It was a damn good movie. The fact that if Godzilla wasn't in it it would have still been a damn good movie says a lot. Great characters throughout. I described it to a film buff friend as Best Years of Our Lives' meets Godzilla!
This isn't just a great Godzilla film. It's a great film. As a longtime fan, I couldn't believe the one thing I never thought possible aside from the original Gojia. Godzilla is frightening. His presence looms over everyone even when he's not on screen. The tension is so masterfully executed. Moments when it seemed like Godzilla was coming back, you couldn't help dreading what could happen. This is a masterpiece that will be talked about for years to come. It stands with some of the greats like Jaws, The Excorcist, and the first Jurrasic Park. I thought maybe, just maybe, Godzilla : Minus One has its run extended in the US. It received very little promotion and only opened in a little over 2,400 theaters. It's even less in IMAX with one or two days in two or three time slots. It's receiving fantastic reviews. People are going because of word of mouth. I think if they just extend it another week, the numbers will keep going up.
All the great reviews are real. It’s just that good. My wife was being indulgent by going with me today. And she came out smiling and saying how much she loved it. I can’t wait for the Blu-ray, but so glad I saw it in the theater.
I am japanese. Director Yamazaki said in the interview that 1. Godzilla has a great healing ability, and therefore he survives from ancient age. 2. Godzilla was changed to big one by an atomic bomb experiment in the pacific ocean.
I like how it subverts the usual sacrifice tropes, at first Shikishima wishes to sacrifice himself to atone for his dead comrades (||and Noriko when he thought she was dead||) but overtime he learns to value life and live for others. The film is surprisingly optimistic, a positive outlook on life and the sheer will to live.
I would make one counter to that. Shikishima only receives his option to live when he finally and openly accepts a willingness to die for that which he cares about and wants to protect. It is only through that acceptance of his very likely death that he finds a new chance at life. But this is a choice he makes willingly, not because someone else told him to.
Saw this in a packed theatre on a Saturday night with my best friend who I’ve been watching Godzilla with my whole life. What a great time! One of my favourite movies of the year and one of the best over the last 3 or 4 years. Go see this movie even if you’re not a Godzilla fan.
Nice job on this video. Your Godzilla knowledge might be a bit lacking, but you nailed all the right points in your review. This is a movie we'll be recommending and rewatching for a long time. Well done!
As I've said Hollywood should feel fucking ashamed that THIS cost $15 million when MCU films are costing $250-$300 Hell even if fans weren't the biggest Godzilla fans, anyone should enjoy this movie His atomic breath was frigging epic everytime he charged it. Films like this are why Anime and Manga are embarrassing us lol
@@riffgroove yeah it's weird huh? like I DID see some some reports saying the budget was a lot higher than $15 million but then director says NO it's less, so it's like wtf that's unusual for a budget to get not confirmed lol
@@riffgrooveDirector Takashi Yamazaki has stated three facts: 1. He mentioned on X/Twitter that 1 billion yen (about $7.3M) is not enough. 2. Similarly, he said on X/Twitter that it did not cost as much as 3 billion yen (about $22M). 3. He negatively commented on a Japanese talk show in December, saying it would have been nice to have $15M. $15M is approximately 2 billion yen. The previous "Shin Godzilla" was rumored to have a budget of 1.0-1.3 billion yen, and it is unlikely to have doubled, so in Japan, "Godzilla Minus One" is thought to be around 1.5 billion yen. 1.5 billion yen is about $10.95M.
Here because I'm trippin on all these positive reviews. Good review and good on you for going outside your comfort zone. Time to stop mourning and start watching good, enjoyable cinema......even if we can't pronounce the actor's name
With the budget Godzilla Minus One had it truly leaves one wondering what the hell DIsney is doing dumping hundreds of millions of dollars into movies that suck so bad.
Not only do they have to dish out for overpaid actors, but the directors don't have their shit together. They film a bunch of scenes then piece together what they think will work. Being a committee based production, they then let the test audience determine what should be in the film, resulting in drawn out reshoots that were never allocated for in the initial budget. When films are not properly produced in an efficient manner, a lot of money just gets wasted. This has been a big problem with Disney over the last ten years, and it shows. Just look at their stock. 👎
I saw Godzilla yesterday and loved it. I had a couple of comments though I wanted to add. First, during periods of extended dialogue I listened carefully - there was none of that "shifting in seat" noise of people waiting for the next action sequence to start. The theatre was silent, the audience invested in the dialogue - which they had to read. Second, while some have called the file "anti-American" that is just stupid - if the movie is "anti-" anything it takes aim at the militaristic culture of Japan pre-war that lead them to that point. When the women next door complains about her dead children, she doesn't blame the Americans, she blames the main character for not doing his duty. Third, the attention to the accuracy of WWII military material was IMPRESSIVE - from the plane at the end to the Takao to anything else I could think of, everything looked totally realistic (and I am a big WWII buff). I even did a double take - I didn't recognize the destroyers at first - and realized that to disarm the destroyers you cut the barrels off the turrets, but leave the turrets in place - wonderful piece of detail. Fourth - the absence of the Americans - I think they had to do this to keep Godzilla's powerscale in a reasonable range to maintain the dramatic tension. Godzilla takes damage throughout the movie and you see him regenerate - but it takes him TIME to do it. People forget the size of the US Navy at the end of WWII - it was huge. Instead of one cruiser like in the movie - you would have had 10 battleships (counting *only* the new ones) 20 heavy carriers (100 planes each) and smaller vessels in the tens and hundreds. At that scale of damage, you would have had to make Godzilla invulnerable which would destroy the drama in the thought of "can they or can't they". I don't think the movie would work if you included the US Fleet - or at least it would become a movie about Americans and not the Japanese characters. (And I agree 100% with their approach - it made for a much better human *scale* to the movie and was great). -John PS: I frankly didn't have a problem with any of the effects - I didn't detect any wonkiness (maybe I need new glasses) - and the Type 95 (Ha-Go) tanks were really cool to see - although they look like they were a bit upgunned - maybe that is the 47mm gunned version that I don't think we have pictures of.
