Godzilla Minus One: A Return to Roots and Reflection on War's Aftermath

The latest Japanese Godzilla film explores themes of guilt, honor, and duty in post-WWII Japan, presenting a human-centric story and a throwback design for the iconic monster.

Godzilla Minus One, the latest Japanese Godzilla movie, takes the iconic monster back to its roots, set in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The film explores themes of guilt, honor, and duty, and presents Godzilla as an 'undiscerning god', a manifestation of negative forces in the world.
The film follows the character of Kōichi Shikishima, a disgraced kamikaze pilot who failed to give his life in service of his country during the war. He is haunted by his encounter with Godzilla and the devastation it brings to a Japan already ravaged by war.
Director Takashi Yamazaki drew inspiration from Steven Spielberg and the 1954 original Godzilla movie. He also references his favorite film of the series, 2001’s Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack.
Unlike many other Godzilla movies, Minus One focuses heavily on the human story, exploring the aftermath of war and the potential for a brighter future. It criticizes the Japanese government for its lack of empathy and devaluation of human lives during WWII.
Godzilla Minus One has been praised for its character development, storytelling, and special effects. The design of Godzilla in the film is a throwback to the Showa/Heisei era man-in-a-suit monster, balancing awe and malignance.