Released two years to the day in Japan, Godzilla Minus One stands tall as one of, if not the best, Godzilla film in the entire 70 years, and 33 Toho produced film catalogue. Written, directed and VFX by Takashi Yamazaki, Minus One follows a Kamikaze pilot (Ryûnosuke Kamiki) returning home to a war ravaged Tokyo circa 1945. The story perfectly intertwines world history with Sci-fi/ Horror by adding Godzilla into the mix. With the exception of Godzilla, the film stays very much in the realm of realism, similar to the original Godzilla, released in 1954. This choice works well for the movie and keeps the film grounded and practical, a trait most other Godzilla films don’t share.

Minus One is on the longer end of the spectrum in terms of runtimes for Godzilla films, but it wastes no time and never feels rushed or that any scene could’ve been left on the cutting room floor. The films pacing is superb and places action set pieces evenly throughout the film. Spectacle is something Godzilla Minus One never lacks. When the action sets in, it will keep you on the edge of your seat and may even be a bit frightening than most of these family friendly entries. Minus One also boasts something very few Godzilla entries have; a cast of characters that are compelling and you can root for as an audience. The cast of the film is truly the heart and we celebrate, laugh and share in dreadful moments with these characters, due in full to their exceptional acting and the writing of Yamazaki.

Boasting an amazing cast, superb score by Naoki Satô, and Academy Award winning VFX, Godzilla Minus One even two years later stands as a massive achievement in the King Of The Monsters ever growing filmography. This is the film die hard fans, like myself, have been waiting for, as well as the type of film that would make fans out of anyone unfamiliar with Godzilla, if that person still exists. Enough praise can not be given to this film. Godzilla Minus One is the quintessential and unique viewing experience, in addition to being the perfect monument for the King Of The Monsters 70th Anniversary.

10/10.