bunderwood7878

Civil War (2024). Alex Garland is a very talented writer and director, but he's made something of a misstep here by tackling such a hot button issue and having absolutely nothing to say about it. We follow a group of rather unlikeable photojournalists as they cross a dystopian near future America to reach Washington DC before rebel factions get there. Garland has, somewhat understandably but frustratingly, chosen not to reveal what lead to this fallout and, crucially, pins no blame and offers no commentary. There are some chilling and visceral scenes but there's no one to root for or care about. Oliver Stone dealt with something similar with his 1995 film 'Natural Born Killers', which I don't particularly like, but it did have an undeniable energy and style couple with an aggressive point of view. It perhaps says something of the times we live in where this film, 'Civil War', contains little that is surprising or informative.

Set at the end of World War 2 and Japan is defeated and in ruins. Our protagonist is Koichi, a pilot who returns to his devastated hometown in Tokyo. He is unwelcome and guilt ridden for sneaking out of a kamikaze raid in the pacific. Japan is at its lowest point and then Godzilla arrives.

This is a brilliant setup for this period story that sees a country without the military might, technology and morale to face this new enemy. The film also leans into the drama and emotion that made the first film so iconic and sets it apart from the family fun films of the 70s and 80s as well as the recent American blockbuster treatments. My Japanese is not good enough to understand all of the film so there will be lots that I didn't get. However it manages to be a strong, emotional story with a scary and ferocious Godzilla. In my mind it is far superior to Shin Godzilla which I found dull and goofy. This is the best Godzilla film in many years and perhaps the best since the 1954 original.