Godzilla Minus One: Why this global hit is a true Netflix gem
On June 1st, the Japanese production "Godzilla Minus One" appeared on the Netflix streaming platform. It had some bad luck because it was first overshadowed by the Polish thriller "Colours of Evil: Red" and then by the French "Over Paris." However, "Godzilla Minus One" is a film you shouldn't miss.
8 June 2024 18:11
Let's immediately state that "Godzilla Minus One" is not an original Netflix production. The world premiere of the film took place at the end of last year in Tokyo. In Japan, as well as in the United States and many other countries, this disaster production became a huge hit in cinemas.
"Godzilla Minus One" received excellent reviews worldwide. Frequently, the opinion appeared that this is the best Godzilla film since the premiere of Ishiro Honda's famous production of 1954. "Once again, a scrappy group of humans must stop Godzilla’s reign of terror. But while the central characters in Godzilla ’98 are ultimately backed up by U.S. military mite (after a period of failing to heed the scientist’s warnings, of course), the effort in Godzilla Minus One is somewhat more egalitarian, with a large military-affiliated crew recruited in the face of government inaction," - wrote a critic from "Decider."
The film's plot is set just after the end of World War II. Defeated and humbled, Japan unfortunately cannot find peace because it starts being harassed by Godzilla. This gigantic kaiju monster needs no introduction. Since the 1970s, it has remained one of the essential elements of pop culture. So far, 38 films have been made with this gigantic hero—33 titles from Japan, and five from the USA.
It is worth emphasizing that "Godzilla Minus One" is not just a film about a monster that kills people and destroys cities. In the background, we have a fascinating story of Japan rebuilding after World War II. Like Ishiro Honda's classic, the film looks broadly at social contexts. It's a story about a nation that experienced war traumas, a family melodrama against a war-torn country, and also a praise of a patriotic attitude. Currently, "Godzilla Minus One" is a true gem on Netflix.
In conclusion, let's notice how much benefit the most significant streaming platform gains from investing in local projects. Currently, leading the hit list are the French "Under Paris" (an original Netflix production), in second place is the Japanese "Godzilla Minus One" (a licensed film), and in third, the Polish hit "Colours of Evil: Red" (an original Netflix production). Only in fourth place does the first American title appear (also the weakest in this group) - "Atlas."
