The first reactions are out for Takashi Yamazaki’s “Godzilla Minus Zero” following its press screening and subsequent world premiere at the New York Film Festival.
The response? Seemingly universally positive, with raves for what will be the first R-rated “Godzilla” film in 70 years. It’s also the first Japanese feature ever shot for IMAX screens.
This sequel to “Godzilla Minus One” takes place two years later in 1949 as Japan tries to step away from the nightmares of war and monsters. However, peace is short-lived when Godzilla returns, fully regenerated, larger and more ferocious – endangering the fragile nation.
Here’s a sampling of reactions:
“Godzilla Minus Zero is king! Filmmaker Takashi Yamazaki’s movie joins Terminator 2 and The Dark Knight as one of the greatest sequels ever made, delivering a bigger, bolder, and more beautiful blockbuster that doesn’t sacrifice its human heart. Exploring the fear, hatred, and trauma that war leaves behind, Minus Zero delivers a spectacular, jaw-dropping epic that ends Yamazaki’s saga on an electrifying high” – Anthony Orlando, Digital Trends
“It’s the kind of blockbuster that would never be allowed to exist in the West. The amount of times my jaw hit the floor. Definitely makes sense how it got that R rating.” – Andrew J. Salazar, Discussing Film
““Awe-inspiring” isn’t just wonder but fearful respect. That is GODZILLA MINUS ZERO. Another masterpiece from Takashi Yamazaki who builds on his somber vision for kaiju cinema. A true escalation from MINUS ONE where we again confront our fragile existence. That R rating is legit.” – Eric Francisco, Esquire
“GODZILLA MINUS ZERO takes some of the most bold swings I’ve seen a sequel take – and they all land incredibly well. Such a brilliant deep dive into the facets of trauma & never-ending cycles of war/hatred. A phenomenal blockbuster with stunning spectacle & a lot to say.” – Jacob Fisher, DF
“Godzilla Minus Zero is an overwhelming achievement of kaiju filmmaking. Aside from the jaw-dropping spectacle, Takashi Yamazaki packs in an emotional wallop, as the characters grapple with lingering trauma and their duties to the future. Never thought I’d cry to Godzilla” – Brandon Lewis, Fandom Wire
“Completely blown away by Takashi Yamazaki’s Godzilla Minus Zero which delivered on GM1 in ways I wasn’t expection with heightened emotions and vfx… lots of holy s–t moments and it even made my cry. Brilliant!” – Edward Douglas, Weekend Warrior Show
“#GodzillaMinusZero is the BEST followup G Film to date. Best comparison would be this is the Godfather Part 2 to Godzilla Minus One’s Godfather. Toho should win another #Oscar for this film. Should be nominated for best picture. This Kaiju experience needs to be seen in IMAX!” – JoBlo.com
“GODZILLA: MINUS ZERO reduced me to a sobbing mess. It is a glorious continuation of the first film, taking its themes & character arcs to new heights. The spectacle is somehow topped in sheer WTF value, but it’s the beauty of the central found family that truly stands out.” – Amy Kim, Next Best Picture
The first film grossed $116 million from a $15 million budget, was the highest-grossing live-action film to debut in Japan during 2023, and became the third highest-grossing non-English-language film in the U.S. market – boasting stellar review scores from critics and audiences along with winning the Oscar for best visual effects.
