Many potential viewers might pass on Godzilla Minus One because they have no interest in a monster spectacle. But doing so would be an unfortunate mistake. Don't think of Godzilla Minus One as a movie about monsters but as a profound exploration of various aspects of the human condition, where the character of Godzilla is merely the catalyst that provides a frame for a poignant, gripping, and heart-rending narrative.
The story is set in post-World War II Japan, as the survivors seek to rebuild from the rubble. As the title, which no doubt got lost in translation somewhat, suggests, Japan is at its lowest point and couldn't possibly fall lower. But wait. There is Godzilla. As the monster begins to ravage the already shattered nation, we are drawn into the lives of some genuinely engaging characters, whose struggles offer us some deep insights into the workings of the human psyche.
Indeed, I have rarely been as invested in the well-being of fictional characters as I was while watching this film. My emotions were reflective of one of the main themes of the story - the emphasis on the value of human life. Even as Godzilla destroys cities and kills multitudes, we are made keenly aware of just how immensely precious each human life is.
Another important theme is the eschewing of fatalism and in the process taking control of our own destiny. Though we start in the post-war rubble, no blame is placed on the United States. Nor does the US military, which has complete control over Japan at this time, get involved in the battle, for fear of antagonizing the Soviets. Instead, the people of Japan are on their own to face this new catastrophe. Battered and broken though they are, they must rise to the challenge and fight for survival and a better future.
In the process, Godzilla Minus One tugs at our heartstrings in powerful ways. I saw the movie in a full theater, where the audience included many young adults, who stereotypically tend not to be quiet during a show. But as the story unfolded, the movie had several stretches of silence and you could have heard a pin drop in the theater, so engaged was the whole audience in what was happening.
Though as I said, the story is not primarily about Godzilla, the movie does work as a monster flick. The action sequences are well paced, thrilling, and powerful. Despite the movie's whole budget being only about $13 million, the special effects are excellent, far better in fact than those of many bloated, misbegotten Hollywood monstrosities that cost hundreds of millions of dollars. From a Western perspective, the acting might seem over the top, but the strongly expressive style serves to highten the dramatic tension and is a fascinating window into Japanese social interaction.
All the elements of the movie come together to pack a powerful emotional punch. After I left the theater, I wanted to go away to curl up and cry for a while just to process all the feelings that had been swirling within me. I would have to say that Godzilla Minus One is the most well-crafted film I have seen in over twenty years. Run, do not walk, to the nearest place where you can see this movie.
Photo Credit: Promotional photo for Godzilla Minus One.