The design of the “Kaiju,” while respectful of the original characters, blends well with modern works and, although oddly shaped, reigns as an existence that does not feel out of place.
The storyline never drags from beginning to end, and the Ultraman character is a sturdy and solid character who protects the earth. Finally, I would like you to listen to Genji Yonezu’s “M87,” played as the ED while listening to the lyrics. It is a fitting song to end the movie.
Fans’ Long-Awaited Imaginary Special Effects Film by Anno
This movie is the second “fantasy special effects film” by Hideaki Anno of the “Neon Genesis Evangelion” series in his visualization of famous Japanese special effects films, beginning with “Shin Godzilla.”
Ultraman was a significant topic of conversation when the decision was made to produce the film, mainly because of Anno’s origins in Ultraman. (Unlike Shin Godzilla, however, Mr. Anno is the planner and screenwriter of this film.)
His passion for Ultraman has been well documented in manga such as “Aoi Honoo” by his college classmate Kazuhiko Shimamoto and his partner Moyoco Anno’s “Oyakunin Fuso Kiko” (The Director’s Failure).
While Shin Godzilla focused on the Japanese “conference” surrounding Godzilla, this Shin Ultraman is the story of Ultraman and humans trying to protect Japan and the Earth from monsters (the evil beasts in this film).
(Please note that I will use the two films hereafter for comparison since the same creator makes them.)
I have not watched the original Ultraman TV series. My knowledge of Ultraman was limited to “Ultraman is an alien” and “Ultraman must become one with humans to operate on Earth,” having seen Tiga and Dyna as a child. I could enjoy this work even if I did not have that much knowledge about Ultraman.
Realism in a world where fantastical beings coexist
In a world where Ultraman, aliens, and ravaging beasts are imaginary creatures as close to modern Japan as possible, a natural mixture of “fantasy” with “realism is required in this age of advanced visual technology.
In this respect, Ultraman is attacking the very edge of the line.
The damage caused when Ultraman flies in and lands, the earth’s surface when Ultraman transforms, and the damage caused by the disastrous beasts were also “realistic” in Shin Godzilla. Still, in Ultraman, the presence of the outer aliens (aliens) is significant.
Although there are many scenes in which the scales are tilted heavily toward fantasy, what still feels just barely realistic is the fact that the aliens who target the Earth contact politicians, conclude treaties, and engage in negotiations (in other words, they are as intelligent as or more intelligent than humans).
If this were to dispel the coming threat, it would have felt like Shin Godzilla.
Also, there is no color timer to tell the time limit of his activity, which is a symbol of Ultraman but is represented by the changing coloration of his body surface.
Fans of yesteryear may be disappointed by the absence of this timer. Still, this was a welcome change, as I thought the sound of the timer going off during tense scenes would have dampened my feelings while viewing the film.
Fascinating Cast
Shinji Kaminaga, the man who became Ultraman, is played by Takumi Saito, who is almost expressionless, perhaps because of how he became Ultraman,
Hiroko Asami, played by Masami Nagasawa, is more like Satomi Ishihara’s character in Shin Godzilla. Still, she is more passionate than clever, and due to the nature of the film, she is energetic and active.
The other members of the “Kama-Toku” team, played by Hidetoshi Nishijima and others, are more on the viewer’s side. Still, since they are the front line fighting against the “Kama-Toku” team, they leave a strong impression of their presence by sharing their (presumed) expert knowledge in various places.
Voice actors Kenjiro Tsuda and Koji Yamamoto play the outer aliens. The choice of these two actors is fascinating, and considering the popularity of subcultures these days, even an Ultraman novice like myself will find it interesting.
(A specific line from the alien played by Koji Yamamoto even became an internet meme after the film’s release and became a significant source of amusement.)
