Written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, “Godzilla Minus One” is
the 37th movie in the Godzilla franchise. It was released in
Japanese theaters on Nov. 3, 2023 and in American theaters on
Dec. 1, 2023 for the 70th anniversary of Godzilla. The film
received critical acclaim and won an Oscar for best visual
effects a few months after its release.
“Godzilla Minus One” is a reimagination of the original 1954
“Godzilla,” and is heavily inspired by Jaws and Shin Godzilla.
The title, “Godzilla Minus One,” hints at the fact that after
World War Two, Japan was at its lowest point (aka ground zero),
but the resurgence of Godzilla has taken Japan below zero (aka
minus one). The film follows a former Kamikaze pilot, Kōichi
Shikishima, who encounters Godzilla during the war and is
destined to face the monster.