Your analysis was spot on here. Some of that stuff I wanted to work into this ,but I try to not get into plot details too much so people who watch it aren't fully spoiled.
@@rock_man I thought it was the Chi-To also, but I am not sure if they finished more than one or two of them, and I think they destroyed them before the end of the war, and the turret looks too short - but the running gear does look more like the Chi-To - if they backed the camera back up a little so we could count the road wheels we could be sure (4 versus 7). Its interesting from that one angle how it could be confusing - a different angle or more zoomed out and it would be perfectly clear which it was. Guess I gotta go back and see it in the theater again to check - LOL
Thanks for the review. I'm guessing the reason big budget movies are failing recently is because these Hollywood producers and directors are overly relying on test screenings, trying to target everyone and end up pleasing no one.
Out of all of the reviews I’ve seen, not ONE mentioned how much the score actually adds to this film (excluding the typical mentioning of the iconic Godzilla theme). I had to find it on Spotify afterwards to revisit cause of how great it is.
My wife & I just got back from seeing this movie, and she loved it more than me, and I think it is one of the best movies I have seen in the last 20 years. For the first time, I cared about the people in a Godzilla movie, but he was truly terrifying. Go see this one while you can.
This is a great review for a superb film! As a lifelong fan of Godzilla, I found myself conflicted…for only the second time in my life (Shin being the first) I cared about them defeating Godzilla. Godzilla was livid in this movie, quite terrifying and threatening. This movie had me caring about all the humans! 😮 Quite a feat for a longtime G-Man fan!
I feel like out of all the movies I seen this year, Godzilla Minus One really took the number 1 spot of my personal favorires and it's gonna be awhile before anything else does I feel. Well until the next Toho film obviously lol
Excellent review. We saw it yesterday and you nailed it. I especially appreciate its portrayal of life in Japan after the war. We see those who fought and survived and wonder "now what?" Those who did not fight and have a new chance to demonstrate heroism and self-sacrifice. And those left behind who lost and suffered in other ways. Great film.
We're huge fans... we have 2 full length commentaries on our channel already, and we're working on a dozen more... but this one hits different. It's simply an expertly handled drama. Cheers! @@Bobzilla2023
The difference between the latest Toho-Japanese Godzilla movies and the Legendary-American movies is huge. The Americans made a trio of formula based movies where nothing seems real. The Japanese never forgot that a 200 foot fire breathing lizard is nothing short of terrifying.
Fabulous: the audience gripped by the 'storyteller", for 20 mins (!). That's power. Everybody loves a good story, which is why the 'best place by the fire, is always, reserved for the storyteller'. Love it!
This film is a concrete proof that asian films are better than hollywood film even with only a 10th of the budget. Asian films connect with the heart, raw emotions, makes you root for the characters, things hollywood cant do anymore. And its only films, even tv commercials too. asian tv commercials can really affect you in way commercials from other countries simply cant
you covered it greatly. very nice job! Godzilla may be more of a co-star in his own movie. The Characters really carry this movie from beginning to end.
What a absolute killer summation of my thoughts. I haven’t stopped thinking about this movie since I saw it and you explained perfectly why that is. Liked and Subscribed.
I usually never write comments but damm it !!! I want people to enjoy going to the theater & enjoy watching a great movie & Godzilla minus one is a breath of atomic air … So well Done 🙌🏻 I just can believe how bluntly the Godzilla & Kong trailer drop “all of a sudden “ this weekend 🤦🏻♂️ riding the hype of the greatness Minus one is … Honestly after watching Minus One the Kong & Godzilla trailer looked mediocre with a funny looking Diddy Kong jr forced in for the merch … anyways loved Godzilla Minus one !!! Go watch it!!! The hype is real
Heh, swimmingly... Holy tight budget Batman! 15M for a Kaiju movie? That's pretty impressive. To have a small budget and so far sounds like a good movie, break out the Crayolas and color me impressed. Nice review. ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
Honestly besides a few times that godzilla looks a bit wonky in the daylight its looks great the whole film. And also the set designs to get all the authentic era stuff on that budget is impressive
In case anyone wonders what the sign read on the Shindens Seat, Bestaetigung Druckluft Schleudersitz, confirmation pressurized air ejection seat, I paid attention when I watched it the second time 😊😅
According to internet info in Japanese: At least one proto of Shinden was equipped with an propeller destroying machanism for emergency exit, but no info on the ejection seat Germany had a seat ejection system by 1945 I assume the German seat we saw in this movie is a fiction by Yamazaki, though the parts or the blueprint could have been imported by submarines. The ejection seat is a plausible fiction absolutely indispensable for the plot. But it does not have to be German made in this Sci-fi movie. Yamazaki tried meticulously to make this movie fact based and believable. He just added his imagination as a last touch. Thus Realism of this movie makes this Godzilla more fearful.
The other day, I saw Godzilla: Minus One and I loved it. Gonna be seeing it again tonight after work. With confidence, this is probably my favorite movie Godzilla movie with Shin Godzilla being held at 2nd place.
For the budget even that one scene is pretty decent. The rest of film is amazing and shows that if you don't rewrite and reshoot your film several times you can get a lot for your money. @@DarkHourYT
I've been looking back on all of the -1 videos that came out after the movie released in December, and after seeing your video, I can say yours is one of the few that did not age poorly. At 1:30, that preface of you apologizing in advance for getting facts of Godzilla's history wrong really speaks volumes after the bad faith takes from video essayists - especially Doktor Skipper's video.
@@kasaibouF29 honestly the only thing I wish I had more of was footage for this one. I loved doing this review but there was only one trailer really to work with.
