Why NOW Is The Perfect Time For Godzilla -1.0 - How Minus One Balanced Godzilla

[@squidlump]

I’m super glad that Godzilla is getting to be both a villain and an anti hero. The balance really elevates the character

[@Flash-FireCC]

Just as Godzilla physically evolves in his movies, so does his character over time. It is also absurd how Godzilla Minus One shattered the dreams of what we hoped for and the upsurge of the general audience praising the movie just shows how much potential Godzilla has.

[@DMan1954]

Minus One is just an amazing film. It proved that what makes a good Godzilla movie is just being a good movie. I think many filmmakers don't have their sights on that as well as they should.

[@travismarshall3089]

@Flash-FireCC Let's think about that...as Godzilla has evolved so has his character. Overall, yes Godzilla has been depicted in a very wide spectrum. But I have to call out that TOHO has twice reset this narrative in the span of less than 10 years with only 2 films in that time...both, as I stated, are reboots that throw all character growth of Godzilla away.

[@BurnedByTheFurnace3]

Not really. They are each, along with every anime, Milenium film, and the Hesei and Showa eras, their own continuity. But the way the character is portrayed has changed

[@mrdude88]

I mean it’s hardly a Godzilla movie at all. Remove Godzilla and what do you have left? A really really good and well-written love movie with fantastic character development. I love Kaiju movies it doesn't even bother me that Godzilla was barely seen in the movie. Godzilla brought in the audience, but the true story is what made grown men cry when the protagonist can find happiness at the end. Kinda, because little does he know she's infected by something.

[@legendarygodzillatheking3049]

Godzilla minus one is terrible lol

[@kingjohn8980]

Hopefully if Minus One gets a sequel or more, it can run alongside the Monsterverse so us fans can have the perfect mix of Godzilla at all times.

[@DMan1954]

That's the dream!

[@BurnedByTheFurnace3]

I was thing that Rodan would be the best kaiju to put in a sequel, add some aerial depth to the action scenes and evoke the horror of his original film

[@kingjohn8980]

@@BurnedByTheFurnace3 there’s a video by KnightTimeCreation that goes over potential kaiju Godzilla could face in a sequel and Rodan is one of the three kaiju mentioned.

[@The_Artist_Official]

@@kingjohn8980you know, if Minus One ever gets extended I to a series (which I would call “Godzilla Negative”), I personally would want Godzilla to go through a character arc of sorts, similar to public perception of nuclear power in the real world. Of course, he doesn’t turn fully good, after all, he is the king of the monsters

[@SiblingStoryProdOfficial]

@@BurnedByTheFurnace3 finally get a Godzilla vs Rodan. Still cant believe they haven't fought in a vs movie together

[@akillerferret5537]

I love that Legendary and Toho are each tackling a different side of Godzilla's history. Toho is going down the "force of nature" serious and thought provoking side of him. And Legendary is tackling the more campy semi-Showa era Godzilla that teams up with his monster buddies to beat up evil monsters. It's an awesome time to be a Godzilla fan

[@akillerferret5537]

@Acnologia120 Kong and Mothra?

[@robstefani9853]

​@Acnologia120 Canadian Godzilla: Kong ain't my buddy, guy.

[@akillerferret5537]

@Acnologia120 have you completely missed the bew movie coming out in March? It ain't called Godzilla VS Kong, this time, it's Godzilla X Kong. They're teaming up. Besides, this is a very odd hill you're trying to die on here.

[@URangryX]

Times are GOOD, everyone! Enjoying all the Goji love going around lately.

[@MegaFafnir]

What I like most about Japan's recent efforts, like Shin Godzilla and Minus One, is that they are demonstrating how the concept can be explored in many different, creative and compelling ways. No need for flame wars about who is the "real" Godzilla - ALL of these versions are within the universe of their films, and you're allowed to enjoy more than one!

[@thehippie3610]

The fact Toho does not mind the Legendary version makes me so happy. It is t a fight of this vs that. It is both. Minus 1 is fucking amazing. Absolutely tremendous godzilla movie. And his atomic breath is just *chefs kiss*

[@Beeezledrop]

I've been wanting a modern true-to-form original take on Godzilla for years. Godzilla -1 is that movie and it was perfect. It was everything I was hoping Godzilla 2014 was going to be. I hope they continue to keep using Godzilla in his antagonistic form in the sequels to come and give us more thoughtful well written human dramas with Godzilla as the backdrop. Toho has shown us that a truly great Godzilla movie is possible and I hope they continue to keep to the standard -1 has set.

[@jonservo]

I agree completely. I enjoyed 2014 but I was really hoping for the Godzilla we saw in the teasers and trailers. The force of nature that you can only hope to escape. The change at the end of the film where he is portrayed more as the hero, albeit a destructive one, left me wanting a bit, though I still like the film.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

​@@jonservo g14 makes it very clear there were other monsters in the film (you literally see glimpses of the male muto). Don't know how people thought "godzilla is the main villain" from the advertising of g14 despite it hinted pretty heavily godzilla wasn't going to be the only kaiju

[@jonservo]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts knowing there are other Kaiju doesn't mean he can't still be the main antagonist of the film. Look at Godzilla vs King Gidorah. He fought and beat Gidorah (who was the antagonist till that point) then went on to attack Japan himself. The teasers and trailers all showed the massive destruction caused by just Godzilla's presence (ie tidal wave scene) and he himself caused massive casualties throughout the film yet at the end the news program is calling him a potential savior. It was an oddly upbeat ending for what the film had been like up to that point. I'm not saying it was bad but it wasn't quite what I expected for a movie that up till then had focused so much on the damage and frightful nature of the monsters. I think Edwards was trying to get the best of both worlds, Godzilla the force of nature but also a bit of Godzilla the hero. To me, the trailers and teasers seemed more focused on the fearful side so it feels like a bit of a shift in how he is perceived at the end.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@jonservo While that is true, the trailers still mention lines like "can you kill it?" Only for serizawa to say "I believe something can" only to reveal godzilla afterwards (the Asia trailer). Maybe the first teaser from 2012/13 and the first trailer from Dec of 2013 didn't make it clear if godzilla was the main hero or villain but as the trailers went on and more of the mutos were revealed, it became clear the hero was godzilla. Especially when Gareth even confirmed publicly before the movie came out godzilla was the anti hero of the film. Anti heroes care about their own goals, not the people they accidentally or purposely kill to gain them which is what Gareth captured in the end as he did deem humanity ants to godzilla. The movie was showing how godzilla's own good actions for the planet still affected everyone around him. Not painting him out as bad but as mysterious and probably misunderstood as an anti hero. Akin to gamera's role from guardian of the universe.

