WHAT’S IT ABOUT
When Tokyo is threatened by giant monsters, an all-star athlete reluctantly returns home to take on the mantle of Ultraman and become a legendary hero.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
Ultraman: Rising reintroduces the iconic 132-foot-tall superhero, who has fascinated audiences since his debut on Japanese television in the 1960s. Similar to Godzilla Minus One (minus the allegorical implications), this movie emphasizes the human element rather than the overarching monster battles. The story centers on Ken Sato, a former baseball star who returns to Tokyo amidst the chaos caused by attacks from enormous monsters called kaiju. Reluctantly, Ken assumes the role of Ultraman, confronting not only external threats but also an unexpected challenge: fatherhood. Taking in a 35-foot-tall, fire-breathing baby kaiju, Ken must adapt to his new responsibilities as a guardian and a father. This plot twist humanizes Ultraman’s character, illustrating that even the mightiest heroes have personal and emotional challenges. The original series, aired by Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS) and produced by Tsuburaya Productions, laid the foundation for the Ultraman universe with 39 episodes from July 17, 1966, to April 9, 1967. This new film pays homage to this heritage. It expands its mythology, introducing fresh characters and challenges that enrich the world of the colossal hero. Ultraman: Rising delves into themes of accountability, redemption, and the intricacies of family connections, set against monumental battles against kaiju and formidable adversaries. The dual nature of Ken Sato, who must suppress his ego and master the art of being a good father while combatting evil forces, adds complexity to Ultraman’s character, presenting him as more vulnerable and humane. What sets Ultraman: Rising apart is its spectacular action and realistic depiction of parenthood. Its familial themes are far from predictable or safe. Instead of simply being a predictable deviation from the tokusatsu formula, where the hero copes with the challenges of raising a creature he’s destined to battle, Ultraman: Rising takes a dual approach to the main plot by delving into Ken’s strained relationship with his father. Ultraman: Rising doesn’t hold back, highlighting that their bond was disrupted by the immense responsibility of being a father figure to the entire world. In a sea of subpar direct-to-video and exclusive streaming titles, Ultraman: Rising stands out as a response to the demand for a family-friendly movie that doesn’t sacrifice compelling storytelling for a predictable extension of a long-standing franchise. While there aren’t many kaiju battles in Shannon Tindle’s film, they are anything but disappointing – and they are complemented by poignant intertwined stories of father-son relationships. Furthermore, the movie’s emotional climax is punctuated by a gripping, action-packed conclusion.
OUR RATING – A KAIJU 8