What does Minus One Mean in Godzilla Minus One? Godzilla Minus One Plot, Cast, Release Date, and Mor

May 2024 · 5 minute read
Minus Onein Godzilla Minus One symbolizes Japan's worsened plight post-World War II, illustrating the intensified destruction caused by Godzilla's return, mirroring the emotional and physical devastation after the war.

What Does Minus One Mean In Godzilla Minus One?

In "Godzilla Minus One," the term "Minus One" symbolizes Japan's state after World War II, portraying the country at "zero" and plunging it further into devastation when Godzilla reappears. It represents the emotional story of the film, showcasing how Godzilla's return causes more destruction in a Japan already ravaged by war.

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The movie explores the deep guilt and shame felt by war survivors, using Godzilla as a metaphor for the historical trauma of the atomic bombings. The monster's heat ray echoes this destruction, emphasizing the emotional landscape of post-war Japan.

This reboot showcases director Takashi Yamazaki's skills, offering a reflective journey through Japan's emotional aftermath. The title encapsulates the worsening state of Japan after the war, intensified by Godzilla's destructive presence.

In simple terms, "Minus One" in "Godzilla Minus One" signifies Japan's descent into further devastation when Godzilla, as a symbol of destruction, reappears after World War II, exacerbating the emotional struggles of the war survivors and the country's recovery.

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Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus One is a 2023 Japanese monster movie directed by Takashi Yamazaki. It's the 37th film in the Godzilla series and the fifth one in the Reiwa era. The story revolves around postwar Japan dealing with the appearance of Godzilla, a huge monster causing destruction. Yamazaki, known for his previous works, took inspiration from the original 1954 Godzilla film and other monster movies while creating the script for three years.

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Filming took place mainly in Japan's Kantō and Chūbu regions from March to June 2022. The movie premiered in October 2023 at the Shinjuku Toho Building and closed the Tokyo International Film Festival in November 2023, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the Godzilla franchise.

It received positive reviews for its special effects, story, characters, and message about society, earning around $25 million against a $15 million budget. The film was well-received by critics, especially when compared to recent Hollywood movies, and it was released in the United States and Canada in December 2023 through Toho International.

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Godzilla Minus One Plot

The story of "Godzilla Minus One" follows Kōichi Shikishima, a former kamikaze pilot, after World War II. Kōichi, haunted by survivor's guilt, lives in Tokyo with Noriko Ōishi and their adopted child, Akiko. Godzilla, a massive creature mutated by nuclear tests, attacks Japan, causing widespread destruction and casualties.

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The government struggles to stop Godzilla, leading Kōichi and a team of civilians to devise a plan. Kōichi decides to fly a fighter plane into Godzilla's mouth to destroy it from within, while scientist Kenji Noda plans to sink Godzilla using Freon tanks. Despite their efforts, Godzilla survives various attempts to defeat it.

Ultimately, Kōichi sacrifices himself by flying into Godzilla's mouth, successfully destroying it from the inside. Miraculously, Kōichi survives, reuniting with Noriko, who survived the destruction but appears to suffer from radiation sickness. As the film ends, a part of Godzilla's remains regenerate at the ocean's bottom, hinting at a potential return.

Godzilla Minus One Cast

Actor

Role

Ryunosuke Kamiki

Kōichi Shikishima

Minami Hamabe

Noriko Ōishi

Yuki Yamada

Shirō Mizushima 

Kuranosuke Sasaki

Yōji Akitsu 

Mio Tanaka

Tatsuo Hotta 

Yuya Endo

Tadayuki Saitō

Munetaka Aoki

Sōsaku Tachibana 

Hidetaka Yoshioka

Kenji Noda

Sakura Ando

Sumiko Ōta 

Kisuke Iida

Akio Itagaki

Sae Nagatani

Akiko 

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Godzilla Minus One Release Date

Godzilla Minus One was released in Japan on November 3, 2023, marking its theatrical debut. However, before its official release, the film had its premiere screening at the Shinjuku Toho Building on October 18, 2023, followed by a presentation at the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival on November 1, 2023.

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The movie had a runtime of 125 minutes and was distributed by Toho Co., Ltd. It was made in Japanese and produced by Toho Studios and Robot Communications. The film garnered considerable attention, earning around $25.1 million at the box office, surpassing its reported budget of $15 million.

Godzilla Minus One Trailer

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What does Minus One mean in Godzilla Minus One?-FAQs

1. What does "Minus One" signify in Godzilla Minus One?

"Minus One" represents Japan's exacerbated state of devastation post-World War II when Godzilla reemerges, intensifying the country's struggles.

2. Is Godzilla Minus One solely about monster destruction?

No, it delves deeper into the emotional aftermath of war, using Godzilla's return as a metaphor for the lingering trauma faced by war survivors in Japan.

3. How does the movie use Godzilla to convey emotional themes?

Godzilla symbolizes the guilt and shame of war survivors, highlighting the psychological impact of historical trauma on Japan's recovery.

4. What distinguishes Godzilla's role in Godzilla Minus One from previous films?

Unlike previous iterations, Godzilla is portrayed as a malevolent force causing chaos for regular people, rather than engaging in battles with other monsters.

5. Does Godzilla Minus One leave room for a sequel?

Yes, the intentionally open-ended conclusion sparks discussions about potential sequels, although it's aimed at evoking emotional resonance rather than solely setting up a follow-up film.

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