[@jonservo]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts your question was that you couldn’t understand how people could think Godzilla was the main villain. I went back and watched the trailers and teasers and it’s actually even more hinted that he is the main antagonist than I remember. One of the first comments on the main trailer is a person saying “I can’t believe this trailer tried to make us think Godzilla was the villain”. Every trailer I looked at has similar comments so it’s not isolated to only a few people thinking that. Also the Asia trailer never played in the U.S. I will grant that it shows a lot more of the mutos and seems clearer, but most people in the states never saw it. I remember this pretty well, I was 30 when this came out and have been a Godzilla fan since I was 5 or so. I always wanted a modern remake of the first 1954 film and all the teasers and trailers had me hoping I would finally get that film. I was surprised how the trailers didn’t match up in the end with the final film, but I still enjoyed it for the most part. I will say that since I was excited for it I may have avoided watching some of the later trailers to avoid spoilers, so I might have missed one, though I have been trying to find one trailer that shows him in a heroic light and can’t find one yet besides the Asian trailer you mentioned, and in that one it’s only hinted at. Though I was aware there would be other kaiju I just wasn’t sure how the events would play out in the film. As far as being an anti hero. Anti heroes don’t indiscriminately kill just any person to achieve their goals, that is a villain. Anti heroes may lack certain heroic qualities, or have a different moral center, but their actions are considered heroic because they align with certain moral standards. One of the common standards of most anti heroes is that they may be violent but they don’t randomly kill the innocent. Although since Godzilla is more or less an animal in this movie his actions are mostly dictated by instinct not any kind of moral center, so he wouldn’t really be a hero or villain, which is why I prefer to use the term antagonist.

[@ADistantWail]

Very well said. I especially like how you referred to the movies truest to Godzilla's self as anchors for the franchise and how Minus One is the new anchor. But also, being able to extend in new directions from anchors like the showa, shin, and monsterverse allows the franchise to remain new and exciting. Otherwise, Godzilla would have never endured these 70 years and become the global impact today without these branching chains.

[@Puzzles-Pins]

I love Godzilla. Cheezy kid's superhero, calamity incarnate, and everything in between. I wanna see more of both versions. Dumb popcorn movies and tear jerking cinema. There's a place for both.

[@DMan1954]

If it weren’t for the silly films in the late Showa era, the franchise would not have endured. Same can be said for the bad English dubs, but that’s a discussion for a different day. I am a fan of Godzilla in all forms, so long as the movie is good enough to support that. I do feel it’s harder to make the silly Godzilla work, but I love all sorts of interpretations

[@legendarygodzillatheking3049]

​@@DMan1954but the showa movies are definitely better than minus one.

[@Therealstevecypher]

If I could marry this movie I would.

[@dellyortega2416]

Same

[@byzantineroman2407]

Bruh

[@DMan1954]

I feel that!

[@thagomizer1]

Real

[@joeysullivanTM]

fr

[@ShinGoji1987Official]

Fantastically presented man! Tomoyuki Tanaka was thinking about remaking the original 1954 entry way back in the late 70s and I feel like that idea gradually turned into Godzilla minus one which I think is great. I love my dark and serious Goji but also don't mind some late showa era fun every once and a while. As you said Goji's character can change for the times which is unique

[@DMan1954]

I'm far more on the side of the grounded Godzilla films, but I love some of the later Showa films. I will never deny the strength of making Godzilla a fun character, so long as the film is solid enough to support that.

[@elmono6299]

Honestly, Godzilla-1 is the definitive remake of the 1954 classic whereas Shin Godzilla is inspired off the 1954 film but does a unique twist that sets it apart from the default Goji film. Hell, Shin Godzilla himself feels like he should be his own separate monster as opposed to an incarnation of the same character, but it's a good thing because he stands out. Godzilla-1 captures the heart and soul of what the original film was, even borrowing its horror roots. Unlike the Monsterverse Godzilla, who is an antihero, this Godzilla was straight up a slasher movie villain in a dinosaur suit. I would compare Godzilla-1 to Peter Jackson's King Kong in which both films faithfully captured and respected the source materials so much that i feel there's no need for another remake of those films. If anything, I appreciate both the seriousness and silliness of Godzilla (and Kong). I like how Toho embraces the tragedy of Godzilla while Legendary embraces the cheese of Godzilla.

[@strow99]

Godzilla -1 was the first time I was afraid of Godzilla in the boat scene and the atomic breath scene. I was at a loss for words. Amazing

[@Raphmatic5000]

As someone who was born the year of Heisei's launch (1984), I really appreciate this video. You echoed a lot of my thoughts, when I first watched Minus One, I thought to myself that I hadn't felt this way about a Godzilla movie since 1984, which was my first Godzilla movie. I do love the superhero Godzilla, but I also agree that having a realistic Godzilla in our modern time is necessary, and Godzilla Minus One really filled that need.

[@byzantineroman2407]

I think they should use "Godzilla -1.0" to launch a reboot of the showa series: a Godzilla Trilogy (starting with "-1.0"), a Mothra movie, and a Rodan movie. Then, conclude with a bang: a crossover mixing elements of "Ghidorah, the Three Headed Monster", "Invasion of Monster Zero", and "Destroy All Monsters".

