Shin Godzilla is the 31st movie in the Godzilla series and redefines the legend of the monster for the next generation. The movie is directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi and brings an electrifying, dark take on Godzilla, unlike any seen before. Released on July 29, 2016, in Japan, Shin Godzilla became an instant cultural phenomenon, critical acclaim, international attention, and box-office success.
Movie Reviews
Shin Godzilla received rave reviews in Japan, where audiences appreciated the film’s commentaries on politics and society, fresh special effects, and Hideaki Anno’s direction. Japanese critics have appreciated the ability of the film to portray the horrors and destruction left by natural disasters, especially those after 2011’s Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. the film was also appreciated for its timely commentary on Japan’s own political system through its portrayal of bureaucratic inefficiency and governmental response to a catastrophic crisis.
The Western critics were mixed on the issue. Some praised its fresh take on the narrative of Godzilla, especially its unique ways of portraying Godzilla’s evolving forms and the social critique imbedded in the story. Others criticized it for its slower pace and lack of the monster action that most people had gotten accustomed to in a Godzilla movie.
Despite the mixed reviews worldwide, Shin Godzilla grossed $79.3 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing live-action Japanese film of 2016.
Cast & Release Date
There are great ensemble casts, starting with Hiroki Hasegawa playing the role of Rando Yaguchi, Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary, who finds himself centrally involved in handling the Godzilla situation. Yutaka Takenouchi plays Hideki Akasaka, the aide to the Prime Minister, and Satomi Ishihara plays Kayoco Anne Patterson, the Special Envoy for the United States.
Shin Godzilla opened in Shinjuku, Japan, on July 25, 2016, and was released throughout the country on July 29, 2016. Internationally, the film opened in limited release in a number of countries, causing great excitement among Godzilla fans and new viewers alike.
Trailer & Plot
The trailer of Shin Godzilla kept people in suspense with its ominous tone, and they saw Godzilla’s terrifying rise to power and the chaos that erupted thereafter as Japan tried to wrestle with its monstrous enemy. The movie is on a sudden appearance of this enormous creature, Godzilla, which transforms into multiple other beings and becomes more destructive every time it appears. The film reveals the human side of catastrophe in terms of politics as it reflects upon the challenges the Japanese government undergoes in trying to stop the creature.
The plot centers upon misfit officials in the government trying to find a cure to the monster’s terrifying rampage as led by Godzilla. Whereby, Godzilla begins transforming from the attack it suffers – turning stronger and more aggressive – each time. Added on to the formula and now a hallmark of Shin Godzilla: this constant evolution introduced elements of unpredictability raising stakes for the characters at every turn of events within an attempt to neutralize Godzilla within a limited timeframe.
Shin Godzilla Forms
The most distinctive feature about Shin Godzilla is its depiction of Godzilla in his multiple forms. Contrary to films where Godzilla would be portrayed as a constant, singular entity, this film presents the creature undergoing rapid change and evolving through various forms during the entire movie. The design for each of the forms that Godzilla evolves into is both grotesque and unsettling in nature and grows more monstrous as the story unfolds.
The last form, often called the “5th form,” is particularly a horrific look for Godzilla in the film, with its grotesque, mutated design and a bloated body with multiple eyes. This is a far cry from the traditional look of Godzilla, and it is therefore one of the most memorable and frightening interpretations of this character.
Songs and Soundtrack
The soundtrack for Shin Godzilla was created by Shirō Sagisu, who worked on the soundtrack for the Evangelion series. The score made the film more tense and dramatic, with orchestral themes underscoring the horror and scale of the disaster. Using dissonant, minimalistic music gives off an atmosphere of dread that permeates through the film, making every Godzilla even more ominous.
Film Location
Shin Godzilla was mostly shot on location in various parts of Japan, with Tokyo being the primary background. The movie captures the scale of destruction when the capital city is destroyed by Godzilla’s rampage, both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Many of the iconic landmarks in Tokyo, such as the Tokyo Tower, are shown in ruins, which adds to the realism and the extent of destruction.
Where to Watch Shin Godzilla
Shin Godzilla can be streamed on several streaming services. Although it was initially released in theaters in the United States and other countries with limited runs, it is now available for home viewing.
Where to Stream Shin Godzilla
For those interested in streaming, Shin Godzilla is available on Amazon Prime Video and Vudu in selected regions. The movie can be rented or bought through the online store. Availability varies, so regional streaming services should be checked to ensure the film’s availability in the area of interest.
Shin Godzilla 5th Form
The “5th form” of Godzilla is one of the most unappealing and unique designs ever created for the creature, and this is within the franchise. It appears during the final act of the film. It is grotesque in appearance with a towering silhouette, with a bloated body that seems deformed, multiple glowing red eyes, and an immense tail that is like an enormous weapon. This evolution is Godzilla’s last, and one could say it is proof that the film was able to successfully create a Godzilla both horrifying and alien, hence very different from all the rest of the series.
Conclusion
Shin Godzilla will always be an original work for the Godzilla franchise: reshaping the monster within modern fear and social contexts. Coupled with incredible visuals and a powerful political statement, a newfound approach to Godzilla’s form and development, Shin Godzilla sets a landmark for kaiju films. A classic fan of the Godzilla franchise or a new one, the movie promises an unforgettable thrilling experience.