The movie was really good, I liked it much more then warner bros version. It was nice seeing a traditional godzilla with traditional music. Can't wait for the sequel
I think you nailed it! this film is about survivors guilt, family and civil courage! and sometimes overlooked, anti war! Its a great film and I watched it three times and I'm still thinking of draging my cousin to watch it with me!
Yeah if there's one thing I feel I've got down well is my plot formula where in dial back on spoilers the further I get into the movie. I mean is it really a spoiler that Godzilla attacks Tokyo?
That story is 100% true btw. It wasnt the "big room" of my theater so it sat a few dozen people so maybe about 60 people were just sitting there in silence I finally went "anyone think we should go check if there's a problem?" The guy next to me went "Nah no problem could be bigger than Godzilla"
I’ve liked the Godzilla corpus since I was a kid, but didn’t contemplate any deeper societal meaning than “beware of nuclear hubris” till this picture. There could be many metaphors for Godzilla here, but I think the one that makes most sense could be the Japanese rejection of the militarism that led them to commit the atrocities of WW2. Militarism that existed as the primordial beast at the beginning consuming Japan’s own to the hideously mutated nuclear armed beast it becomes. The militaries of the various countries can’t deal with it (they are strangely preoccupied staring at each others navels), so a people’s militia must summon just enough martial spirit to take on the existential threat (not sure why they salute it at the end, though?). I think read this way, it’s actually a hopeful sign of the maturation of the Japanese psyche and perhaps a positive step towards them owning the demons of their past.
I left a comment on a "Shin Godzilla" video about how it was the first modern "Godzilla" movie where I actually liked the human characters, and I got several replies telling me that I was going to LOVE "GMO". I thought they were saying that they were going to be entertaining, but I *never* thought that I would've shed tears for them! This was a beautiful movie!
Saw it Sunday. Might see it again with a friend. Drag people to see this movie. It deserves success and attention. Success for something like this means change in the movie industry.
As someone who has been watching Godzilla movies since before I could walk I wasn’t expecting much either from this movie. Just happy to see big lizard destroy city. But goddamn this movie was beautiful, before this movie shin Godzilla was really the only kaiju movie I took seriously. It’s probably the best movie I’ve ever seen in my life. Saw it 5 times, can’t wait for the black and white version
Saw the movie yesterday. Didnt feel too long at all. In fact, I would have made it longer. In the fighter plane vs Godzilla. In the boats and tug boats gathering finale. In the second landfall showing of Godzilla.
Being a fan of Godzilla since my dads Super 8 film, its the best movie ive seen in a very long time, probably since Titanic. I want to see it again and hopefully at some point own it on disc
I saw it last Friday and am still watching highlight clips and reviews. Shin Godzilla has to be my next watch on Streaming to get to my itch until I can get the 4K disc (hopefully includes the 1080p version so I can create 3D on my older TV)
Loved the movie. The only criticism i had for it, is how it overexplained Kōichi Shikishima's secret plan to kamikaze. It kinda took away from the moment, and we already knew he would survive because of the heavy foreshadowing of ejector seats, and how the movie puts heavy emphasis on living on.
@@DarkHourYT Indeed.. And then restructure the dialogue for the plan a bit. But i honestly see benefits for both. Making it Kōichi's own choice to stay alive is a nice touch.
Saw it today at Imax. Good review. Reminded me of Train to Busan. Most impressed with the cast. Everyone added to the experience. This and The Creator are the best looking films of the year and they had the smallest budgets. Nice to meet you DarkHour. Subscribed and given the thumbs up
This is why Asian cinema and television is just killing it these days - they can actually write and give us fleshed-out three dimensional characters - and they actually go on the hero's journey, with real struggle and sacrifice as they become someone better - not a bunch of cardboard cutout Mary Sues like in the Disney/Marvel crap we've (generally) been getting the past few years... I've heard Americans in particular HATE subtitled shows and movies but if they were willing to go just a LITTLE outside their comfort zone there's SO MUCH good tv and cinema out there from Southeast Asia (and I'm not talking about just Korea/Japan) it would be a real eye-opener for them... No wonder Netflix is investing 2.5 BILLION dollars into Korean television shows and movies alone...
The open ending was a perfect way to go, but I would bet my house that the heavens of the Godzilla universe have opened WIDE. Never mind what Hollywood does. This was a reboot done nearly perfectly. Hollywood tries and their take on Godzilla is good, but the Toho told an excellent story on many levels. Instantly a classic. I don't think Hollywood takes are classic, though good, just not great. Minus One is Greatness and all that watched will watch again. I watched King of the Monsters the other day, and then Minus One. Sorry Hollywood, but Toho is Godzilla.
@@DarkHourYT I think 95% of Godzilla fans agree that Minus One was an instant classic. Classic filming look. It sort of looked 70s. Im curious about Godzilla prior to showing up the first time. Go back even further. Plus I think one think coming down the road may be multiple species, but I would love to see those Shin Godzilla humanoids running around cities. 8, 9 feet tall and multiplying fast. I picture a couple walking around a city street corner and in the distance something, or several somethings are torching people. The first "What the hell is that?" Or "What the hell are Those?". And of course they're seen. I don't pray, but for that I will.
I got to see this yesterday and omg what an amazing movie, the drama, the suspense, the tension of this aggressive mofo godzilla. His eyes were just so maliscious. Like when he is swimming after their boat he seams to be sadicstically enjoying himself. Until they blew his face apart. Then after he healed his expression was like this was fun 😂now its not🤬😡. The way they made this godzilla is one of the scariest goji of all time. Also his death breath loading and firing like a shot gun blast to the face and OMMFG! Boooooooom!!! This is the most powerful version of his TNDB. However to the personal aspect of this movie the actors really took you into the scene and made it real. From feeling like godzilla is about to stomp you to when they experience him they put you into the moment. And finally this godzilla movie marks 70 years of the big guy on the big screen. He fought all kinds of monsters over the years and was big part of my 42 years. I have to say thank you to the makers of this film and of those who worked on the many big screen adaptations of godzilla. This release was the epic release godzilla needed coming into the new age. What a badass movie and im glad to be able to watch such a beautiful thriller. And knowing the legendary is coming up what a time to be alive.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Best movie if the year, even if you take Godzilla out if it completely. Go see this movie on the biggest screen available! Support a great non-Hollywood movie!
