As the 39th film in the franchise and a sequel to the widely praised Godzilla Minus One, Godzilla Minus Zero arrives with a wealth of anticipation. Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, this movie has exceeded expectations, becoming one of the best films of the year. A potent mix of violence and emotion, Minus Zero is utterly superb.
Two years after his defeat, Godzilla returns to wreak havoc as the Shikishima family must fight for their survival. Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe lead the picture, with supporting performances from Min Tanaka, Hidetaka Yoshioka and Sae Nagatani.
Godzilla Minus Zero is 135 minutes of cinema at its finest. Continuing to explore the layered reality of post-war Japan, this film once again centres us in the lives of real humans. Examining cycles of grief, regret, and revenge, the performances ensure every moment carries weight. In this regard, Min Tanaka and Hidetaka Yoshioka stand out as highlights in a release filled with impressive acting.
In its emotional approach, the film does not shy away from the horrors of war. This movie often gets dark and takes risks seldom seen in blockbuster releases. It is here (and in later kaiju action) that the results of a brutal world are put on display in a, frankly, shocking manner. Minus Zero’s biggest strength might be its confidence in storytelling. It trusts its audience to understand that while some scenes are exceptionally bleak, these moments contribute greatly to the overall narrative.
The film’s confidence feeds into Godzilla himself. The movie takes a while to bring the titular character to the screen, which may disappoint certain viewers. However, others will understand this approach, accepting that the sequences preceding his arrival are just as good as those that come after.
Minus Zero’s monster action is truly breathtaking. The special effects team have outdone themselves in creating all-time great set pieces. The score from Naoki Satō is stunning and memorable, as is the cinematography from Kōzō Shibasaki. These scenes of spectacle carry through the film’s violent quality. Never before has a Godzilla film been this intense. Furthermore, the movie isn’t afraid to get “mean” and smartly positions its kaiju as a force that directly kills many people, very often.
In the same way that Batman Begins raised an already high bar into something next level with The Dark Knight, Godzilla Minus Zero successfully carries through the setup of Minus One to deliver a film that is not only better but may be the best Godzilla movie of all time.