Godzilla: The Planet Eater

Godzilla: The Planet Eater is an intriguing 2018 animated science fiction film directed by Kôbun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita. The movie features the voices of renowned Japanese actors such as Mamoru Miyano, Takahiro Sakurai and Kana Hanazawa. This film is the final installment in Toho's animated Godzilla trilogy, and is an exemplification of top-notch animation and unique storytelling that carries forward the legacy of the Godzilla franchise.

As the finale to the trilogy that started with Godzilla: Planet of the Monsters and continued in Godzilla: City on the Edge of Battle, The Planet Eater takes a distinct and enthralling turn. Aiming to give an exciting conclusion to the trilogy, scriptwriter Gen Urobuchi weaves a complex web of science fiction, fantasy, and human drama.

The movie unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting where planet Earth has been dominated by Godzilla for 20,000 years. The protagonist, a young man named Haruo Sakaki, voiced by Mamoru Miyano, has been on a relentless pursuit to defeat Godzilla, an ancient cyborg beast that had previously eradicated the human civilization. Haruo is a character of determination, and Miyano's voice acting lends a depth and intensity to his character that compliments his indomitable spirit.

Takahiro Sakurai gives voice to Metphies, an alien priest of the Exif tribe who plays a significant role in the film as the emotional anchor for Haruo. Metphies is enigmatic and carries an air of existential wisdom. His journey throughout the film wrestling with existential concepts and philosophical quandaries brings an added complexity to this thrilling movie.

Kana Hanazawa voices Yuko Tani, a formidable and strong-willed female protagonist who battles alongside Haruo. The strong rapport between Haruo and Yuko presents a layer of human, emotional story amidst a backdrop of high-octane science fiction.

Kôbun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita have masterfully directed the movie, providing beautiful visuals and building suspense throughout each scene. The attention to detail is breathtaking, and the combination of ground-breaking animation and engaging storyline makes this film perfect for both Godzilla enthusiasts and newcomers to the franchise.

In Godzilla: The Planet Eater, Godzilla itself is an imposing figure with a terrifying aura. The animation is eloquently expressive and presents the classic monster in a whole new light. Contrasted with Godzilla's brute strength is the spiritual nature of the kaiju Ghidorah, one of the key opposing figures in the story. Ghidorah's portrayal in The Planet Eater is different from the conventional depiction in other Godzilla movies. This time, Ghidorah is not just another adversary, but its presence brings about a sense of celestial dread and inevitable doom that raises the stakes of the movie higher than ever before.

The sci-fi element of the movie goes beyond mere monster battles; it delves into the realms of existentialism and philosophical conundrums. The film pushes the boundaries of what is typical for the Godzilla franchise and truly challenges the viewer to think.

Asuka Tsuchiya's music in the film provides an indispensable audio backdrop, bolstering the atmospheric world of the Planet Eater. His composition resonates with the thrilling ups and downs of the movie, perfectly mingling with the operatic frames of the storytelling.

In all, Godzilla: The Planet Eater is not just a culmination of Toho Animation's Godzilla trilogy; it's a narrative-rich movie that adds new layers and depth to the conventional Godzilla storyline. From the strong character arcs voiced by some of Japan's top actors to the existential philosophies, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of narrative and visual delights. It's a fitting end for the trilogy and a must-watch for fans of Godzilla or high-concept animation.