I creamed when I heard the sound design for his Atomic Breath. The only time i've heard such good explosion sounds was in the Fire Force anime. Highly solid 8/10 film for me.
One reviewer compared Godzilla Minus One to the book of Job -- Loss, after Loss, after Loss, after Loss, until one's very belief in life is completely destroyed. And then there it is: Job 41.
Update I watched it, it was epic, best movie of the year, infinitely better than MonsterVerse trash Your review was superb and don’t spoil too much, so good!! 🎉 I watched it in 4dx which was amazing because the seats moved every time Godzilla walked and the water sprays when the boats. It was simply perfect I would have gladly waited an hour for the power to come back on if that happened to me
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm a 52 yr old man that have seen every Godzilla movies, but this one... this one made me cry!!
I’m blown away how many theatres are showing this! They actually ditched Silent Night for this!
even better
Good, this is the best movie for years!
Smart theatre owners.
The more the better
It was a damn good movie. The fact that if Godzilla wasn't in it it would have still been a damn good movie says a lot. Great characters throughout. I described it to a film buff friend as Best Years of Our Lives' meets Godzilla!
This isn't just a great Godzilla film. It's a great film. As a longtime fan, I couldn't believe the one thing I never thought possible aside from the original Gojia.
Godzilla is frightening. His presence looms over everyone even when he's not on screen.
The tension is so masterfully executed. Moments when it seemed like Godzilla was coming back, you couldn't help dreading what could happen.
This is a masterpiece that will be talked about for years to come. It stands with some of the greats like Jaws, The Excorcist, and the first Jurrasic Park.
I thought maybe, just maybe, Godzilla : Minus One has its run extended in the US. It received very little promotion and only opened in a little over 2,400 theaters. It's even less in IMAX with one or two days in two or three time slots.
It's receiving fantastic reviews. People are going because of word of mouth. I think if they just extend it another week, the numbers will keep going up.
I left work early just to catch the last imax showing in my city.
I'm gong back for dbox on Saturday with the Mrs, lol...
They are expanding the number of theaters showing the film, so it might get extended.
The audience clapped at the end of the film. In my life I can remember that only happening once before.
Used to happen all the time in the 80s. People were cooler then though.
Jaws
All the great reviews are real. It’s just that good. My wife was being indulgent by going with me today. And she came out smiling and saying how much she loved it. I can’t wait for the Blu-ray, but so glad I saw it in the theater.
Spread the word and bring people to see the film! They're extending it's stay in theaters!
In the climax when the Godzilla theme starts playing my hairs were standing up. At the end of the movie people were clapping.
Me too… such a great Score and very well placed in every scene. I bought them from the Soundtrack too :)
They had old Godzilla music playing from Godzilla vs Mothra when he attacked the mainland. I was blown away!
I am japanese.
Director Yamazaki said in the interview that
1. Godzilla has a great healing ability, and therefore he survives from ancient age.
2. Godzilla was changed to big one by an atomic bomb experiment in the pacific ocean.
Yeah I liked how he starts out as now a no mythological being but is then mutated by nuclear testing. It makes it a bit different but still similar
They REALLY rushed the Nuclear mutation bit.
@@Moonmonkian Not really, they showed just what we needed to see.
@@godzelda123 I caught on but my Mrs missed it.
She doesn't like these types of movies. I had to drag her there. She LOVED it!
@@DarkHourYTThis has always been Godzilla's origins. Ancient creature mutated and disfigured by American nukes.
I like how it subverts the usual sacrifice tropes, at first Shikishima wishes to sacrifice himself to atone for his dead comrades (||and Noriko when he thought she was dead||) but overtime he learns to value life and live for others. The film is surprisingly optimistic, a positive outlook on life and the sheer will to live.
I would make one counter to that.
Shikishima only receives his option to live when he finally and openly accepts a willingness to die for that which he cares about and wants to protect. It is only through that acceptance of his very likely death that he finds a new chance at life. But this is a choice he makes willingly, not because someone else told him to.
Saw this in a packed theatre on a Saturday night with my best friend who I’ve been watching Godzilla with my whole life. What a great time! One of my favourite movies of the year and one of the best over the last 3 or 4 years. Go see this movie even if you’re not a Godzilla fan.
Nice job on this video. Your Godzilla knowledge might be a bit lacking, but you nailed all the right points in your review. This is a movie we'll be recommending and rewatching for a long time. Well done!
Saw it this afternoon - it was awesome !!
Ok I can’t wait to see it
“Which gives us a unique blend of homage and innovation.”
That was a perfect description of Minus One!
Thank you! That was an on the fly correction. The line I had in it's place was a bit too wordy so I changed it last minute
As I've said Hollywood should feel fucking ashamed that THIS cost $15 million when MCU films are costing $250-$300
Hell even if fans weren't the biggest Godzilla fans, anyone should enjoy this movie
His atomic breath was frigging epic everytime he charged it.
Films like this are why Anime and Manga are embarrassing us lol
I believe it was actually 50 million.
Which is still staggeringly low.
@@riffgroove now the director is saying the budget was even LESS than $15 million lol so who knows wtf is going on
@bluecollarloser6654 I stand corrected.
I just checked multiple sources, and your 15 million statement seems to be correct.
That is literally crazy.
@@riffgroove yeah it's weird huh? like I DID see some some reports saying the budget was a lot higher than $15 million but then director says NO it's less, so it's like wtf that's unusual for a budget to get not confirmed lol
@@riffgrooveDirector Takashi Yamazaki has stated three facts:
1. He mentioned on X/Twitter that 1 billion yen (about $7.3M) is not enough.
2. Similarly, he said on X/Twitter that it did not cost as much as 3 billion yen (about $22M).
3. He negatively commented on a Japanese talk show in December, saying it would have been nice to have $15M.
$15M is approximately 2 billion yen.
