Since returning to the big screen years ago, Godzilla has treated moviegoers to mind-blowing adventures. Whether he’s protecting Earth in the Monsterverse or terrorizing Tokyo in Godzilla: Minus One. One of the best stories came from Toho Pictures’ 2016 film, Shin Godzilla. It returns the King of the Monsters to his city-stomping roots while adding a twist. Despite achieving critical success in Japan, the movie wasn’t well received in the United States. But could that change when Shin Godzilla hits theaters again next month?
Recapping the Story of Shin Godzilla
Shin Godzilla is a horror-themed reconceptualization of the King of the Monsters’ origins. The story begins when a massive aquatic creature, obviously Godzilla, appears in Tokyo Bay. Before long, the kaiju crawls onto land and rampages throughout the city. Things soon take a turn when Godzilla evolves, taking on a bipedal terrestrial form. The Japanese and American governments join forces to stop the monster, but their attempts fail. Nevertheless, they must stop their shared foe before it’s too late.
Returning to Theaters Soon
Directed by Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, Shin Godzilla achieved massive acclaim. It won several Japanese Academy Awards for categories such as sound, editing, lighting, and music. The movie also became the highest-grossing Japanese Godzilla flick before Godzilla: Minus One premiered. Audiences adored the film’s exploration of politics and environmental issues. American critics, unfortunately, weren’t impressed with its pacing and the titular kaiju’s design.
However, it appears Shin Godzilla will get a second chance to impress Western moviegoers. It’s stomping and roaring back into theaters next month, but in an impressive 4K resolution! It’ll also be re-released in Japanese with English subtitles and renewed text cards. Because of Minus One, there’s a high chance U.S. fans will accept the movie more. Only time will tell if the film triumphs or goes back into obscurity.
Final Thoughts
I’m happy to hear Shin Godzilla is getting another opportunity to captivate American fans. It honestly surprises me that this movie wasn’t received well in the States. But there’s little doubt in my mind that fans will love it now. I sadly haven’t seen the film yet, despite being a Godzilla fan my entire life. And I know I’d love to see it if it comes to my hometown. Hopefully, on August 14, you fellow kaiju enthusiasts will do the same.
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