Godzilla 2000: Millennium is a 1999 Japanese science fiction kaiju film produced by Toho.
The movie is directed by Takao Okawara and written by Hiroshi Kashiwabara and Wataru Mimura.
It is the 24th installment in the Godzilla franchise and the first film in the Millennium series.
The movie features Godzilla, a giant monster that is awakened from its slumber by a UFO that crashes into the ocean.
The UFO is revealed to be a spaceship piloted by an extraterrestrial race known as the Millennians, who seek to take over Earth by using their advanced technology to create a new body for their leader, Orga, using Godzilla’s DNA.
The film stars Takehiro Murata as Shinoda, the leader of the Godzilla Prediction Network, a group of scientists who monitor Godzilla’s movements.
The cast also includes Hiroshi Abe as Katagiri, a government official who seeks to capture Godzilla, and Naomi Nishida as reporter Yuki Ichinose.
Plot Summary
In Godzilla 2000: Millennium, the legendary monster returns to wreak havoc on Japan once again.
The film begins with a group of scientists led by Yuji Shinoda (Takehiro Murata) investigating an unusual meteorite that has crashed into the ocean near Tokyo.
As they examine the object, they discover that it is actually a spaceship belonging to a race of advanced extraterrestrial beings.
However, their excitement is short-lived, as they soon realize that the ship’s pilot, a creature known as Orga, has survived the crash and is now on a rampage in the city.
Meanwhile, Godzilla also makes his presence known, drawn to the area by the strange energy emanating from the meteorite. As the two monsters clash, it becomes clear that Orga has a sinister agenda – to absorb Godzilla’s DNA and become the ultimate weapon.
The film culminates in a dramatic showdown between the two creatures, with the fate of Tokyo hanging in the balance. Will Godzilla emerge victorious, or will Orga succeed in his mission to destroy the city and claim the title of King of the Monsters?
Throughout the film, viewers are treated to stunning visual effects and thrilling action sequences, as well as a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and the natural world. With its compelling storyline and unforgettable characters, Godzilla 2000: Millennium is a must-see for fans of the iconic kaiju franchise.
Production Details
Godzilla 2000: Millennium, directed by Takao Okawara, features a cast of Japanese actors. The film stars Takehiro Murata as the protagonist, Shinoda, a scientist who studies Godzilla. Hiroshi Abe plays the role of his assistant, while Naomi Nishida plays Shinoda’s daughter. Other notable cast members include Takeo Nakahara, Mayu Suzuki, and Shiro Sano.
The character design for Godzilla 2000 was done by Hideo Okamoto. Glen Chin was responsible for the voice casting of the US version. The film’s music was composed by Takayuki Hattori.
Release and Reception
Godzilla 2000: Millennium was released in Japanese theaters by Toho on December 11, 1999. TriStar Pictures produced an edited English-dubbed version of the film, titled Godzilla 2000, which was released in American theaters on August 18, 2000.