The previous "Shin Godzilla" was rumored to have a budget of 1.0-1.3 billion yen, and it is unlikely to have doubled, so in Japan, "Godzilla Minus One" is thought to be around 1.5 billion yen.
1.5 billion yen is about $10.95M.
Here because I'm trippin on all these positive reviews. Good review and good on you for going outside your comfort zone. Time to stop mourning and start watching good, enjoyable cinema......even if we can't pronounce the actor's name
With the budget Godzilla Minus One had it truly leaves one wondering what the hell DIsney is doing dumping hundreds of millions of dollars into movies that suck so bad.
Corporate money laundering and social engineering agenda of their major investors.
It goes to actor's salaries.
@@Moonmonkianstraight tf up. Brainwashing of the masses.
Not only do they have to dish out for overpaid actors, but the directors don't have their shit together. They film a bunch of scenes then piece together what they think will work. Being a committee based production, they then let the test audience determine what should be in the film, resulting in drawn out reshoots that were never allocated for in the initial budget. When films are not properly produced in an efficient manner, a lot of money just gets wasted. This has been a big problem with Disney over the last ten years, and it shows. Just look at their stock. 👎
Because they care more about spreading woke propaganda instead of making great movies
When I was a young boy I grew up rooting for Godzilla & it brings me much joy to have my old friend triumph once again!!
I saw Godzilla yesterday and loved it. I had a couple of comments though I wanted to add.
First, during periods of extended dialogue I listened carefully - there was none of that "shifting in seat" noise of people waiting for the next action sequence to start. The theatre was silent, the audience invested in the dialogue - which they had to read.
Second, while some have called the file "anti-American" that is just stupid - if the movie is "anti-" anything it takes aim at the militaristic culture of Japan pre-war that lead them to that point. When the women next door complains about her dead children, she doesn't blame the Americans, she blames the main character for not doing his duty.
Third, the attention to the accuracy of WWII military material was IMPRESSIVE - from the plane at the end to the Takao to anything else I could think of, everything looked totally realistic (and I am a big WWII buff). I even did a double take - I didn't recognize the destroyers at first - and realized that to disarm the destroyers you cut the barrels off the turrets, but leave the turrets in place - wonderful piece of detail.
Fourth - the absence of the Americans - I think they had to do this to keep Godzilla's powerscale in a reasonable range to maintain the dramatic tension. Godzilla takes damage throughout the movie and you see him regenerate - but it takes him TIME to do it. People forget the size of the US Navy at the end of WWII - it was huge. Instead of one cruiser like in the movie - you would have had 10 battleships (counting *only* the new ones) 20 heavy carriers (100 planes each) and smaller vessels in the tens and hundreds. At that scale of damage, you would have had to make Godzilla invulnerable which would destroy the drama in the thought of "can they or can't they". I don't think the movie would work if you included the US Fleet - or at least it would become a movie about Americans and not the Japanese characters. (And I agree 100% with their approach - it made for a much better human *scale* to the movie and was great).
-John
PS: I frankly didn't have a problem with any of the effects - I didn't detect any wonkiness (maybe I need new glasses) - and the Type 95 (Ha-Go) tanks were really cool to see - although they look like they were a bit upgunned - maybe that is the 47mm gunned version that I don't think we have pictures of.
Your analysis was spot on here. Some of that stuff I wanted to work into this ,but I try to not get into plot details too much so people who watch it aren't fully spoiled.
I believe the tanks were the Chi To mediums. I might be wrong though.
Well said. Nailed it.
Well said.
@@rock_man I thought it was the Chi-To also, but I am not sure if they finished more than one or two of them, and I think they destroyed them before the end of the war, and the turret looks too short - but the running gear does look more like the Chi-To - if they backed the camera back up a little so we could count the road wheels we could be sure (4 versus 7). Its interesting from that one angle how it could be confusing - a different angle or more zoomed out and it would be perfectly clear which it was. Guess I gotta go back and see it in the theater again to check - LOL
Thanks for the review. I'm guessing the reason big budget movies are failing recently is because these Hollywood producers and directors are overly relying on test screenings, trying to target everyone and end up pleasing no one.
Out of all of the reviews I’ve seen, not ONE mentioned how much the score actually adds to this film (excluding the typical mentioning of the iconic Godzilla theme). I had to find it on Spotify afterwards to revisit cause of how great it is.
My wife & I just got back from seeing this movie, and she loved it more than me, and I think it is one of the best movies I have seen in the last 20 years. For the first time, I cared about the people in a Godzilla movie, but he was truly terrifying. Go see this one while you can.
It's strange to hear nothing but good things about an action movie.
It's really not an action movie honestly. Like I said this is more of a drama. Godzilla himself isn't on screen a ton which actually makes it better
@@DarkHourYT Fair enough. But it is still nice change to hear a positive things about a movie.
@@frankowalker4662 not gonna do wonders for my viewing figures probably
It's just a fantastic drama. Near perfect storytelling. We just don't get solid films like this anymore.
Because it’s a very good movie.
This is a great review for a superb film!
As a lifelong fan of Godzilla, I found myself conflicted…for only the second time in my life (Shin being the first) I cared about them defeating Godzilla. Godzilla was livid in this movie, quite terrifying and threatening. This movie had me caring about all the humans! 😮 Quite a feat for a longtime G-Man fan!
I feel like out of all the movies I seen this year, Godzilla Minus One really took the number 1 spot of my personal favorires and it's gonna be awhile before anything else does I feel. Well until the next Toho film obviously lol
Godzilla Zero. Then Plus One and so on
Excellent review. We saw it yesterday and you nailed it. I especially appreciate its portrayal of life in Japan after the war. We see those who fought and survived and wonder "now what?" Those who did not fight and have a new chance to demonstrate heroism and self-sacrifice. And those left behind who lost and suffered in other ways. Great film.
