Shin Godzilla by Anno Hideaki

 Shin Godzilla is the 31th movie in the Godzilla franchise, after the original Godzilla film of 1954. And one of the SHIN trilogy together with the amazing Shin Kamen Rider. And Shin Ultraman, directed this time by Higuchi Shinji. Theatrically released on 29 July of 2016 and directed by both Gainax co-founders Anno Hideaki and by Higuchi Shinji. With a screenplay by Anno and FX by Iguchi is the third reboot in the saga. But that is not all from the Gainax Hall of Fame with Shirou Sagisu composing the soundtrack. Was the highest grossing Japanese produced Godzilla film before Godzilla Minus One set a new record for the beloved franchise in 2023. It’s a Japanese film in all means seen almost as a satire of home politics, geopolitics and bureaucracy. 

Anno Hideaki dealing with depression

 In 2012 Anno Hideaki was the curator of  Tokusatsu Special Effects Museum and Craftsmanship of Showa and Heisei Seen Through Miniatures. The exhibit held at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Tokyo featured props and costumes from many Tokusatsu productions for Cinema and TV. Anno and his studio Khara produce a short live-action film for the Exhibit. The official website is still on these days and worth a peek!. The film “A Giant Warrior Descends on Tokyo” featured the Warrior God from Miyazaki Hayao’s Nausicaa of the Valley of Winds destroying the Japanese capital in all Tokusatsu glory style which brought Toho’s attention for a future Godzilla production. 

 Anno Hideaki has been open about his struggles with depression. Even before Neon Genesis Evangelion as after the end of the series and what brought him to make Death of Evangelion. This time after completing Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo he stated “Toho contacted me interested in making a NEW Godzilla movie. But at the time I was still recovering myself from EVA 3.0 so I refused. I didn’t have the confidence”. 

Anno Hideaki at the premiere of Shin Godzilla in July 2016
Anno Hideaki at the premiere of Shin Godzilla in July 2016

Higuchi Shinji and his views on environment preservation

 It was Higuchi Shinji who convinced him to accept the offer and join efforts to reboot the franchise once again. The co-director expressed the contention to create “the most terrifying Godzilla that Japan has ever seen”. And the first incarnation of the creature running through Tokyo would make you agree that he succeeded. 

 The movie not only criticised Japanese politicians but also environmental preservers. Some Western critics have noted how the ecologists are almost ignored when asking the government to keep Godzilla alive as a unique specimen for studying. In my opinion a clear reflection of Higuchi’s support for the whaling industry. He even appeared in the 2023 documentary film by Yagi Keiko Behind the Cove. The pro whaling feature claims the necessity of whaling in order to control the marine ecosystem and prevent the decline of fish stock. Higuchi remarked “Godzilla is closely connected to whales and environmental issues”. 

Director and Tokusatsu legend Higuchi Shinji
Director and Tokusatsu legend Higuchi Shinji. Long time companion of Anno Hideaki since the dawn of Gainax

Shin Godzilla: A film for Neon Genesis Evangelion fans

 You are probably gonna feel at home as a long time Neon Genesis Evangelion fan. The black computer screens with orange graphics and data on. The breaks in the scenes when everybody speaks makes you feel the time running. The pragmatism of the politicians talking about the Monster crisis or the way missiles impact against it and waits a second to explode. And of course the score by Shirou Sagisu featuring a new version of “Decisive Battle”. First time you’ll hear the timpani drums announcing Godzilla your heart is going to get into red alert remembering the Angels coming over the GeoFront in Neon Genesis Evangelion. 

 A lot here as well for the Militia Otaku. Godzilla being attacked by B2 Spirits stealth bombers and F2 fighters is something to watch. The same way with the Predator and Reaper drones. It is a great movie not only for Godzilla fans. And the first reboot by Anno Hideaki and Higuchi Shinji who later brought new life to Tokusatsu Classics with Shin Kamen Rider (the only one without Higuchi) and Shin Ultraman.

 Shin Godzilla became the highest grossing live action Japanese film of 2016. And the second highest grossing film after Makoto Shinkai’s acclaimed Your Name.