Rather than the silly popcorn flick one might expect from the Godzilla franchise, Godzilla Minus One is an excellent blend of post-World War II trauma, human struggles, and epic destruction.
Minus One is a Japanese film directed by Takashi Yamazaki that serves as a loose remake of the original Godzilla from 1954, sharing the central theme of mankind reconciling with the destruction they caused during wartime. More specifically, Godzilla himself represents the societal fear of nuclear warfare.
The film follows protagonist Koichi Shikishima, a Japanese pilot who abandons a kamikaze mission during WWII, not wanting to die. While stopped at an island for plane repairs, Koichi witnesses Godzilla’s first rampage, decimating the island and leaving only two survivors.
Throughout the movie, Koichi has to deal with survivor’s guilt from abandoning his perceived duty. Later, Koichi becomes a crucial part of Japan’s effort to fight back against Godzilla’s indifferent destruction.
Minus One is a must-watch for even non-Godzilla fans, as it is an incredible film with powerful themes.