Thank you. Yes I was honestly blown away by the era accuracy
I’m quite shocked to hear it’s this good!
I’ll have to see it for myself!
You don't have to love Godzilla, you just have to love good cinema for this one.
@@BRollStage. As a Godzilla fan I whole heartedly agree.
I'm going again, can't stop thinking about it..
We're huge fans... we have 2 full length commentaries on our channel already, and we're working on a dozen more... but this one hits different. It's simply an expertly handled drama. Cheers! @@Bobzilla2023
An awesome review. I came here as a Godzilla fan, but will be returning for more of your reviews! Very well spoken and explained
Thank you. I have a review coming currently in the works for Rebel Moon. I feel I'm finally finding my voice on UA-cam.
The difference between the latest Toho-Japanese Godzilla movies and the Legendary-American movies is huge. The Americans made a trio of formula based movies where nothing seems real. The Japanese never forgot that a 200 foot fire breathing lizard is nothing short of terrifying.
Napoleon should have been this good. Star Wars 1977 and Godzilla minus one 2023, felt kinda the same way after seeing both movies.
Fabulous: the audience gripped by the 'storyteller", for 20 mins (!). That's power. Everybody loves a good story, which is why the 'best place by the fire, is always, reserved for the storyteller'. Love it!
That radio active breath, resulting in an atomic explosion, holy crap!
Awesome movie!
This film is a concrete proof that asian films are better than hollywood film even with only a 10th of the budget. Asian films connect with the heart, raw emotions, makes you root for the characters, things hollywood cant do anymore. And its only films, even tv commercials too. asian tv commercials can really affect you in way commercials from other countries simply cant
you covered it greatly. very nice job! Godzilla may be more of a co-star in his own movie. The Characters really carry this movie from beginning to end.
What a absolute killer summation of my thoughts. I haven’t stopped thinking about this movie since I saw it and you explained perfectly why that is. Liked and Subscribed.
Thank you. Yeah honestly this is one of those movies that sticks with you well after the credits
Saw it last night. Totally worth seeing in the theaters. Watching it was like a breath of fresh nuclear charged Godzilla air.
I usually never write comments but damm it !!! I want people to enjoy going to the theater & enjoy watching a great movie & Godzilla minus one is a breath of atomic air … So well Done 🙌🏻
I just can believe how bluntly the Godzilla & Kong trailer drop “all of a sudden “ this weekend 🤦🏻♂️ riding the hype of the greatness Minus one is …
Honestly after watching Minus One the Kong & Godzilla trailer looked mediocre with a funny looking Diddy Kong jr forced in for the merch … anyways loved Godzilla Minus one !!! Go watch it!!! The hype is real
This film pretty much showed the perfect depiction of guilt, it just eats you up inside. Kudos to the filmmakers
Saw it Sunday and loved it. No woke crap. Just a solid movie with genuine feelings.
Heh, swimmingly...
Holy tight budget Batman! 15M for a Kaiju movie? That's pretty impressive.
To have a small budget and so far sounds like a good movie, break out the Crayolas and color me impressed. Nice review. ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
Honestly besides a few times that godzilla looks a bit wonky in the daylight its looks great the whole film. And also the set designs to get all the authentic era stuff on that budget is impressive
It blows my mind this was made for what Disney considers a coffee budget. They should all resign in shame at this point.
The director said he wishes he had that much. So it was done on less than $15M.
Great review! I loved this movie so much and I’m not a huge fan of the IP myself.
I thought that professor character was the glue that held the whole movie together. The movie wouldn't have held my interest without him.
In case anyone wonders what the sign read on the Shindens Seat, Bestaetigung Druckluft Schleudersitz, confirmation pressurized air ejection seat, I paid attention when I watched it the second time 😊😅
If this is historically correct, how did they import the parts from Germany?
Did U-Boat carry it?
@@toragon1117 there was technology exchange on multiple projects, no idea if the Shinden was one of them
According to internet info in Japanese:
At least one proto of Shinden was equipped with an propeller destroying machanism for emergency exit, but no info on the ejection seat
Germany had a seat ejection system by 1945
I assume the German seat we saw in this movie is a fiction by Yamazaki, though the parts or the blueprint could have been imported by submarines.
The ejection seat is a plausible fiction absolutely indispensable for the plot. But it does not have to be German made in this Sci-fi movie. Yamazaki tried meticulously to make this movie fact based and believable. He just added his imagination as a last touch. Thus Realism of this movie makes this Godzilla more fearful.
It doesn’t matter how well you know Godzillas history. We as Godzilla fans welcome everyone with open arms and do not judge
After the racism I retract this kindness lol
What racism would that be?
The other day, I saw Godzilla: Minus One and I loved it. Gonna be seeing it again tonight after work. With confidence, this is probably my favorite movie Godzilla movie with Shin Godzilla being held at 2nd place.
This Is My favorite Godzilla
I can't stop talking about it. 10/10
@@BRollStage Same I love it
Went for Godzilla movie and found a brilliant human drama. The movie had one flaw, an iffy cgi tanks that looked more video game like than realistic.
I give them a pass cause of the budget
For the budget even that one scene is pretty decent. The rest of film is amazing and shows that if you don't rewrite and reshoot your film several times you can get a lot for your money. @@DarkHourYT
Probably the only time I noticed iffy CGI, which is incredible, honestly
あれは四式中戦車チトを忠実に再現したものです。現代の戦車と比べると玩具のように見えます。
I kinda like the fake looking tanks, it felt like I was watching the OG movie with the miniatures😊
I absolutely loved how his dorsal plates extended then came forward when his head did like the hammer on a revolver
Godzilla zero will be the next one
That was exactly what I said when I saw it. It was so cool
@DarkHourYT he was a straight up badass!
