Is Godzilla Minus One Based on a True Story? Godzilla Minus One
by Madhumitha
Updated Dec 02, 2023
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.
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 its 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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Is Godzilla Minus One Based on a True Story?
Godzilla Minus One is not based on a true story. It's a fictional movie within the kaiju genre, a type of Japanese monster film. The story revolves around Godzilla, a prehistoric reptile monster empowered by nuclear radiation. In the movie, it emerges in Japan after World War II and wreaks havoc, leading to the struggles of the people to defeat it.
While the film might reference historical events like World War II, the story itself, including the characters and Godzilla's destructive impact, is entirely fictional. The movie is a creative take on the Godzilla franchise, paying homage to the original 1954 film while offering a new narrative and emotional experience for modern audiences.
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.
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
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.
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
Is Godzilla Minus One Based on a True Story-FAQs
No, "Godzilla Minus One" is a work of fiction within the kaiju genre and is not based on real events.
While it may reference historical elements like World War II, the story itself is fictional, presenting a unique narrative set in post-war Japan.
The characters in the movie are fictional and not based on real people or events.
Although the film draws inspiration from post-war Japan, Godzilla's presence and the storyline are entirely fictional and not based on specific historical incidents.
No, the movie invents a new narrative around Godzilla's emergence, unrelated to any actual events involving the iconic monster.