"Godzilla: Monster Planet" is an anime film that belongs to the Godzilla franchise, released in 2017. It marks the beginning of a trilogy of animated Godzilla films produced by Toho Animation and Polygon Pictures. The film was directed by Kobun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita.
The story of "Godzilla: Monster Planet" is set in the distant future, where humanity has been forced to abandon Earth after losing a battle against Godzilla and other monstrous creatures. Seeking refuge in space, humanity spends 20 years searching for a new habitable planet. Eventually, they decide to return to Earth, hoping to reclaim their homeland from Godzilla and his fellow monsters.
The protagonist of the film is Haruo Sakaki, a young soldier who lost his parents to Godzilla and is determined to seek revenge. Alongside other survivors, Haruo leads a mission to retake Earth from Godzilla's grasp. However, upon their return, they discover that Earth has changed drastically, and Godzilla's power has only grown stronger in their absence.
"Godzilla: Monster Planet" explores themes of survival, environmentalism, and the consequences of humanity's actions. It features intense action sequences, stunning animation, and epic battles between humans and monsters. The film also delves into the moral complexities of warfare and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of victory.
The release of "Godzilla: Monster Planet" was met with generally positive reviews, with praise for its unique take on the Godzilla mythos, its impressive animation, and its compelling storyline. The film's success led to the subsequent release of two sequels, forming a trilogy that concludes the story arc introduced in the first film.
Overall, "Godzilla: Monster Planet" offers an exciting and thought-provoking addition to the Godzilla franchise, blending traditional monster movie elements with futuristic science fiction themes to create a captivating viewing experience for fans of the genre.