I’m not an expert on all the eras of Godzilla, but it feels to me like Godzilla Minus One is unique among the films I’ve seen. Godzilla originated with, and sometimes returns to, the idea of Japan’s national trauma from the fallout of WWII. This might be the most traumatic and dramatic such attempt at national soul searching in a kaiju movie.

The film is set during the aftermath of WWII. It primarily follows a Japanese fighter pilot who had an encounter with a young Godzilla at the tail end of the war. Now he survives among the ruins, taking a job destroying unexploded mines… when Godzilla rises once again from the depths.

If you were to delete Godzilla from this film, you’d still have an excellent story about survivor’s guilt and national trauma. About living with what you did – or didn’t do – during the War. An angry film that points its finger directly at governmental and military indifference. You’d have a solid two hour film with surprisingly little Godzilla.

This isn’t a Godzilla movie about how top officials scramble to stop the encroaching menace. This is a film about the little guy just trying to survive it. Our protagonist is one of those sailors who is often the first victims of Godzilla’s latest raid. And even when the film cobbles together a plan to stop the attacks, it pointedly leaves the government out of it.

I’m not sure this dark, psychological approach is going to be the favorite or most expected take for a Godzilla movie. I suspect it might come across as boring if what you want is some badass monster stomping. We do get that, but plenty more scenes of grief and anger.

Godzilla does have his trademark roar and his classic musical theme. Plus some great moments that feel like the FX team flexing their muscles, redoing classic giant monster moments but with all new high tech toys. Godzilla takes on a train? Been there… but not this well.

This is a pretty great film. Perhaps one of the best Godzilla movies… assuming you’re ok with Godzilla not being a wrestler or teaming up with a giant moth to take down a three headed dragon. That version of Godzilla is fun too… but this one is traumatically serious. And pretty great.

Score: 88