[@DMan1954]

Personally, I'd like to see them go in a different direction. I'd be excited to see them have Minus One fight a mutant monster of some kind, similar to how he's a regenerating mutant. A Biollante or Gargantua could be cool. Or I would go for someone VERY classic like Anguirus again. No matter, I feel it's less exciting to go the obvious route of doing Mothra, Rodan, and Ghidorah again. At least for this series. Maybe for Toho's next reboot.

[@byzantineroman2407]

@@DMan1954 According to my little fantasy lineup: The Godzilla Minus One Trilogy would start with "Minus One", move onto a mixture of "Raids Again" and "vs. Biollante", and conclude with an unused idea from the Hesei trilogy like "vs. Berserk" or "vs. Bagan". The Mothra film would focus mainly on Mothra (no Godzilla). The Rodan film would focus mainly on Rodan (no Godzilla). The crossover film would be a sort of mixture of "Ghidorah, the three headed monster", "Invasion of Astro-Monster", and "Destroy All Monsters". Of course, the film would involve Ghidorah's discovery, humanity's attempts to deal with the threat, and a scheme to use the earth's monsters against Ghidorah. It should end around here. Otherwise, it may get overcrowded.

[@UNSTABLE111]

Man, you know when I went to watch Godzilla -1 -C..right next to the theater was a poster of Godzilla x Kong New Empire and I just couldnt help but grin and just realise..we are eating so well as kaiju fans...2014 Godzilla is still my favorite monsterverse movie but..I feel like Minus One is what gareth edwards really wanted.. It definitely helps that godzilla minus one use of postwar setting was a very inspired choice, especially for the human drama..with all things said, I love that Godzilla is back and we are getting two movie versions of him at the same time..cannot wait till Godzilla x Kong New Empire to see what shenanigags and craziness is in store..and then whatever Toho will come up with, wether it be a godzilla minus one sequel or something completely different..or even come back to shin godzilla

[@dangit]

I really like these types of videos and the monarch legacy of monster episode reviews can't wait for the finale later tonight/tomorrow

[@DMan1954]

The Monarch episode is fantastic! I can't wait to share my review of it with everyone tomorrow!

[@swagguy6315]

Godzilla Minus One totally deserves the recognition because it’s actually really excellent and exquisite

[@SuperGoose42]

Both? Both. Both is good. We choose both.

[@macabrevoid]

Thank you so much for such a nuanced and amazing take and video! In a sea of talking heads all clammering what Godzilla “should” it’s good to hear a take that sees things how they are and acknowledges what each film is aiming to be and the implications of those. I loved Shin Gojira and I loved Godzilla Minus, but I also am a fan of the Monsterverse. I just want to see what people do with the concept of Godzilla. Very well made video dood, I’m loving these video essay videos you’ve been doing more and more. You have an amazing amount of knowledge about this series and seeing you showcase that and give your deep dives is a treat to see!

[@DMan1954]

Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. I’m obviously in the same boat where I’ve loved all the recent Godzilla films, so I just wanted to share my perspective on it

[@jamesvarela233]

Hopefully if we do get a sequel to Godzilla Minus One or more, they’ll be able to coexist along side the Monsterverse films, as Godzilla kept evolving so does his character over time, with what Minus One achieved being able to bring an upsurge of audiences that somehow someday Legendary can do the same. I do believe both films can coexist and give us fans many options to which we want to watch (tbh I like watching both) after all of this, Godzilla has arisen to new heights and has shown how much potential he has with his franchise. Hopefully we could get more references and crossovers with Godzilla though it’d be nice to get those fun lil crossovers back in the day. Thanks for making this video Dman.

[@davebooth5608]

Outstanding content once again!! You should get an award for your editorials/esays! While I’m just glad to be getting quality Kaiju films still in the 21st century, I’m biased towards the Toho since that’s where I started watching in the 70’s. As well as the original message and paying homage to the original film in the new era. As far as the MV goes, I love those films, but feel they are trying to take advantage of the “Hero” aspect as the MCU/DCEU had great success (DCEU not withstanding) and they are trying to do that with Kaiju but the jury is still out on whether that will be as successful as they want. Again, I’ll take it all, even if it’s bad, I appreciate the content that we get to enjoy as Kaiju fans. I just I get to see -1.0 before my eyesight is gone.

[@tonyfiorilli2270]

Other than the idiotic human characters/lazy plot, 2019 Kotm was so underrated imo. Such a perfect modernization of the classic Kaiju while introducing endless possibilities and originals. Minus one was really really good and I'm really happy the Gman is finally getting the praise he deserves. Hope it goes to the moon and wins awards. Also happy the dichotomy is finally being acknowledged and that both versions can/should coexist. I guess I'm just already a little tired of minus one getting sucked off so hard. Kotm made me fully buy in to the monsterverse. I grew up with all the showa era films and it modernized them and did them justice on a grand and epic scale. Plot/characters aside, I don't think that film specifically gets the praise it deserves for what it did so well.

[@damonlongstreet8630]

My guy, the human and even to an extent the monster story was so ass it killed the whole movie.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@damonlongstreet8630 My guy you do realize radiation isn't deadly in all fashions right? On top of that, radiation in kaiju films isn't even entirely accurate to how radiation works in real life. Godzilla doesn't emit "healthy" radiation (the guy never did), the titans leave behind radiation that can be potentially deadly at first but it helps the environment itself when left alone long enough for nature to reclaim it. Let's also take into account the many times kaiju were near humans in toho's own films (including godzilla) and very rarely did the plots ever bring up "this character was near a kaiju, gotta check them for radiation poisoning". Godzilla 2000 doesn't do this, neither did vs biollante. Neither did g98, vs megaguirus, FW, godzilla the series, SP. I can go on. Even g14 is guilty of this. Many occasions of humans near or full on touching these kaiju and nobody is getting sick from the radiation. Even in real life, bananas are radioactive and eating 1 or 2 won't kill you. Your own body has it's own radioactivity man.

