The highly anticipated sequel to the critically acclaimed Godzilla Minus One has arrived, with early screenings generating a wave of positive reactions across social media and professional reviews. Titled Godzilla Minus Zero, the film is written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki, who helmed the 2023 epic that grossed over $100 million globally on a $15 million budget and secured an Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 2024. While the movie had its world premiere at the New York Film Festival on September 26, legendary studio Toho organized additional press screenings this week ahead of its Centerpiece gala at the Tokyo International Film Festival on November 1.
The narrative picks up two years after the events of the first film, where war reduced Japan to zero and Godzilla plunged it into minus. According to a synopsis from Toho, the country has faced agonizing struggles to recover and reclaim daily life. Just as humanity clings to hard-won peace, a new threat strikes, crushing hope instantly with the promise that there is no third time and everything ends here. The film features returning cast members Ryunosuke Kamiki, Minami Hamabe, Hidetaka Yoshioka, and Kuranosuke Sasaki, joined by newcomers Min Tanaka and Masami Nagasawa. Notably, Godzilla Minus Zero is the first-ever Japanese production to be filmed specifically for IMAX, with all shooting taking place in Japan.
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a "radioactive blast" after viewing it at NYFF, praising Yamazaki for topping the spectacle of his previous work. Rooney highlighted the exhilarating action and intense sequences, noting a specific scene where Godzilla bears down on a seaplane attempting a hurried liftoff left him breathless. Currently, the film holds a 92 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 50 reviews, a 78 on Metacritic, and a 4-star rating on Letterboxd.
Audience reactions on social media have echoed these sentiments, with many comparing the sequel to The Dark Knight in terms of intensity and emotional depth. Viewers have praised the film for balancing dramatic human stories with large-scale monster action, with some calling it the "Godfather Part 2" to the first film's "Godfather." Specific praise has been directed toward the depiction of King Ghidorah, described by fans as potentially the best version of the character to date, particularly in daytime scenes that allow for clear visibility from various angles. While some observers note a shift from the post-war trauma focus of the original toward sheer destruction and spectacle, the consensus is that the film delivers an emotionally charged experience with breathtaking visual effects that demand to be seen on the biggest screens possible. The movie is scheduled for theatrical release in Japan on November 3 and in North America on November 6.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.