I had to urinate so bad but yes i didnt get off my seat until the credits
Just piss yourself next time no one would blame you.
@@DarkHourYTthat depends on what movie.
I've been looking back on all of the -1 videos that came out after the movie released in December, and after seeing your video, I can say yours is one of the few that did not age poorly. At 1:30, that preface of you apologizing in advance for getting facts of Godzilla's history wrong really speaks volumes after the bad faith takes from video essayists - especially Doktor Skipper's video.
@@kasaibouF29 honestly the only thing I wish I had more of was footage for this one. I loved doing this review but there was only one trailer really to work with.
The movie was really good, I liked it much more then warner bros version. It was nice seeing a traditional godzilla with traditional music. Can't wait for the sequel
I think you nailed it! this film is about survivors guilt, family and civil courage! and sometimes overlooked, anti war!
Its a great film and I watched it three times and I'm still thinking of draging my cousin to watch it with me!
Honestly I feel I under praised this film considering everything else coming out
Saw this last night . Excellent- all the reviews are right about this one
I didn't get any really big spoilers - good work. Sounds and looks a fine movie.
Yeah if there's one thing I feel I've got down well is my plot formula where in dial back on spoilers the further I get into the movie. I mean is it really a spoiler that Godzilla attacks Tokyo?
The star of this film was also in Alice in Borderlands, which I also highly recommend.
This has been recommended to me in the past I'll need to check it out if that's the case
Your review made me laugh. Especially about the end to leave the theater. Self-deprecating humor is a good trait to have.
That story is 100% true btw. It wasnt the "big room" of my theater so it sat a few dozen people so maybe about 60 people were just sitting there in silence I finally went "anyone think we should go check if there's a problem?" The guy next to me went "Nah no problem could be bigger than Godzilla"
I’ve liked the Godzilla corpus since I was a kid, but didn’t contemplate any deeper societal meaning than “beware of nuclear hubris” till this picture. There could be many metaphors for Godzilla here, but I think the one that makes most sense could be the Japanese rejection of the militarism that led them to commit the atrocities of WW2. Militarism that existed as the primordial beast at the beginning consuming Japan’s own to the hideously mutated nuclear armed beast it becomes. The militaries of the various countries can’t deal with it (they are strangely preoccupied staring at each others navels), so a people’s militia must summon just enough martial spirit to take on the existential threat (not sure why they salute it at the end, though?). I think read this way, it’s actually a hopeful sign of the maturation of the Japanese psyche and perhaps a positive step towards them owning the demons of their past.
The best movie i have seen in YEARS. I had tears rolling down my face towards the end.
10/10
I left a comment on a "Shin Godzilla" video about how it was the first modern "Godzilla" movie where I actually liked the human characters, and I got several replies telling me that I was going to LOVE "GMO". I thought they were saying that they were going to be entertaining, but I *never* thought that I would've shed tears for them! This was a beautiful movie!
After the movie was over I asked my son if this was the best Godzilla movie ever. He says yes.
One of the best movies ever
I’ve heard nothing but glowing praise for this movie online. After seeing it, it’s earned!
Big pointy dinosaur to the rescue!
Saw it Sunday. Might see it again with a friend. Drag people to see this movie. It deserves success and attention. Success for something like this means change in the movie industry.
To be fair The landscape in Hollywood has been shifting all year. This was just the final straw
Phoning it in; I looked it up and Timmy Chalamet’s Wonka showed up! Godzilla -1 is an unexpected masterpiece that I saw on a whim and so glad I did!
Did I say something about Wonka?
I just watched it last night and aí absolutely loved it! If you have the opportunity to see it (preferably in a movie theater), please, do it!
As someone who has been watching Godzilla movies since before I could walk I wasn’t expecting much either from this movie. Just happy to see big lizard destroy city. But goddamn this movie was beautiful, before this movie shin Godzilla was really the only kaiju movie I took seriously. It’s probably the best movie I’ve ever seen in my life. Saw it 5 times, can’t wait for the black and white version
Saw the movie yesterday. Didnt feel too long at all. In fact, I would have made it longer. In the fighter plane vs Godzilla. In the boats and tug boats gathering finale. In the second landfall showing of Godzilla.
Being a fan of Godzilla since my dads Super 8 film, its the best movie ive seen in a very long time, probably since Titanic. I want to see it again and hopefully at some point own it on disc
I saw it last Friday and am still watching highlight clips and reviews. Shin Godzilla has to be my next watch on Streaming to get to my itch until I can get the 4K disc (hopefully includes the 1080p version so I can create 3D on my older TV)
Yeah man I can't wait to own it myself
Loved the movie. The only criticism i had for it, is how it overexplained Kōichi Shikishima's secret plan to kamikaze.
It kinda took away from the moment, and we already knew he would survive because of the heavy foreshadowing of ejector seats, and how the movie puts heavy emphasis on living on.
Agreed!!! I personally thought it would've been better if the mechanic rigged it so the ejector seat was tethered to the priming plunger
@@DarkHourYT Indeed.. And then restructure the dialogue for the plan a bit. But i honestly see benefits for both. Making it Kōichi's own choice to stay alive is a nice touch.
Godzilla is this years , Top Gun Maverick!!!!!!
Grave of the Fireflies, but there is Godzilla.
Saw it today at Imax. Good review. Reminded me of Train to Busan. Most impressed with the cast. Everyone added to the experience. This and The Creator are the best looking films of the year and they had the smallest budgets. Nice to meet you DarkHour. Subscribed and given the thumbs up
GREAT 🎥 MOVIE
Toho studios has created a "Train To Busan"-level movie that uses the monster as a backdrop for real people in turmoil.
Godzilla minus-one enjoyed the movie will be adding it to my vast DVD collection will be my first foreign language ever.
I saw it 2 times this past weekend. This movie is CINEMATIC PERFECTION!!!
A Masterpiece in all itself.
