Godzilla Minus Zero is hands down the film of the year. Takashi Yamazaki has given us the gargantuan follow up to the incredible Godzilla Minus One. In the sequel, we meet up with everyone from the first film two years later. It seems a new threat is on the horizon and all roads lead back to Godzilla. This is definitely going to be the crowd pleaser you’re anticipating, with a lot of heart within one of the best constructed monster blockbusters in a while!

I will start of by saying Godzilla Minus Zero must be watched on the biggest and loudest possible screen you can find. The film raises the bar in every single way from Godzilla Minus One. We have to jump straight into the special effects that are just mind-blowing in this sequel. There are certain scenes I can’t stop thinking about since watching the film yesterday. It’s so breathtaking; Yamazaki and the team really know how to capture and bring you into this world in such a visceral way.

Of course, one of the highlights from the first film is the human story that is just filled with so much heart. The story of Kōichi and Noriko has been beautifully constructed since the first film. It can be tricky to really develop this love story with the amount of destruction the film has as a backdrop. Takashi, however, is able to weave together all these various emotions and constructs such a compelling film that had me in tears. I find it so fascinating and inspiring to achieve this level where a blockbuster can still have you leaving questioning so much of how we handle our lives. Yamazaki has made an incredible antiwar film and probably one of the best ever. There is so much nuance to his story that it doesn’t feel flat or preachy in anyway. It’s just the objective truth of the horrors that war will always bring no matter what side you’re on.

The iconic score of Godzilla will always be a feat that many will never reach. Over several decades it continues to be as iconic as ever and will always amplify any scene. Naoki Osata who provides the rest of the score really knows how to set a scene as well. The instruments blare and deliver so many emotions that feel so transcendent. It’s the combination of these iconic moments with a soundscape that is equally unforgettable that will make it ever lasting. I truly enjoyed the film, however, my minor complaint might be with the way the film rushes. I would have gladly taken a three-hour conclusion that allows a bit more depth for certain characters.

I came out of Godzilla Minus Zero feeling completely inspired by the cinematic achievement Yamazaki and company have crafted. Godzilla is as iconic and everlasting as always. The film will surely make it to the top of lists of the year. It has found its way to the top spot for me just in the same way that Godzilla Minus One did three years ago.