Is this the finest Godzilla movie ever made? It’s certainly the most intelligent.

There are numerous lengthy stretches of dialogue here with much in the way of in-depth discussion about the science behind the beast, the socioeconomic impact of its rampage, various bits of political wheeler-dealing and the (understandable) longstanding Japanese stigma around nuclear energy. However, the cumulative effect is utterly gripping and relentlessly paced. I love the snappy way in which these scenes are edited together.

There’s no shortage of SFX work here either. The CGI is over-obvious at times but the shots are composed with a sense of anime-style artistry that looks great regardless.

It’s a superb film - and quintessentially Japanese to the point where a scientific solution cleverly involves the use of origami.