I'm likely not gonna see it in theaters again only cause of time but this will be in my Blu-ray collection for sure
I like that Godzilla -1 go back to origin of Godzilla which is the T-Rex mutation by nuclear.
This is why Asian cinema and television is just killing it these days - they can actually write and give us fleshed-out three dimensional characters - and they actually go on the hero's journey, with real struggle and sacrifice as they become someone better - not a bunch of cardboard cutout Mary Sues like in the Disney/Marvel crap we've (generally) been getting the past few years... I've heard Americans in particular HATE subtitled shows and movies but if they were willing to go just a LITTLE outside their comfort zone there's SO MUCH good tv and cinema out there from Southeast Asia (and I'm not talking about just Korea/Japan) it would be a real eye-opener for them... No wonder Netflix is investing 2.5 BILLION dollars into Korean television shows and movies alone...
The greatest critique I've seen of this film is that you could remove Godzilla and still have a fantastic film.
This is the best movie of the year. I would have never thought I’d say about a Godzilla film. Go see this movie.
Is this movie a documentary?
No it's a retelling of the origin of Godzilla.
The open ending was a perfect way to go, but I would bet my house that the heavens of the Godzilla universe have opened WIDE. Never mind what Hollywood does. This was a reboot done nearly perfectly. Hollywood tries and their take on Godzilla is good, but the Toho told an excellent story on many levels. Instantly a classic. I don't think Hollywood takes are classic, though good, just not great. Minus One is Greatness and all that watched will watch again. I watched King of the Monsters the other day, and then Minus One. Sorry Hollywood, but Toho is Godzilla.
@@DarkHourYT Read in my comment where I mention that this is an exact reboot.
@@gen-zeke-8571 I agree with everything you said. Sorry I didn't see your reply. This was more comments than I'm used to.
@@DarkHourYT I think 95% of Godzilla fans agree that Minus One was an instant classic. Classic filming look. It sort of looked 70s. Im curious about Godzilla prior to showing up the first time. Go back even further. Plus I think one think coming down the road may be multiple species, but I would love to see those Shin Godzilla humanoids running around cities. 8, 9 feet tall and multiplying fast. I picture a couple walking around a city street corner and in the distance something, or several somethings are torching people. The first "What the hell is that?" Or "What the hell are Those?". And of course they're seen. I don't pray, but for that I will.
I got to see this yesterday and omg what an amazing movie, the drama, the suspense, the tension of this aggressive mofo godzilla. His eyes were just so maliscious. Like when he is swimming after their boat he seams to be sadicstically enjoying himself. Until they blew his face apart. Then after he healed his expression was like this was fun 😂now its not🤬😡. The way they made this godzilla is one of the scariest goji of all time. Also his death breath loading and firing like a shot gun blast to the face and OMMFG! Boooooooom!!! This is the most powerful version of his TNDB. However to the personal aspect of this movie the actors really took you into the scene and made it real. From feeling like godzilla is about to stomp you to when they experience him they put you into the moment.
And finally this godzilla movie marks 70 years of the big guy on the big screen. He fought all kinds of monsters over the years and was big part of my 42 years. I have to say thank you to the makers of this film and of those who worked on the many big screen adaptations of godzilla. This release was the epic release godzilla needed coming into the new age. What a badass movie and im glad to be able to watch such a beautiful thriller. And knowing the legendary is coming up what a time to be alive.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Yeah it was like when your play fighting with someone and shit gets too real
I can't wait to see it again and again
Yeah this is one I'll watch again for sure when the bluray comes out
the score was spectacular
Best movie if the year, even if you take Godzilla out if it completely.
Go see this movie on the biggest screen available! Support a great non-Hollywood movie!
Great video 🍻🍻
I just watched it today, day after Christmas. I was expecting just a handful of people in the theaters.
Nope....it was full.
Honestly if I had the time I'd go see it again
This movie should be known as the one that exposed Hollywood’s money laundering.
Yeah where does the money go?!
@@DarkHourYT GREAT QUESTION
Bingo! This shatters the big budget bullshit!
0:43 What movie is this!? 😂
I creamed when I heard the sound design for his Atomic Breath. The only time i've heard such good explosion sounds was in the Fire Force anime. Highly solid 8/10 film for me.
4:40 They still would. The original Godzilla touched upon. The horrors of the Atom Bomb.
Like I said I'm not super up on it.
@@DarkHourYT That’s ok. Just wanted to throw that out there. I should have phrased my original comment better.
Can’t wait to see this sick flick. 👍🤘🍺🍺
One reviewer compared Godzilla Minus One to the book of Job -- Loss, after Loss, after Loss, after Loss, until one's very belief in life is completely destroyed. And then there it is: Job 41.
That reviewer is better than me. However I'll compare it to the book of awesomeness
Yo, imagine that alert was for a real Kaiju attack.
A few people in the theater did actually make that joke
wait you can manage RyunosukeKamiki, but 'Mi Na Mi' ..... 'Ha Ma Be' is too much for you to handle??
I kept fumbling on her surname. And when I tried to piece meal a sentence together in post it sounded terrible
Great movie! You should have mentioned the director. He was the best!
Yeah you know I often neglect talking about the director I need to fix that going forward
is this connected to Godzilla vs Kong or King of Monsters?
No it's a retelling of the origin.
@@DarkHourYTooh perfect! I'm throwing away my study time for this now
Yeah, it's more of an alternate timeline version.
No.
Update
I watched it, it was epic, best movie of the year, infinitely better than MonsterVerse trash
Your review was superb and don’t spoil too much, so good!! 🎉
I watched it in 4dx which was amazing because the seats moved every time Godzilla walked and the water sprays when the boats. It was simply perfect
I would have gladly waited an hour for the power to come back on if that happened to me
most realistic zilla-movie clips!.. looking forward to a real theatre-movie..
Kamiki was in Spirited Away LOL. He VA'ed the baby
Yeah I wouldn't have been able to tell you that off the top of my head