Godzilla Minus One Gets Honest Review From Kevin Smith

Clerks writer/director Kevin Smith offers an honest review of the acclaimed Japanese-language Godzilla Minus One as it continues its successful run.

Summary

• Godzilla Minus One is hailed as the best Godzilla movie by Kevin Smith, showcasing a compelling human element alongside the giant monster.
• Despite its short theatrical run, Minus One is breaking records and has surpassed Shin Godzilla as the most successful Japanese Godzilla movie.
• The movie's setting in post-World War II Japan and its realistic portrayal of the kaiju on a small budget contribute to its success and unique appeal.

Kevin Smith has a strong review of Godzilla Minus One. The latest Japanese-language movie in the kaiju franchise, Minus One takes place in the aftermath of World War II and features a devastating attack on Japan by the King of the Monsters himself. With a budget of just $15 million, the movie has already earned nearly $100 million at the box office and scoring some of the franchise's highest reviews to date.

Takashi Yamazaki's Godzilla Minus One has found another rave review from View Askewniverse creator Kevin Smith. In an appearance on the Fatman Beyond podcast, Smith explained just how much he loved the movie. While he typically has disdain for the human elements of kaiju movies, he found it exceptionally well done in Yamazaki's latest hit. Check out his quote below, via ComicBook.com:

This Godzilla Minus One, kids -- by far the best Godzilla movie that I've ever seen. Just a clinic in how to make a movie with the giant monster, that keeps the giant monster alive throughout the whole movie, and is compelling on the human level. You've heard me say on this show many times, "Oh, a f---ing human story. Why can't they just show us f---ing kaiju battles?" This is the first time I've seen a Godzilla movie and been like, "Can we move the giant kaiju out of the way? I was very intrigued by the story that's happening in the background."

The human drama is as interesting as some of the most horrifying Godzilla scenes. We grew up with this character -- a guy in a rubber suit stepping on buildings was never all that scary. That f---ing shot of his head in the water, chasing that f---ing boat, is terrifying. It's straight out of f---ing Jaws, man. I can't believe it's taken someone this long to be like, "Let's do Jaws, but with Godzilla." Fantastic.

Why Godzilla Minus One Is So Renowned

Despite having an extremely short theatrical run, Godzilla Minus One has become a massive success that is regularly breaking records. Foreign language movies rarely enjoy groundbreaking box office runs, but Minus One has proven to be an exception to the rule. It outgrossed even Shin Godzilla to become the greatest success of the Japanese movies, and it continues to surprise at every turn.

There is currently no word about when Godzilla Minus One will be available on streaming platforms.

A part of the movie's success is its interesting setting. The idea of a post-World War II Japan evokes memories of the original Godzilla, tackling themes of war and its effects on the country, while also being a compelling period in itself. The movie's willingness to show a realistic-looking Godzilla is additionally a welcome surprise on such a minimal budget, given that it helps to ensure that the kaiju always feels like a central part of the overall narrative. The characters may be the most important, as Smith suggested, but the monster always feels essential.

Is Godzilla Minus One A Prequel To Shin Godzilla?

The movie borrows from other genre classics, including Jaws and the original Godzilla to make its kaiju both terrifying and intimidating. At the same time, its theme of a recovering Japan suffering from extreme trauma is an element that helps it to stand out among others. While it will never be quite as successful as the American Monsterverse movies have been at the box office, that is largely because of domestic box office limitations, as Americans prefer English-language movies, but Godzilla Minus One nonetheless continues to be an extreme success.

Source: Fatman Beyond (via ComicBook.com)

Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus One is the first Godzilla film released by Toho since 2016's Shin Godzilla. Minus One is a reimagining of the original 1954 Godzilla and takes the franchise back to its roots by exploring the harsh life of post-war Japan. The story follows Koichi Shikishima, a failed kamikaze pilot, who struggles with survivor guilt as a giant monster attacks the city.

Release Date

December 1, 2023

Director

Takashi Yamazaki

Cast

Ryûnosuke Kamiki , Minami Hamabe , Yûki Yamada , Munetaka Aoki , Hidetaka Yoshioka , Sakura Andō , Kuranosuke Sasaki

Rating

PG-13

Runtime

125 Minutes

Writers

Takashi Yamazaki

Studio(s)

Toho Studios , Robot

Distributor(s)

Toho Studios