About Me
On Wednesday 21 May 2014
How convenient it is that most awesome movies are released now that I'm in my holidays. This particular one is in my list of must see films and I must say...it. Was. Incredible!
I definitely grew up watching Kaiju shows which mostly consists of the Ultraman franchise. However, I'm not at all familiar with Godzilla; of what he's legacy stands for. Heck, it boggles my mind as to how does a monster versus monster story could be ever so popular. Obviously, this is an influence from Ultraman; seeing that at least the hero has more flexibility within the costume. The limited movement of the Kaiju's suit really leaves not much room for variety in fighting. Fortunately, Gareth Edwards take on this one sucked me in so deep; I've automatically proclaim myself a legitimate Kaiju fanatic...to a certain extent, of course. Thus, let's continue to the review.
Force of nature!
It's surprising that there were efforts in telling a story because the overall premise, at first glance, seems to demand another explosive popcorn flick. Unfortunately, it did produced negative opinions which I totally disagree based on their illiterate perspectives. This is the flare of passion that drives me to write this as most fails to see what Godzilla actually is in this film. From a perspective, this is a disaster film; Godzilla and the Mutos are representation of Tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and so on. Mankind can only bear witness this monstrosity and save themselves. That is how the Kaijus and man is portrayed; series of search and rescue missions while Godzilla goes hunting. That's it. It's also very intriguing that the Mutos are portrayed as a mother and her offspring; highlighting that we're just witnessing one of nature's beautiful event. It's like watching Sea Turtles laying eggs but mankind is in it's way. It's amazing that if you look at it at a different perspective, mankind and Godzilla are actually the villains who disrupts the phenomenon. Godzilla is nothing more than a hunter but yet we're left with so many questions of his habitat. Why did he hunt the Mutos? Like them, he eats radiation. From here, you're venturing in the thoughts of a zoologist; yearning to learn more of this creature's secret.
Mankind's journey
To consider the negative thoughts of that there weren't much of Godzilla in the film, it's understandable that the human characters aren't as appealing. Aaron Taylor-Johnson (whom played as Lieutenant Ford Brody) didn't meet up to the bars that Bryan Cranston (played as his father, Scientist Joe Brody) created. His character was softly written to reflect how mankind is affected; not presented in an obvious or preachy manner. Sadly, Aaron couldn't really deliver as much as the fans wanted because people nowadays really invests themselves with character developments in films. It's a shame that Bryan Cranston's character died because it seemed that he was the spark of the movie though it is understandable to why he had to go. Scientist's Joe Brody's death represents a legacy that his father left for his son; a problem or a solution. It's up to you to decide although I thought of it as a problem at first. Then I love how Ford Brody ventures on and meets people that represents the drastic effect of the disaster had done. The public whom are reflected as a lost boy in a train; painting that innocence feeling to the audience. Then Brody ventures on to the military, as he is a Lieutenant himself, and discovers the demands and burden that those people had to go. It reminded me of the state of economy; always ever changing and demands so much from the people whom are involved. This film had it's fair share of awesome quotes and this one describe this theme very well.
"I guess we're monster hunters now"
-Sergeant Tre Morales-
The Brody family is also a, somewhat, easy way to engage with the audience; associating by putting themselves in the situation. Instead of having man versus monster, the final fight had the soldiers trying to diffuse a nuclear bomb while Godzilla faces the Mutos; letting nature takes it course and stopping it is futile as it only creates more problems. They're fixing their own mistake. Indeed, the human aspect of the story is detailed but softly written.
Painting the canvas
This is the layer that makes both Godzilla and the film itself all the more unique. How do you give character to an animal? This is no cartoon where it can talk or have more humanly expression. It's the same principal that I've noticed while watching WWE. To really sell a wrestler, he/she needs charisma; having a unique way to communicate with the audience. Somewhere along the way, some wrestlers--most of them being big power house--don't have that natural ability. So, what do you do? They usually give these monsters managers to talk for them. Like Paul Heyman to Brock Lesnar (Whom I really hate right now!) or Paul Bearer to Undertaker, Dr. Ishiro Serizawa speaks for Godzilla. Ken Watanabe's character speaks of his scientific findings and of the mythology; giving the audience an idea of who Godzilla is. Godzilla brings balance to world. How do we know that? We don't. It's a perspective to consider and that makes the story wider in subtext. He even has the best line of the movie.
Admiral William "This alpha predator of yours, doctor, do you really think he has a chance?"
Dr. Ishiro "The arrogance of men is thinking nature is in their control and not the other way around"
"Let them fight"
Another argument is the lack of action from Godzilla and I appreciate it due to the perspectives that's shown. But to consider the action part of it though, I was freaking excited in the final battle. Final battles in movies are often not engaging as we tend to get ahead of the story. Gareth Edwards somehow created a hype to this battle; teasing us with brief conflicts between Kaijus. And when we finally see it, we get all pump up! I was going crazy when Godzilla actually had fire breath! Oh man, I so wanna buy a Godzilla toy!
Verdict
Ratings are just numbers and the true benefit from watching films is to imagine and learn many things. While I would suggest previous movies which are Captain Philips and Gravity, Godzilla is not the kind I would recommend for everyone. I must admit, it's not universal. That's the fairest thing I can say. To conclude, I give Godzilla a solid 5/5! The last film had this rating was Walter Mitty and Toy Story 3! The simple representation of humanity really shows the dedication in storytelling but it's the mythology of Godzilla and his force of nature that captured my imagination and passion. Now, I'm wondering if I should review Godzilla 1998.
Thanks and Salam readers!
