Heroes of Science Fiction and Fantasy: Sci fi, Sci fi podcast, Science Fiction, sci-fi tales, sci-fi podcast, science fiction movie, comics, fantasy book · Doc

E:39 Godzilla Minus One (2023) A Science Fiction Movie, Beserk the Manga, Sci fi, Science fiction, Sci-fi talk, Science fiction podcast, sci-fi, sci-fi podcast, science fiction movie, science fiction film

·33 min·3 clips

Godzilla Minus One is the highest-rated Godzilla film ever, but the host almost dismissed it as overhyped.

This episode of Heroes of Science Fiction and Fantasy focuses on the 2023 film *Godzilla Minus One*. Host Doc analyzes the movie's plot, production, and critical reception. The episode also includes a brief review of the manga *Berserk* and segments of audio drama. Doc notes the film opens with kamikaze pilot Koichi Shikishima diverting to an island where mechanic Tachibana implies he fabricated engine trouble. Godzilla attacks the island, and Shikishima freezes, failing to fire his plane's guns, which leads to the mechanics' deaths. Returning to a devastated Tokyo, Shikishima is shamed by a neighbor for surviving his duty. He reluctantly takes in a homeless woman named Noriko and an orphaned baby girl named Akiko. Shikishima takes a dangerous job on a wooden minesweeper called the *Shinseimaru* to clear post-war naval mines. He works with a crew including Captain Akitsu, Mizushima, and a younger sailor nicknamed Kid. The host cites that the film cost between $10-15 million to produce and grossed $116 million worldwide. Director Takashi Yamazaki set the story in post-war Japan and included historical military vessels like the destroyer *Yukikaze*. Yamazaki aimed to create the deadliest Godzilla, whose blue atomic breath requires a charging period reminiscent of the wave motion gun from *Star Blazers*. A key insight is that water simulation work by Tatsuji Nojima inspired the director to expand the film's oceanic climax. The film holds a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an "A" CinemaScore. Doc contrasts *Godzilla Minus One* with *Godzilla vs. Kong: The New Empire*, which he states he did not enjoy and thus did not cover. He then shares his first experience reading manga, having initially attempted to read *Berserk* backwards. He explains *Berserk*, by Kentaro Miura, is a dark fantasy series with over 60 million copies in circulation. The episode's tone is conversational and enthusiastic, blending film analysis with personal anecdote. Doc's style is informal, directly addressing the listener with clear opinions. Listeners interested in deep dives into acclaimed modern kaiju films or the creative decisions behind them would enjoy this episode. Those seeking a purely objective, critical review or who dislike host digressions into personal stories might prefer to skip.

As heard by us

A patient look at why Godzilla Minus One wins over a skeptical first reaction.

Doc frames Episode 39 around survival, wartime damage, and the mine-clearing job, which gives Godzilla Minus One a harder edge than a simple spectacle piece.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

For a grounded take on why Godzilla Minus One earned its praise.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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