzilla remains being eaten or something along those lines into some of the monsters we know
That must have been so cool being in Japan and seeing the movie in a Japanese theater and the big celebration they had for the movie!
I waited awhile to watch this video. My God this movie was absolutely incredible. It blew me away when I saw it. I was noticing all the references from past movies. Gojira, godzilla vs king ghidorah, and gmk, with some monsterverse for inspiration. Story was top notch. Very hard to beat this one.
When Godzilla is using his atomic breath in Tokyo he’s pointing it the opposite direction of Koichi and Noriko. If you notice afterwards, Koichi looks at him and he’s somewhat behind and off to the side of him. So they weren’t in the direct path of the atomic breath…just hit with the after shock. I think the reason Noriko pushed him is because in that moment it was happening fast without little time to think or act. She acted without thinking which was pushing Koichi out of the way. It seems dumb watching it, but if you think about it…it makes sense.
Yeah that shockwave would hit you before you can really think anything, so it was just her instinctual protectiveness acting almost unconsciously. A parent would do the same with their child. Because your brain figures out in a split second that even if it’s a slim chance, it’s a better chance of survival behind something than to just take the blast directly.
The thing with Noriko's neck: what if its something like Biollante. Wasn't Biollante part Godzilla/flower/human? Like she eventually turns into Biollante. Or a Biollante-like kaiju. The way her veins were pulsating seemed really...unsettling. Or suspicious.
Or maybe she just has radiation poisonong. I dunno 🤷♂️ lol Either way, i am satisfied with either of these outcomes depending on how they're done.
I liked this movie a lot, FINALLY! Relevance to the human characters that they all hate war, I love this idea.
Side Thought: In reality I've met vets from both sides, I've met harden American vets and one or two Japanese vets... they all hated what War. My Grandfather who fought at Iwo Jima drove his boats to the beach. He ran for those men on the beaches with ammo and gave the covering fire all day and run the wounded and drive them back. My grandpa and I would watch John Wayne's Sands of Iwo Jima. one time he cried a little and say "yeah movies make it that essay, the island was true hell" no amount of prejudice towards the Japanese. He was a very interesting man. He LOVED Godzilla, him and my father Loved Godzilla and Sci-fi. Growing up we would all watch the 54 film and sometimes we would stop and talk about the War. Grandpa loved movies, monsters. but didn't forgot the horrors of war. It was all the time, but sometimes we could see it in his eyes. He kept a lot more of it to himself, he was a quite sort.
For Myself: I am so interested in the Japanese culture, seeing the aftermath is facinating to me. especially in film, this film, as a film maker myself. this pushes me hard, this film shows potential. We as a Community can be effective in story telling. I would love to grow my chops as a film maker but i am not there yet. I see the field though. Telling a truly good story, working and believing. If theses guys can make it, then so can we. We have a Thousand and One Stories to tell.
One of the smaller parts that i absolutely loved was the captain of the mine sweeper ship having the brave and stoic "if there really is a monster, it is our job to protect our homeland" just for his demeanor to instantly change when they see godzilla eat the other boat
Godzilla is a thorium powered monster. His breath is from a rapid break down of Pu-233
His dorsal fins act like control rods keeping the chain reaction in check.
Absolutely stellar video. I really enjoy the amount of effort and detail you put into these videos. Thank you.
Excellent recap! You brought up a few things I missed when I saw it. NICE!
Just got back from the fan screening....it was fantastic! It's easily one of my top Godzilla films.
I do agree the theme drop during the Ginza attack was kind of strange. Overall though it was great!
Godzilla Minus one might be the best movies I've seen this year. This movie was one of the first since original that made me root for the humans to stop godzilla, Godzilla is just so damn badass and terrifying.
I waited until Minus One was available in my country (only for two days) to watch this video. I enjoyed your review and personal thoughts. This movie is my favorite among the Godzilla series. I still prefer Shin Godzilla but that's just for personal reasons, both movies are great. The human drama was deeply moving and that makes the Godzilla part even more spectacular and terrifying in my opinion. Little Akiko crying was truly heartbreaking and I was blown away by Shikishima's last action against Godzilla. There were no claps at the end but a lot of people stayed through the credits, seemingly to digest the film fully. I'll never forget the middle-aged man with red eyes sitting next to me because it just shows how emotionally impactful some movies can be. Good luck with the Godzilla 2014 video, I would watch it even if it was 3h long.
Glad you loved the film. I think if one of my videos is 3 hours that’ll be the end of me 😂, but thank you!!
I've seen it twice now and honestly it was even more emotional the second time. Masterpiece of a film.
Take as long as you need buddy your retrospective on the godzilla films is amazing and I look forward to whats to come.
Nice review, I’m truly excited for this coming out been a BIG GODZILLA FAN since who knows when , I have almost all the movies ( even though I know I’m missing some ) , but my favorite is the original Godzilla movie , but the others aren’t bad either , can’t wait to add this movie to my collection as well , I always buy the the movies when they come out it thanks again for the sneak peek !
I loved this movie. I already seen it twice. I am so glad that it ended the way it did. I feel like it was as close to perfect as movies get. I highly recommend everyone to watch it!
Best review so far. Saw this movie last night and I was floored. I'm glad I didn't think I was tripping at the end when I saw the mark on her neck move
I will be buying this on dvd/blue ray. Ive been waiting for this kind of Godzilla story for decades.
Always appreciate your videos Bill!!! Jealous you got to see this in theaters in Japan
Just watched this movie for the American premiere. And I LOVED IT❤
I just saw this movie in the theater.... SEE IT! Very well done! A much better written and dramatic story line than the others.
This is a fantastic, detailed and very respectful review. Thank you!