I’m Not Convinced With How Godzilla Stands In The Middle Of The Ocean

Godzilla Minus One offers somewhat of an explanation for how the titular monster stands upright in the middle of the ocean, but I am still not convinced about how it achieves this feat. Boasting an almost perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 98%, Godzilla Minus One is a visually stunning and narratively sound addition to the overarching Godzilla franchise. Since its release, Godzilla Minus One has not only garnered acclaim from viewers and critics but has also won several accolades, including the Oscar for Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards.

Apart from being appreciated for its immersive portrayal of Kaiju, Godzilla Minus One has also revived an age-old discussion surrounding the titular monster’s ability to stand upright on water bodies. The Japanese movie is not the first to portray this strange Kaiju ability. However, since it features many scenes where the monster is standing vertically on the water with ease despite its colossal size, I, like everyone, cannot help but question the logic behind it. I understand it is a fictional movie about a fantastical monster, but it is still fun to theorize based on what the movie offers.

Godzilla Being Buoyant Explains How He Seems To Stand In The Ocean

Godzilla Has A Natural Ability To Float

Fortunately, Godzilla Minus One tries to explain how the monster achieves the physics-defying feat. In a sequence from the film, a character, Kenji Noda, formulates a plan that involves using real science to reduce the density of water, which would eventually sink Godzilla by reducing its relative buoyancy. Put simply, the movie scene implies that Godzilla is naturally buoyant. While Godzilla being buoyant perfectly explains why it is able to move underwater the way it does, it is still a little scientifically implausible for him to stand vertical when factors like its center of gravity are considered.

Why The Explanation For Godzilla’s Ability To Stand In The Middle Of The Ocean Isn’t Satisfying

It Does Not Allign To Well With The Laws Of Physics, But There Can Still Be An Explanation

A buoyant object experiences an upward force in the water, which counteracts its weight and allows it to stay afloat. However, buoyancy alone does not guarantee the stability of an object. Godzilla may be able to naturally float on water but should logically tip over quite easily because its center of gravity should lie somewhere in its torso or chest based on its body’s structure. However, if given some scientific leeway, one can explain how the creature stands vertically over a water body. For instance, one theory offers a fairly plausible explanation by speculating that Godzilla has a swim bladder.

Also known as a fish maw, a swim bladder is a gas-filled organ that allows several aquatic species to control the level of their buoyancy. Owing to its dorsal position, the bladder can even further move an aquatic animal’s center of mass to the bottom, allowing it to stabilize itself in a relatively more upright position. Apart from having a stabilizing bladder, Godzilla also probably uses its massive webbed feet and tail to tread water. Given how Godzilla Minus One or any other films featuring the creature do not delve into these details, I am willing to give them the benefit of the doubt and believe Godzilla’s buoyancy makes sense.

Godzilla Minus One

Godzilla Minus One is the first Godzilla film released by Toho since 2016’s Shin Godzilla. Minus One is a reimagining of the original 1954 Godzilla and takes the franchise back to its roots by exploring the harsh life of post-war Japan. The story follows Koichi Shikishima, a failed kamikaze pilot, who struggles with survivor guilt as a giant monster attacks the city.

Director

Takashi Yamazaki

Release Date

December 1, 2023

Studio(s)

Toho Studios , Robot

Distributor(s)

Toho Studios

Writers

Takashi Yamazaki

Cast

Ryûnosuke Kamiki , Minami Hamabe , Yûki Yamada , Munetaka Aoki , Hidetaka Yoshioka , Sakura Andō , Kuranosuke Sasaki

Runtime

125 Minutes

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