CNN —
Fans of giant monster movies will find the latest Japanese import “Godzilla Minus One” to be a refreshing return to form for the iconic city-stomping creature.
What sets this film apart is its nostalgic quality, set during the final days of World War II and avoiding the usual sleek modern-day setting seen in recent monster movies.
The storyline is refreshingly simple, introducing us to a “failed” kamikaze pilot who encounters a terrifying Godzilla on a Japanese island.
The film takes a surprising turn, delving into the immediate aftermath of the war in Japan and becoming a symbol of postwar struggle, adding a kabuki-style melodramatic acting feel that harks back to classic Godzilla films from the 1950s.
Another surprising element is the portrayal of Godzilla himself. The monster’s appearance is a mix of impressive modern CGI and a nod to its old-school, nostalgia-inducing design, adding to the overall spectacle.
