Ultraman: Rising! You know, the title alone already has me imagining a dramatic superhero moment where a giant of a man rises against a backdrop of flames. If I were him, I’d want to triple-check my diet first—those flaming hot nachos from last week almost knocked me out! But enough about my snack choices!
Let’s get right into it. Netflix’s latest offering promises to grab the attention of audiences without drowning them in a swamp of lore. No need to bury your head in 50 years of Ultraman comic books or scour every episode like it’s a final exam! They’ve introduced us to a new protagonist, Ken Sato, who has inherited the hefty title of Ultraman from his father—it’s a family affair! Imagine hearing your dad say, “Hey son, I’ve got a smashing idea: you can be a giant robot-fighting superhero!” Talk about pressure! It’s like handing over a family business, only instead of running a bakery, you’re saving Tokyo from monsters. No pressure, though, right?
Oh, and let’s talk about Ken’s emotional journey alongside baby Gigantron. You’re probably picturing a heartwarming twist, like finding a stray dog but with a 35-foot fire-breathing twist! The film seems to shift the focus from the classic monster-fighting bravado to the more nuanced theme of protection. Are we witnessing the dawn of a softer Ultraman? “Hey, the world’s on fire—but have you tried the parenting route?” It’s like what my therapist said when I tried to juggle too many things at once: “Maybe if you weren’t fighting demons, you could actually help one!”
This artistic direction under the commanding duo of Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima is something to behold. They previously collaborated on Kubo and the Two Strings, which, I must say, was a masterpiece—kind of like my last meeting with my in-laws, where I managed not to mention politics—an achievement!
Now, speaking of those directors, they seem to be genuinely passionate about animation and connecting with the cultural nuances of Ken’s character. John Aoshima has brought his experiences growing up between the U.S. and Japan—an essential touch to the storytelling. It’s like inviting a gourmet chef to your kitchen; suddenly your instant ramen is a five-star Michelin dish! Brother, who knew saving the world could be such a delicately-timed endeavor?
As for the visuals? You might want to hold on to your popcorn! The film boasts a vibrant animation style that’s been impeccably crafted with influences from iconic works like Akira and Evangelion. If it looks half as good as my last online shopping spree’s “your order is rather large” confirmation, we are in for a treat! This innovative style does seem inspired by the Spider-Verse’s impact on the animation landscape, which is quite a leap from just regular animations. I mean, who doesn’t want their superhero to pop right off the screen like a 3D movie? I’m still waiting for the day that my VCR finally does that—just one jump scare to finally get me out of my seat!
But what’s this? A cool quest with a baseball theme? Yeah, you heard it right! Ken Sato, a reluctant baseball star turned Ultraman, has to juggle monster fights while also taking care of a baby monster! Talk about a tough catch! “Sorry coach, I need to fly to Tokyo and fight a giant baby before dinner!” Honestly, if my kid ever turned into a fire-breathing monster, I’d be in line for a three-bedroom condo by the ocean—because parenthood is simply a monster of a job!
This film brings a blend of heartwarming moments amidst the chaos of monster battles. Ken and the newly hatched Kaiju Emi’s relationship offers viewers significantly more than your typical punch-punch-superhero-twist; it provides a familial dimension to a genre often filled with explosions and dramatic one-liners. Imagine the conversations: “So how was your day at work, Dad?” “Well son, I fought a three-headed monster before lunch. How was yours? Did you finish your homework?” Classic!
To wrap this up, Ultraman: Rising is an enchanting concoction of heartfelt narrative, visually striking animation, and a little something for everyone. If this new take can balance parenting and saving the world while introducing new themes, I suspect we’ll gladly binge-watch this on Netflix without a shred of regret. And if nothing else, it might just come in handy for those awkward family functions—“So, what do you think of my superhero career?”
Remember, folks, you can stream Ultraman: Rising on Netflix starting June 14, 2024. Until then, keep your kaiju parenting tips handy!
Ultraman: Rising marks a fresh chapter in the expansive universe of the Ultraman franchise, and it’s designed to be accessible even for newcomers. This installment introduces audiences to Ken Sato, a young man who inherits the iconic Ultraman mantle from his father, adding a poignant generational twist to the story. Co-director duo Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, both of whom have collaborated on the acclaimed 2016 animated film Kubo and the Two Strings, bring their artistic vision to this Netflix adaptation.
