Move review – Godzilla

Move review – Godzilla   **

 

The film is a visual depiction of a computer-generated monster called ‘Godzilla’ that wreaks havoc wherever it goes. It is the second Godzilla film by an American studio which has come after a gap of 16 years.

In the film, the monster ‘Godzilla’ is not shown just as personification of terror but it represents the wrath of nature. Godzilla is shown as a giant monster that smashes stuff that comes in its way. Set up with the theme of man vs nature where Godzilla represents the nature, it is shown that man can’t win against nature.

Godzilla begins in Japan. An American nuclear scientist Joe Brody (Bryan Cranston) and his wife Sandra (Juliette Binoche) work for Janjira nuclear plant, whilst their son Ford (CJ Adams) attends school close by. A seismic reaction, thought to be an earthquake, soon levels the plant. An accident happens in the nuclear plant. Joe has to close the door to stop radiation from coming out which will endanger the whole city. Sandra gets trapped inside and is dead. Time lapse of 15 years and we see Joe’s son  Ford (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), works in United States navy and is married to nurse Elle (Elizabeth Olsen).

All is well till Ford comes to know that his father Joe has been arrested in Japan. He goes to Japan to help his father. Joe convinces Ford to come with him to Janjira. There they discover evidence of a cover-up and are soon taken into custody, where it is revealed that a massive chrysalis has appeared in the remains of the nuclear power plant. The chrysalis soon hatches and unleashes a gigantic winged creature which flies off. In this chaos, Joe is wounded and dies. And destruction follows after this until the end when Ford is reunited with his wife Elle and son.

With mind-boggling visuals and original soundtrack, Godzilla succeeds in mesmerizing the audiences. The roar of Godzilla has been revamped for this movie. On logic front, the film is questionable at some moments. The story revolves around human characters at start but after the entry of Godzilla, it becomes a story of Godzilla. Much of the focus has been kept on the monster instead of the human characters and their progression. Godzilla is special effects driven movie which has placed emphasis on the visuals to make it a grander cinematic experience. Only time will tell whether the film will be able to retain emotional connect with its viewers.

Produced by:    Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures

Director:          Gareth Edwards

Cast:                Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe,

                        Elizabeth Olsen, Juliette Binoche, Sally Hawkins,

                        David Strathairn, Bryan Cranston