Unlike other versions in the Monsterverse universe of Hollywood, Godzilla Except One is an independent work produced entirely by the Japanese team, imbued with the spirit of Asian cinema.
The film is set in the post-war period, when Japan was still immersed in pain and loss. Godzilla, in this appearance, is depicted not only as a destructive monster but also a symbol of the nation's nuclear fear and painful memories.
Director Takashi Yamazaki has built the film with a humanistic depth, incorporating philosophies of sin, redemption and humanity in the midst of disaster. The main character Koichi Shikishima - a plane crasher who survived the war - represents the desire to atone for past mistakes, when he has to face a disaster named Godzilla.
Despite a production budget of only about 15 million USD, the film has created a global phenomenon with a revenue of more than 114 million USD and is highly appreciated by international critics. The work received 99% points from experts and 98% from the audience on Rotten Tomatoes, considered the "Best film about Godzilla in history". At the 2024 Oscars, Godzilla Except One won the Best Choreography award - a historic milestone for Japanese cinema.
The film impressed with the combination of grand special effects and touching stories. The scenes of Godzilla rising from the ocean, spreading heat and destroying Tokyo are elaborately staged but still maintain a realistic look, evoking a creepy feeling. Mixed between the fierce frames is the story of a small but resilient person, creating strong and different emotions compared to Western versions.
The film Godzilla Except One is currently showing in cinemas nationwide, giving the audience the opportunity to enjoy the Oscar-winning blockbuster right on the big screen.
