Godzilla Minus One: The Japanese film that's 2023's best action-blockbuster

Godzilla Minus One, a Japanese monster film, is currently captivating the US audience with its impressive reviews and box office performance. The film, which was reportedly produced on a modest budget of $15 million, is prompting questions about the current state of Hollywood. Godzilla, the iconic behemoth that has been a cornerstone of action cinema for nearly seven decades, has been featured in countless spinoffs, wreaking havoc in cities worldwide. The latest iteration, Godzilla Minus One, is being hailed as one of the finest in the franchise, achieving both critical acclaim and box office success. This could serve as a wake-up call for Hollywood, especially considering the film's modest budget, straightforward plot, and complex yet relatable protagonist.

The film was written, directed, and visually designed by renowned Japanese director Takashi Yamazaki. It was released in the US on December 1 and grossed $11 million during its opening weekend, ranking third behind Beyoncé's Renaissance and the latest Hunger Games sequel. While this may not seem like a blockbuster figure, it's a significant achievement for a subtitled film. Exhibitor Relations, a firm that monitors box office revenues, praised Godzilla Minus One for its impressive performance. The film has already recouped more than double its production cost, earning $23 million in Japan alone, with its UK and Ireland release scheduled for December 15.

Godzilla Minus One offers a compelling blend of action and character development. Few monster films or action blockbusters have garnered such widespread praise, with a 96% approval rating from critics and a 98% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. The Daily Beast lauded the film for its balanced portrayal of 'human-and-titan-sized concerns', describing it as 'just about everything fans could want'. The narrative commences at the end of World War Two, with kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (portrayed by Ryunosuke Kamiki) choosing life over death as he realizes Japan's impending defeat. This decision, while making him relatable to modern viewers, leaves him grappling with feelings of cowardice. When Godzilla attacks the island and Kōichi fails to retaliate, he is burdened with guilt as he survives while others perish. This guilt intensifies when Godzilla resurfaces to attack mainland Japan.