2014 Reboot Director Applauds the Impact of Godzilla Minus One

Article Overview

Godzilla Minus One, the 33rd Japanese-language Godzilla title, has received praise from Gareth Edwards, the director of the 2014 English-language Godzilla movie.

Set in post-World War II Japan, the upcoming film depicts the war-ravaged nation grappling with the imminent arrival of Godzilla. With Takashi Yamazaki leading as the writer, director, and visual effects supervisor, Godzilla Minus One is hailed by Edwards as the epitome of a Godzilla film and has the potential to surpass all others in the franchise.

Director Gareth Edwards, who directed the 2014 English-language movie Godzilla, has praised Godzilla Minus One. This upcoming film is the 33rd Japanese-language Godzilla title produced by Toho Co., Ltd. The title is derived from the movie's setting in post-World War II Japan, a time when the nation was struggling, and the appearance of the giant monster puts the country at a further disadvantage. Takashi Yamazaki wrote, directed, and supervised the visual effects for the film.

According to an interview conducted by Cinema Today, Yamazaki and Edwards discussed Godzilla Minus One ahead of its release in Japan (followed by a U.S. release a month later). When asked about his thoughts on Yamazaki's movie, Edwards expressed his admiration, admitting he felt jealous throughout. He believes Godzilla Minus One embodies what a Godzilla movie should be. Here is Edwards' complete quote:

There were numerous elements in Godzilla Minus One that I found incredibly fresh, making me feel envious throughout the entire film. This is the epitome of what a Godzilla movie should encompass.

There is Room for Both the Japanese and American Godzilla

It is imperative to acknowledge Godzilla Minus One as a strong contender for the title of the greatest Godzilla movie ever made.

In the aftermath of Godzilla (2014), which started the English-language MonsterVerse franchise, the release of Godzilla Minus One might be a little perplexing. The MonsterVerse version of Godzilla has made appearances in other films like Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Godzilla vs. Kong, and the upcoming Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. Additionally, Godzilla is confirmed to feature in the upcoming Apple TV+ show Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, expanding the MonsterVerse even further.

Monarch: Legacy of Monsters features Kurt Russell and his son Wyatt Russell. In a period of hiatus for live-action Godzilla films, the release of 2014's Godzilla marked a turning point. Prior to this, there had been no movies featuring the iconic monster since 2004's Godzilla: Final Wars. However, in 2016, Japan breathed new life into the franchise with a reboot titled Shin Godzilla. Despite potential conflicts between the two branches of the franchise, the film was widely acclaimed, boasting an impressive Certified Fresh score of 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. Additionally, it achieved significant financial success, raking in $78 million with a modest budget of $15 million, all while allowing the MonsterVerse to continue its growth undisturbed.

The Japanese Godzilla movies have an additional advantage in that the recent live-action entries in this franchise do not have a strong connection in terms of continuity, if at all. This eliminates any potential confusion that could arise when compared to the intricate interconnected universe of the MonsterVerse, avoiding situations like Godzilla Minus One. As a result, the film can be enjoyed as a thrilling standalone story showcasing the legendary monster, without the constraints of a broader universe.

Editor's P/S

Gareth Edwards, the director of the 2014 Godzilla movie, has expressed his admiration for the upcoming Japanese Godzilla film, Godzilla Minus One. Edwards praised the film's freshness and called it the epitome of what a Godzilla movie should be. He even went as far as to say that Godzilla Minus One could be the greatest Godzilla movie ever made.

I agree with Edwards' assessment. Godzilla Minus One looks like a return to the classic Godzilla films of the 1950s and 1960s. The film is set in post-World War II Japan, and it depicts the country's struggle to rebuild after the war. The arrival of Godzilla only adds to the country's problems. The film looks like it will be a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster, and I can't wait to see it.