GODZILLA −1.0 Review

I watched Godzilla-1.0, the 30th live-action movie of Godzilla made in Japan, and I was impressed by its visual effects and story. The movie depicts the first appearance of Godzilla in post-war Japan, when the country was devastated by the atomic bombs and the occupation forces. Godzilla emerges from the deep sea and attacks Tokyo, causing massive destruction and panic. The movie shows the struggle of the people who try to stop Godzilla, as well as the psychological impact of the war and the monster on them.

The director, Takashi Yamazaki, is known for his skillful use of VFX and CG, and he did not disappoint in this movie. The scenes of Godzilla's rampage and the military's counterattack were realistic and thrilling. The design of Godzilla was also faithful to the original, but with some modern touches. I especially liked the scene where Godzilla unleashes his atomic breath and creates a mushroom cloud behind him. It was a powerful and symbolic image of the horror of nuclear weapons.

The movie also had a strong human drama, focusing on the characters of Ryunosuke Kamiki and Minami Hamabe, who play a pilot and a nurse respectively. They both have traumatic experiences from the war, and they have different views on how to deal with Godzilla. Kamiki's character wants to fight back and protect his country, while Hamabe's character wants to save lives and avoid more violence. Their relationship develops as they face the crisis together, and they learn from each other. The movie also features other talented actors, such as Yuki Yamada, Takashi Yoshimura, Hideyuki Kasahara, and Sakura Ando, who play various roles in the government, the military, and the media.

The movie is not only a spectacle of giant monster action, but also a reflection of the history and the culture of Japan. It explores the themes of war, peace, nationalism, democracy, and identity, and how they are affected by the presence of Godzilla. It also pays homage to the original 1954 movie, which was a metaphor for the atomic bombings and the fear of the Cold War. The movie is a tribute to the 70th anniversary of Godzilla, and a celebration of the legacy and the popularity of the character.

I enjoyed the movie very much, and I think it is one of the best Godzilla movies ever made. It was entertaining, emotional, and thought-provoking. I recommend it to anyone who likes Godzilla, or who is interested in Japanese history and culture.