[@rexy-mc1oy]

I hope legendary monsterveres godzilla goes back what godzilla meant me, like after events of GVK godzilla beginning question is it worth protecting humanity the same species that build Mechagodzilla to replace him as apex species and destroy balance of nature . This could send godzilla to his dark path where he felt betrayed by humanity and monarch knows godzilla felt betrayed.

[@nerdsman567]

In my opinion, as soon as “Godzilla Minus One” hit the scene, “Minus One” made G2014 completely obsolete, in the same way “Logan (2017)” made “The Wolverine (2013)” obsolete. “Minus One” is what the 2014 film THINKS it is!

[@lux4163]

Loving these recent video essays from you! I haven't watched the full video but in terms of literally WHEN this film is coming out it's perfect. Just a few months before The New Empire rises which is a goofy fun Showa-themed thrillride we get a deepdive into the trauma of WW1 Japanese fighters through a Godzilla film which is absolutely perfect.

[@DMan1954]

I couldn't agree more!

[@TheoCrox]

I absolutely love these kinds of videos. They feel so objective and universally accepting, I really hope you get to do a big Godzilla documentary one day. Or more videos like this, talking about the evolution of Godzilla's theme or his design, even the ones not featured in any movie, like Stan Winston's Godzilla. Or just a big super cut of all videos like this, you've made so far. I think they are awesome and can't wait to see the next one!

[@DMan1954]

Thank you so much!! I really appreciate that. Maybe someday I’ll be lucky enough to put all I’ve learned into action by helping out in the creative process behind one of the films in some small way

[@TheoCrox]

Oh yes, that would be awesome. Though for now I can totally see a future collab with someone like GojiCenter happening for a Godzilla Battle Royale as example. Couldn't possibly get controversial lol

[@TheCorpsehatch]

Godzilla Minus One is the best movie of 2023 and very likely the best Godzilla movie ever. Cannot wait for a potential sequel.

[@Psyclonus7]

7:46 Toho wasn't forced to follow any trends. The series was meant to end in 1968 and only was "revived" so they could make money debuting lower budget movies at the Champion Festival, a yearly festival aimed at kids that paired the films with Disney movies etc. Toho started to get the films back to the darker tone with both the MechaGodzilla movies in 74 and 75 before putting the series in hibernation. Tomoyuki Tanaka never wanted the series to end and kept coming up with stories in that time.

[@thestealthyartist6248]

Hey D Man, I haven't left a comment in a while but I really enjoyed your video on Rodan's Awakening! It was super insightful and I always appreciate positive takes on KOTM. Could you do more videos like that discussing other great scenes in that movie? Thanks!

[@DMan1954]

Thank you so much! I plan to do more videos like that. I’m not sure when I’ll return to KOTM in particular, but I’m sure I will at some point.

[@thestealthyartist6248]

​@@DMan1954 Sounds good, looking forward to it! If you ever do KOTM again I feel like an analysis of the final battle would be quite nice. Thanks for replying!

[@ZOMLUVER]

Solid video bro

[@Stupididiot-ci5gf]

THANK YOU! I've heard WAY too many people complain about GXK and how it might be a little silly. Do I miss the more grounded feeling of KOTM and 2014? Yeah. But Minus One already scratched that itch a few months ago. It doesn't have to be serious because Godzilla can be everything. The varied tones define this franchise, and not to use that malleability is foolish. Just as all silly movies would get old fast, I believe the opposite can also be true. Balance is key.

[@shaunnelson6616]

I love how Godzilla can encompass a wide variety of personalities. Whatever mood you are in there is a Godzilla movie that can match it. I've been watching these movies since I was a kid in the early 80's and have loved them all. I have to say, however, that Legendary has become my favorite, though i think they should revert to their more grounded roots. Somewhere between 2014 and KOTM.

[@joeysullivanTM]

Very well done video Dman, I honestly like both versions of the Gman. I like dark horror aspect of Godzilla and the goofy side of Godzilla. why do i like them both? Showa era and Heisei era films did it for me. 2 films i first watched when i was a kid were Godzilla vs mechagodzilla 74 and the return of godzilla. But i do think the solo godzilla movies are far more interesting.

[@triffid68]

The only downside of Godzilla Minus One is that the next movie I watch will be compared to it. Glad that we will have to wait for the home/streaming releases.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

And that's a issue in on itself. Unfair to compare minus 1 in every way to anything that comes after it. If you're comparing writing then sure, go ahead but don't compare portrayals of godzilla or themes when anything that comes after minus 1 likely won't be aiming for the same theme or message unless it's purposely doing that

[@triffid68]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts I was comparing movies in general. This was in my opinion the best that I've seen all year. I saw it twice in Dec 23.

[@newdexplus]

This is why you are the Goji King of KZbin Dman. You have the context and the history. To any new Godzilla fans out there subscribe to this guy. He has been killing the game for years!

[@DMan1954]

Thank you so much!!

[@The_Stumbler]

I loved minus one, I also loved shin, but I will say minus one is a lot more important for the time. As another video stated, minus one celebrates men, as well as gives really good characters. There's been a lot of movies tearing men down and stating a lot of negativity, it's what makes it hard to consider watching movies anymore. Shin does have a really good tale about the human spirit, refusal to give up and our intent to move with action in mind. Minus One however really shows how to give people hope, even in the darkest of times. I watched the movie in a really hectic part of my life so, got plans of moving forward, but got a lot of hang ups. I loved the whole plot with the 'kid', wanting to fight, but unable to. Only for his return to reinvigorate the fight. I loved the doc and his arc of articulating his intent, the whole scene on the bridge after the decoys, him having confidence in the men and the plan. There's a myriad other plot points that just resonate with me, and I would imagine plenty of others struggling as of this time.

[@kaijubeyondbelief8053]

Godzilla can be anything, he’s a movie actor right Dman?

