Summary

• Director Takashi Yamazaki reveals Steven Spielberg's reaction to Godzilla Minus One.
• Spielberg enjoyed the film and praised its characters, with Yamazaki gifting him a Godzilla figure that made him happy.
• Godzilla Minus One achieved great success, earning critical acclaim with a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and $106.2 million at the box office. It also received an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects.

Takashi Yamazaki reveals how Hollywood icon Steven Spielberg reacted to Godzilla Minus One. Yamazaki is the director of the 2023 Godzilla movie, which is the latest Japanese feature about the iconic monster to be released by Toho. Set in post-war Japan, Godzilla Minus One shows the country in a new crisis when the monster, supercharged by the atomic bomb, starts taking over its cities.

Now, Yamazaki reveals Spielberg’s reaction to Godzilla Minus One. In a tweet from Yamazaki (translated by World of Reel), the director shared a picture of him with Spielberg. Yamazaki was floored by this interaction, saying that he was “seriously crying” for he had “met GOD.”

Yamazaki went on to reveal that Spielberg has seen Godzilla Minus One three times. Spielberg told him that “he liked the characters in the film.” Then, in a sweet moment, Yamazaki gave Spielberg “a Godzilla figure,” who was “so happy when he took it.”

Godzilla Minus One’s Success Explained

Godzilla Minus One has seen success in many areas

Upon its December 2023 release, Godzilla Minus One was met with massive success both critically and commercially. It currently holds a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes from both critics and audiences, positioning it as one of the highest-rated Godzilla movies ever made. At the box office, it brought in $106.2 million worldwide, including a significant chunk from U.S. audiences, which is an impressive feat for any international film.

Following the release of Godzilla Minus One, Toho also put out a black-and-white version of the film. The black-and-white print received a theatrical release, showing the staying power of the film as well as the artistry behind it. Godzilla Minus One was not just any monster film, but one with a distinct artistic vision.

Godzilla Minus One also received the honor of an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects. This recognition was also notable in that it marked the first time that a feature director was nominated for their visual effects work since Stanley Kubrick’s nomination for 2001: A Space Odyssey, as well as the Godzilla franchise's first nomination overall. Between these achievements and the praise from Spielberg, Godzilla Minus One has easily cemented itself as one of the most notable films of 2023.

Source: Takashi Yamazaki/Twitter (translated by World of Reel)