Despite having achieved nearly 60 years of consistent success, Ultraman has yet to gain widespread recognition beyond Japan. The Netflix original film, Ultraman: Rising, aims to change this by introducing the popular hero to international audiences through a visually stunning and enjoyable movie, although it may spread itself too thin in the process.
Throughout the years, many brave individuals have taken on the role of wearing Ultraman’s extraordinary metallic suit. In Rising, it is now Ken Sato’s turn, the hesitant son of a previous Ultraman who holds bitterness towards the pressure and burden that came with such a duty for their family.
Ken, a well-respected baseball player, relocates from Los Angeles to Tokyo in the superhero anime. As he begins a new chapter in his career in the major leagues, his activities as a vigilante fighting against giant monsters, known as kaiju, leave him injured and with a newfound responsibility of caring for a baby monster he has adopted. However, his actions have caught the attention of private special forces who specialize in hunting these creatures, putting him and his newfound companion in danger.
Ultraman: Rising – An Epic Tale of More Than One Man
The true challenge in Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima’s film, which marks Tindle’s directorial debut, is finding a balance. Both Tindle and Aoshima are career animators with decades of experience working on various productions such as Gravity Falls, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Kubo and the Two Strings, and many others. They skillfully blend together elements from CG, anime, comic books, and other sources to create an elegant aesthetic.
The city of Tokyo is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, with various creatures constantly moving through its streets. Brightly lit streetlights and neon signs illuminate the city at night, while the shining sun creates a crisp, clear environment during the day. As Ken navigates the complexities of being a hero and a father, Ultraman moves with grace and agility in both his regular and giant form.
The bursts of vibrant hues or shades of black and white add an exciting touch to the fights. Although Ultraman’s powerful punches and kicks are impressive, a pop of vivid pink adds a level of intensity that truly captures the explosive nature of his attacks.
Ultraman is a well-known multimedia figure in Japan and has been featured in multiple animations. However, he is primarily portrayed in tokusatsu, a term used for Japanese genre shows and films that utilize practical effects. Essentially, his appearances consist of a person in a suit whose transformations are created to give a sense of magnitude and destruction to the surrounding area through clever editing and special effects.
Ultraman finally goes global
Tindle and Aoshima successfully capture the essence of this spirit in their breathtaking moments. Some may have been introduced to tokusatsu through the popular Power Rangers series, which was heavily adapted from the Super Sentai franchise and the early Godzilla films. This type of filmmaking exudes a playful yet sincere charm.
The essence of storytelling is not afraid to appear foolish or for the audience to see behind the scenes. As long as the characters and storyline are engaging, any potential flaws are overlooked or even embraced as part of the overall experience. Although Ultraman: Rising is animated, it still captures some of that same energy through its stylized fight scenes that are deliberately extravagant.
Whenever he takes action, it feels as though the very fabric of reality is momentarily disrupted. This concept is evident in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where each Spider-person possesses their own unique style. As we observe individuals from different dimensions and timelines, traditional laws of perception simply do not hold true.
In this instance, you are witnessing a man wearing an incredibly advanced alien suit, yet the concept remains the same in terms of immersing you in the characters’ perspective. While Rising is skilled in combat, the inclusion of multiple plotlines leads to minor problems.
Ultraman: Rising – A Hero’s Struggle
Ken’s decision to take on the role of adopted parent for his not-so-tiny-but-still-baby kaiju leads to a heartwarming journey of healing and forgiveness with his own father. Although this narrative is fulfilling, it becomes overshadowed by various subplots, such as his developing relationship with journalist Mina, his unimpressive career in Japanese baseball, and a villain who lacks sufficient screen time.
Tindle’s involvement with this film began almost twenty years ago with the intention of creating something completely unique. Despite the extended development period, traces of this original vision can still be felt throughout the movie, with some storylines lingering longer than necessary. Co-writer Marc Hains joins Tindle, and the movie excels when exploring the challenges of Ken trying to keep up with his enormous toddler or coming to terms with his relationship with his father.
During a press conference at the film’s opening, Ken displayed his arrogance and brashness about his sporting abilities. However, as he takes on the role of Ultraman and experiences the challenges and exhaustion of being a parent, he is continuously humbled. If he can successfully balance these responsibilities, it would make Ultraman: Rising truly heroic.
Ultraman: Rising Review Score: 3/5
Ultraman: Rising introduces a fresh interpretation of the hero to the international stage in a manner that the franchise has never achieved before. Despite certain flaws in the storytelling, the production is vibrant, powerful, and self-assured, offering many enjoyable aspects.
“Ultraman: Rising will be released on Netflix on Friday, June 14, 2024.”
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