[@URangryX]

IMPRESSIVE REVIEW, young man! EXCELLENT video essay. You hit a lot of great points! Immediate SUBSCRIBE!

[@pds1]

Can't wait for the b/w version of -1

[@timjaeger6589]

Just saw it last night and oh my god was it phenomenal. It’s, in my opinion, the definitive way to experience -1. It looks gorgeous.

[@pds1]

@@timjaeger6589 that is fantastic,I'm seeing it Tuesday,it's gonna be epic.

[@jrand2148]

Every time I think about how good Minus One is I tear up. It's not what Godzilla should be, but it's what I've wanted Godzilla to be for so long. As I grew into the man that I am today (35 years old...wtf) a good 30 of those years have been spent as a fan of Godzilla. Firstly as the hero monster of the Showa era with confusing Trend master toys based on the unavailable to the US at the time Heisei era, Secondly as a teenager getting to watch the original unedited version of Gojira and finally understanding the weight of that film, to finally adulthood and wanting more people to understand and acknowledge Godzilla's place as not just a niche aspect of Japanese culture, but as a true icon of film. Something far more important and meaningful than just a giant monster. I am so happy that this isn't just "my thing" any more.

[@travismarshall3089]

@jrand2148 We can only hope that don't reboot it again. TOHO has already stated they're satisfied and are in no rush to capitalize on its success with a followup.

[@bbconklin2662]

Brilliant breakdown of the amazing era of Godzilla we are living in. Subbed!

[@coblamoration1102]

You've been killing it DMan, amazing work

[@trackapesonger9055]

thanks again for the updates, commentary, and cool videos I love all the different incarnations of Godzilla. I am just very happy they are still making movies. Happy New Year

[@Alpha_Runaway]

Great video man! Have to admit this movie swiftly became my second favorite Godzilla movie, but I don’t like how it’s divided the community. I can’t blame the film, but the fans who claim that this is the only version of Godzilla that deserves the title and call you a child or braindead for enjoying something like the Monsterverse, which I treat as a modern Showa era for the big G, it just gets irritating. Have to say on the whole it’s the best time to be a Godzilla fan, this movie was amazing and I’m excited for GxK to come out. Long live Godzilla

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

Unfortunately that's the sad part with every new godzilla film, regardless of which country made it but the toxic fans of minus 1 dare I say are more annoying than even the most toxic MV fans. At least toxic MV fans don't claim godzilla is a hero and that's it. You have toho purist and casuals who try to act like they know godzilla based off minus 1 alone that claim godzilla is essentially minus 1 and nothing more and they use minus 1 as their scapegoat. Godzilla is many things, it's fine to have a favorite role or incarnation for/of godzilla but don't use that version or role as a argument for who he should be

[@isaacm7934]

​@@Kaiju-bm4tsI love both mv and -1 so it absolutely breaks my heart to see -1 fans acting the way they are towards mv

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@isaacm7934 Blame the toho purist and wannabe "fans" for that unfortunately

[@kam9477]

It’s a shame really. Wanting one side to end because to them it wasn’t as good as what is now their favorite Godzilla film. 2019 KOTM is my favorite Godzilla film (blasphemy I know but idgaf) and really wasn’t a fan of Shin Godzilla at all but I can understand why people like it and -1 is one of my top 5 favorites. Doesn’t mean I wouldn’t have wanted to see where they would go next. A decade of no Godzilla and now the franchise is as big as it’s been in a long time but instead of being excited there’s something for every type of fan we have this gatekeeping garbage. It’s not like Star Wars where fans are understandably upset about where the franchise is now. There it’s all under one continuity with retcons/contradictions of canon lore all over the place and on top of that the company putting the stuff out seems to be going out of its way to alienate a certain part of the fan base. That’s not what’s going on here with TOHO or Legendary but it’s the fans themselves that are doing it. It’s pretty pathetic.

[@Ace-ps5fu]

When people ask about this topic of the franchise I'll refer them to your video. Pretty much took the words from me. Great video. As long as Gojira is Godzilla I'll show up to see it. Just please don't give the rights to disney.

[@leahmartinez7200]

Shin Godzilla and the Monsterverse are good, but dang, Minus One is the perfect dose of nostalgia, but updated

[@MeteorTesh]

Great vid, very good points. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind the legendary films either I think their good. The way I see it, the legendary godzilla films are basically reboots of sorts of the Showa films, but more grounded like the Heisei films and has the budget of Hollywood and obviously it's going to have a bit of that American shine to it. Godzilla minus one is a focused godzilla film more akin to the serious themed original one. But with a budget to boot. Along with cgi ofcourse. Both are good. However, one is a popcorn film, one is a theatrical performance. (but I did have a box of popcorn). And I agree with many other comments here, that there is scope to branch off.

[@master6of6omens6]

Still one of my favorites in the series! Loved this take on Godzilla!

[@LearningGabriel]

Thank you for clearing up what I thought you were saying at the end of the video when you said what Godzilla was meant to be. I honestly thought you were one of the people that was saying that Godzilla minus one is what Godzilla should be. To me those kind of people are the same people that say Miles Morales isn’t a Spiderman. And what’s funny is that Across the Spiderverse directly comments on fans that gatekeep so much and claim that Spiderman isn’t Spiderman without Peter Parker having a miserable life or just Spiderman or spider woman losing people they love for no reason.

[@padawanmage71]

My take, but with the recent Legendary movies, particularly Godzilla vs. Kong, it seemed that they were emulating the Japanese films from 70s: kaiju bashing each other, human characters you were ok with, and entities (terrestrial or otherwise) trying to take down the Big G. Hollywood seems to have 'modernized' that era in Japanese Godzilla films, by really pushing anything and everything he could possibly do.

[@Ahmeds]

Awesome movie thank you for making this video. And yes for a fan of Godzilla for over 32 years -1is my new favorite atm

[@bokuboke482]

Terrific video essay! Enjoyed G2014 and KKSI. After that, whaaaat?! SG was a departure, a reimagining. G-1 made me cry in two viewings, while my chest heaved with thrills n emotion. Brilliant filmmaking. Yamazaki Takashi's oeuvre is on my must-watchlist now...!!

[@MrEmilable]

Curse or Blessing, the First Godzilla Movie i ever Saw was the 1998 movie but it did lead me to the other movies and i mostly grew up with the first Godzilla movie plus the heisei movies(The Return of Godzilla,Godzilla vs. Biollante,Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah,Godzilla vs. Mothra,Godzilla vs. Destoroyah) and the first movie i saw on the Big screen was Godzilla(2014). i Honestly gotta Say The Latest episode of Monarch legacy of monsters feels as close to the Godzilla Movies i saw then GxK: the New Empire and i kinda wish they made legacy of monsters into a movie instead as that honestly felt alot more like what i Grew up with, honestly that might be the Thing tho i don´t Think all movies have been Released In Cinmera´s around the world or are as well known. a Good example of this might be the Fact Here in Denmark the Last Toho Godzilla Movie im aware of that released here in Denmark before Minus one is the 1954 movie, I think Godzilla X Kong might take things a Bit TOO Far on that note but that might be because i was unable to Watch the Showa Movies when i was little and Still are where i live.

[@zachsmith1634]

10:38-10:40 That clip of Godzilla walking across the city in GMK, I couldn’t help but to notice that the Godzilla suit’s stature reminds me of Bear in the Big Blue House and how Bear walks and stands LOL 😂😂

[@browncow5210]

I don't see anyone else mentioning it, but I love how his atomic breath was handled in this film. They're not even calling it that, opting for 'heat ray' instead, but it's straight up causing atomic explosions on impact. A good example of 'show don't tell.'

[@damienjstepick]

Well said. Minus one was my favorite film of 2023.

[@JavierRamirez-mw1wm]

Love your video

[@gianmarcozampella5138]

I love these video essays,I enjoy listening to them all the way through,they're kinda soothing and relaxing in a way (Idk,am I weird by saying that?),and they speak facts!

[@DMan1954]

Thank you! I'm glad you like them!

[@jboy2621]

Oh yes, now we need a Monarch, Shin, and Minus One crossover. Godzilla Multiverse

[@devonjaphet8613]

Minus 1 is my all time favorite godzilla movie now

[@DamirBabic-xc5po]

Konichiwa🙏 I grew up with heishei era goji movies and toho minus one was great toho studio👏👏👏👏👏 great video choom

[@bacon81]

I love minus one. Shin was not my cup of tea.

[@DMan1954]

Fair enough. They are very different films

[@perfect6386]

The only thing I liked about Shin Godzilla was the End! I'm a huge Godzilla fan but shin Godzilla just doesn't do it for me! His final form and powers were cool. Now Minus one I was locked in and the way they used his atomic breath was mind blowing and a really good movie. Godzilla vs Kong. I just love the imagination and scale of it. Was the first film in which Godzilla was a raging beast so animalistic. Mecha- Godzilla with Ghidorah consciousness was brilliant and the way he stomped Godzilla. I was floored. This new Adaptation Godzilla x Kong looks amazing. Cant wait so see it! They giving us new monsters, countless monster battles. Kong a family and tribe. Mothra back it just gets better and better. I hope it hits that billion dollar mark in the box office! D-man I do not always agree with you but I respect what u do and the passion you have for it! ❤ Your content

[@Motor__]

I just like having a tonal balance and/or variety of Godzilla films. This is why I think the Heisei series is so popular.

[@davidtankersley1570]

I actually prefer solo godzilla movies. I find them more interesting.

[@DMan1954]

Same here

[@jeggsonvohees2201]

While Minus One is my favorite godzilla movie, an unfortunate side effect I've seen is people now criticizing the idea of Godzilla being an an antihero or force of nature that occasionally indirectly helps out mankind. Its made people think that Godzilla shouldnt ever be anything more than a terrorisng monster out to destroy the human race.

[@user-py5hn9ri8j]

Thank you for the Japanese subtitles!

[@DMan1954]

I’m trying my best! 😅

[@Saturndusk]

Essay-palooza is here and so am I for it on this channel 😄

[@DMan1954]

I finally decided to make the content that I want to make rather than what is expected of me 😂 rip news videos 🙊

[@Saturndusk]

@@DMan1954 tbf, the news should be newsworthy enough to make the coverage lol don’t dig unless you feel like it’s needed

[@callmev3531]

18:16, As stated in this video, films like Minus One and Shin Godzilla portray the character as he was “meant to be” and not what he “can be”. Having both these films out around the same time as King Of The Monsters and the Godzilla and Kong films, while perhaps jarring to some, also means that nearly every aspect and era of the character is being represented in media simultaneously, “balancing” each other out in a way. So for now, for the most part, theoretically there’s something for every Godzilla fan to enjoy with either of these coexisting continuities.

[@fernbedek6302]

I got the impression most people were hoping for monster fights going into 2014?

[@Assassin199410]

Versus Movie Next Please Toho

[@Darkgeran7]

Thank you my fellow believer I’ve been waiting for someone to say it with the effects at hey have now the possibility is great and has so much potential

[@dangit]

We are getting Godzilla x Kong The New Empire soon 👀

[@Darkgeran7]

@@dangit he means Toho they haven’t had a proper one in years

[@DMan1954]

As long as the MonsterVerse is around, I don't think there is a need for a Toho VS movie. That being said, I'm hoping Toho does something different with their next film. I'd love to see more than one monster again, but I hope the film would be an elevated VS film like GMK rather than many of the others.

[@no.0neofjungledream793]

Just saw Minus one last night and it was hands down one of the best godzilla films

[@DMan1954]

Glad you liked it!

[@davidabbott7270]

Godzilla has been and always will be a lesson to humanity that nuclear war and Armageddon are not the final solution. Godzilla was a warning to what we can do if we don't stop with creating weapons. Now what Godzilla can be is whatever you want him to be that's the brilliance of Godzilla. But we should never forget that he was initially a call to stop nuclear testing possible outcomes and threats if we continue.

[@lugialover2496]

With a 96% rating from critics and a 97% rating from audiences, that goes to show you how a Godzilla film SHOULD be made

[@oneyedthing]

I always wondered if Dman is somehow a secret agant of Toho

[@Godzilla00X]

I think we are perfectly balanced. Japan is getting so creative and putting out not only high quality film's but experimenting with anime and other mediums. USA on the other hand is embracing the silliness of the later Showa era and playing to Godzilla being a defender of earth. Both are valid interpretations of the character that honor their roots. A friendly rivalry also helps keep filmmakers on both sides to push Godzilla further.

[@jonservo]

I think you perfectly described why I was kind of disappointed with the 2014 Godzilla film. I enjoyed it for what it was but I was left unsatisfied by the loss of Bryan Cranston and the story turning back into a Godzilla hero film. I think it’s the problem the American Godzilla films will always have since they are controlled more by the corporate demands to appeal to large audiences. They are less willing to take chances, or go darker as it were. Toho has some requirements for Godzilla but they seem far more willing to let a director explore their vision for the character, particularly when it comes to the more distressing aspects of what Godzilla was originally and what he can be now

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

So....Gareth didn't have a vision? Neither did Michael? Neither did Adam?. You're saying this as if legendary limited what the directors could do (which is ironic cause toho actually DID limit what the director of the godzilla anime trilogy could do) and thus these 3 couldn't make the godzilla they wanted to make. Gareth gave us his godzilla, Michael and Adam liked it and simply expanded more on said version while adding their own stamps on the design. The MV isn't aiming for godzilla's original message, nor is it aiming for being as experimental as toho's reiwa era. The MV will do new things but not on the same experimental aspects as what toho does. Unfair to compare the two and expect legendary to do what toho is doing in all fashions

[@jonservo]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts I never said they didn’t have a vision. I think the directors did but I was making a point about how the movie we were initially advertised in 2014 seemed different than the one we got. When studios invest hundreds of millions of dollars they usually make changes or advise the director to include things to give the movie the most mass appeal. I think Edwards probably wanted to make a darker movie initially. He is on record saying he was jealous while watching Minus One. That leads me to think he probably had ideas he wasn’t able to execute completely when he made his film, but that’s just an assumption. Toho also has standards for what Godzilla can be (mostly because of 1998) but they do seem to take more chances in the story. The Godzilla Anime trilogy, Singular Point, Shin and Minus One are all very different from each other and even Godzilla changes a LOT outside of the standards Toho has for him. So yes I think it’s fair to say they give their directors more freedom to explore than Legendary does. The Legendary films are good but also follow a pretty standard formula. Just remember I’m not attacking the directors it’s just a critique of the corporate involvement in film production.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@jonservo Yes the trailers were indeed a bit misleading (only in terms of showing Joe/godzilla alot, trailers made it clear we were getting the same movie) and Gareth wasn't jealous about minus 1. He enjoyed that film, he simply said minus 1 did things he either couldn't do or didn't think to do. Legendary does give it's directors the options to change godzilla's design or however he is if they wanted to, but given how this is a cinematic universe, all 3 directors simply choose to not change him too much. That's not being limited, that's just choosing to not experiment much with him to maintain continuity. The reiwa era can get away with that when it's a anthology of different universes. One side is being traditional, the other experimental. Good to have both then to have one over the other since toho doesn't seem to be aiming for anything traditional (unless you count minus 1 as traditional) anytime soon besides the short films

[@jonservo]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts I think many people got the impression that Godzilla would be more of an antagonist from the trailers for 2014 and that Bryan Cranston would be the main character. It was still a serious film but they raised some expectations that weren't delivered on the way many thought they would be. I wasn't implying anything negative when I said Edwards was jealous, I was using the wording he used in his interview. I agree though that he was probably talking about things he didn't get to do in his movie. That's a fair point about the monster verse being a continuous series so it doesn't have the freedom to change as much as the Toho films. I do wish the other monsterverse films kept more to the tone of Edwards film. As the series progresses it seems to be getting more "Marvely" for lack of a better word. I enjoyed Edwards film and KOTM the most, but I'm kind of ambivalent to Godzilla x Kong. It was a good movie but at the same time it seems the films are becoming less and less serious and the trailer for the new film seems to be continuing this trend. I have a feeling, like most franchises these days, the studio execs are pushing the films to be more mass consumable to get the highest return on investment. Still we haven't seen it yet so The New Empire might have some pleasant surprises.

[@nathanieltose7653]

I see it as, Godzilla minus one gives us the more serious Godzilla, and monsterverse gives us the more goofy outlandish Godzilla, both can coexist, one doesn't invalidate the other, both are Godzilla

[@nadernajafi-kq1zb]

Wo❤❤❤❤❤😮😮😮😮😊😊😊very goooood and nice 👍 👌 😀 👏 😊

[@elliotgandersen]

I’ll agree to this well made movie.

[@masanomchannel9436]

how -1.0 slap hollywood

[@legendarygodzillatheking3049]

Bruh they should've used the oxygen destroyer in minus one!

[@DMan1954]

I’m very glad they didn’t

[@legendarygodzillatheking3049]

@@DMan1954 why? Them not using it is one of the many reasons why minus one is a very unfaithful remake to the original! And also one of the many why it sucked!

[@Kasar_Logic]

@@legendarygodzillatheking3049how the hell would a group of civilians be able to make an oxygen destroyer?

[@joeycoe85]

The problem with a Minus One SERIES is that THIS incarnation isn’t a force of nature like SHIN GOJI, or an antihero like Monsterverse GOJI. Even OG Godzilla wasn’t a villain. THIS GOJI wouldn’t play with other monsters, he wouldn’t fight them, he would just blow them up in the first few seconds b/c this GOJI is HORROR VILLAIN.

[@joeycoe85]

He’s actually most similar to GMK’s EVIL Godzilla. He understands what people are, and actively enjoys killing them. THIS Godzilla is SO MEAN, he’ll kill ANYTHING that crosses his path. The only real threat to him would be something close to Monsterverse GHIDORAH.

[@canislunaticus]

I like that the monsterverse brings up the issue of climate change, invasive species etc. Godzilla is still a force of nature, him and the other monsters are like a fever that the earth releases against threats

[@canislunaticus]

and godzilla in the monsterverse is a hero but not to humans, to earth. It's only perceived that he's on humanity's side when they have a common enemy but he's not afraid to take his wrath out on humanity should they get in his way.

[@canislunaticus]

also if we hadn't been given the monsterverse then Toho might've never given us minus one

[@Jayz457]

Minus One is a much better movie than shin. Shin is an okay movie nut Minus is a much greater. So I remember the humans of Shin no but I still remember what happened in March and that is tragic

[@anthonypalo8191]

Its got no expectations and critics as opposed to western godzilla. Imo it looks like mutant Barney.

[@jointcerulean3350]

Also remake of classics like gorgo and the beast from 20000 fathoms and such

[@GarathWolfe]

Godzilla legendary as the hero ,action film and the -1 being horror ,psychological .

[@damonlongstreet8630]

Micheal Dougherty: Godzilla only releases Health Radiation. This single handly removed all hype and respect i had for the Mv and considering whats come post kotm, glad i jumped ship.

[@DMan1954]

That very much is not a decision I agree with. I think Dougherty brought lots of fantastic ideas to the table, but that one didn’t land

[@lani7776]

D Man, Monarch Legacy of Monsters episode 10 was released, can you make a review on it?

[@DMan1954]

My reviews drop on Fridays to give people time to watch

[@davidspencer8373]

Like video

[@Godzilla-tu2cd]

Such a fantastic time to be a Goji fan 🔥🔥🔥. Also what do you think of the sh monstersarts Godzilla x Kong figures? Personally for me I say skip it. We'll be waiting for hiya. 14:39 on a human scale.

[@DMan1954]

The SHMA figures are very disappointing.

[@voltron3015]

I am a fan a of all variants of Godzilla, except for that terrible film in the 1998 movie. Great video, thank you!

[@thomasmaroney1892]

Another great video! By the way, what’re did you get those brightened shots of Godzilla from 2014? Are they from the 4k Blu-ray?

[@DMan1954]

They are from the 4K, but they are brightened in post

[@thomasmaroney1892]

Thanks!

[@caelandrada8422]

I just feel like the shin Godzilla is an acquired design. It’s just terrifying to look at. It’s so off putting. Having a poster in your room of it is partially terrifying when waking up and seeing it

[@levigifford3871]

Good analysis! Why do you think Godzilla 1984 is dated and not in the same league as Gojira (1954) or Minus One eveb though it went with a sinilar approach!

[@DMan1954]

That’s an interesting idea for a different day! To summarize my thoughts, there is a certain charm to being the first up to bat. Godzilla 1954 pioneered all of the techniques used in these films and so we give it a pass. It is also in black and white with high contrast and so the film has a powerful mood and atmosphere that make up for shortcomings or hide some of the VFX. Godzilla 1984 came out at a time when films were evolving rapidly and it was an impressive feat, but it can’t stand out against everything else in the long run. While they used incredible animatronics and miniatures, they were far from the first and so we had lots to compare it to. The cinematography doesn’t do the film any favors, as it’s very flat. Godzilla Vs Biollante came out only 5 years later and looks decades better than 84. That’s because they stripped back the scale to focus on what works rather than trying to use all the tools at their disposal. The movie is better shot and uses contrast to help hide some of the blemishes. There’s a lot else that plays into it for sure, but those are the biggest reasons.

[@Darkgeran7]

I need a versus film by toho BAD I know we have the gemstone and tribute short films but those are not movies

[@shadowfox8084]

I love toho Godzilla & legendary Godzilla

[@DMan1954]

Same here

[@Alzilla09]

Hear…Hear!

[@MonsoonProductionsCo]

Godzilla minus one showed many people just how much of a villain he is, brainwashed by westernized Godzillas with so many mistakes in but -1 is perfect for referencing the atomic bomb and effect on people which is what he is supposed to be.

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

Buddy no one is "brainwashed" 😂 so please get that bs out of here. Fans remember godzilla's original message and like both the MV and minus 1 for tackling both sides of godzilla's character. Only casuals who have the opportunities to watch gojira 1954 but choose to not do so because of how old the films is (which is a slightly petty but understandable reason to not watch it) were the ones shocked by how godzilla in minus 1 acted. Can't be brainwashed if casuals never bothered to ventured to watch toho's films til minus 1 despite having the accessibility to watch them

[@MonsoonProductionsCo]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts they saw westernized movies more authentic than the original is what im saying

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@MonsoonProductionsCo And that's on them for not venturing outside of just modern Hollywood movies from the past 30 years, not them being mind tricked by anything.

[@MonsoonProductionsCo]

@@Kaiju-bm4ts they were brainwashed that Godzilla isn’t supposed to be a villian

[@Kaiju-bm4ts]

@@MonsoonProductionsCo Again...how can they be brainwashed if they never ventured out to see other godzilla movies from Japan?. By your logic, people are brainwashed by the mcu for not knowing Gwen as spider Gwen (prior to spiderverse that is) when she simply either won't appear in the mcu or won't appear at all. Isn't brainwash if casuals ain't picking up comics to read on who this is or that is. Stop blaming something as dumb, petty and unrealistic as brainwashing to hide the fact casuals aren't fans and just aren't interested enough to seek out the Japanese films unless they want to become fans themselves

[@barrymccaulkiner7092]

Does anyone know if the US will get the Minus Color version?

[@DMan1954]

It's pretty unlikely

[@timjaeger6589]

Well we ended up getting it!