The Ultraman franchise has journeyed through various projects focused predominantly on combating formidable monsters, whereas Ultraman: Rising takes a refreshing approach by exploring themes of protection and familial bonds. After an intense battle with the monstrous Gigantron, Ken’s world shifts dramatically when he discovers a newborn creature of the same species that has imprinted on him as a parent figure. This storyline highlights the emotional depth of Ultraman: Rising, particularly as characters Emi, the baby Kaiju, and Ken develop rich interactions that resonate on a deeper level, garnering critical acclaim for providing a more heartfelt narrative within the long-standing franchise.
Netflix’s Ultraman: Rising presents a captivating mix of vibrant animation and a talented voice cast, making it a standout in contemporary superhero storytelling.
During a recent visit to Skywalker Sound & ILM in San Francisco, I had the privilege of interviewing directors Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima about the creative journey behind Ultraman: Rising. Their passion for animation and comics is palpable as they shared insights into the unique artistic direction that fuels their vision for this film.
Aoshima brought a unique cultural perspective to the character of Ken in Ultraman: Rising.
“I got to play a superhero as a kid, and it’s an honor to be asked to play this role.”
Screen Rant’s question highlights the straightforward nature of Ken’s transformation process. Why did you opt against giving him a transformation device like his predecessors?
Shannon Tindle explained that he preferred to convey the notion of Ken inheriting a prestigious legacy rather than relying on a transformation tool. This decision aims to avoid confusing new viewers who might be unfamiliar with established devices from the franchise. The Beta Capsule, a nod to the original series, makes an appearance thanks to John’s creative input, subtly connecting past and present narratives.
John, being your first co-director role, how has that shaped your storytelling perspective in Ultraman: Rising?
John Aoshima expressed the honor he felt in stepping into the shoes of a childhood superhero, emphasizing the significance of collaboration in their directing partnership. His unique experiences shaped his understanding of the cultural nuances present in Ken’s character and narrative arc, reflecting a deep commitment to delivering an authentic and relatable journey for audiences worldwide.
Shannon, how have the influences of iconic works like Akira and Evangelion shaped your approach to the film’s animation style?
Shannon Tindle recounted how his love for comic books during the 90s inspired many creative choices in Ultraman: Rising. He was particularly influenced by the art styles and storytelling methods in various anime which pushed him to incorporate textures reminiscent of classic comics to elevate the visual experience.
Tindle and Aoshima would like to see another Japanese take on Spider-Man.
Tindle expressed his enthusiasm about potentially helming a reinterpretation of Kamen Rider, while also advocating for the exploration of more cross-cultural adaptations like a Japanese version of Spider-Man.
Shannon worked closely alongside Tsuburaya Productions to ensure a respectful adaptation of the Ultraman legacy while also infusing contemporary storytelling elements.
Recognizing the importance of maintaining an ongoing dialogue with Tsuburaya, Tindle explained that his enthusiasm as an Ultraman fan drove the collaborative process. Regular communication with the original creators helped uncover innovative storylines while honoring the franchise’s rich history and legacy.
As a passionate Tokusatsu fan, do you see Ultraman: Rising paving the way for more American adaptations of Japanese culture?
Shannon Tindall expressed optimism about the future of cross-cultural adaptations, hoping for more projects like Ultraman: Rising that could bring various beloved franchises to a broader audience. He emphasized the mutual potential for Japan to explore American storylines, envisioning a collaborative future where ideas and cultures blend in captivating ways.
More about Ultraman: Rising (2024)
Set against the backdrop of a Tokyo under siege by relentless Kaiju attacks, baseball superstar KEN SATO must come to terms with his newfound responsibilities as Ultraman. This time, however, he faces an unconventional challenge—he must protect a 35-foot-tall fire-breathing baby monster while grappling with the trials of parenthood. As dark ambitions seek to exploit this adorable creature, Sato must learn to balance his dual life and foster a deep connection with his protégé. In partnership with Netflix, Tsuburaya Productions, and Industrial Light & Magic, ULTRAMAN: RISING combines the talents of writers Shannon Tindle and Marc Haimes with the direction of Tindle and Aoshima.
Ultraman: Rising
You can stream it now on Netflix.
Source: Screen Rant Plus
supervision
Shannon Tyndall, John Aoshima
release date
June 14, 2024
studio
Netflix Animation, Tsuburaya Productions, Industrial Light and Magic
agency
netflix
author
Shannon Tyndall, Marc Haimes
gibbs
Christopher Sean, Gedde Watanabe, Tamlin Tomita, Kion Young, Julia Harriman
run-time
117 minutes
main genre
adventure
Of Japanese culture being integrated into mainstream American media through adaptations like Ultraman: Rising. He believes that this film can serve as a benchmark for quality storytelling that respects the source material while also appealing to a broader audience. The goal is to create a dialogue between cultures where iconic characters and themes can be explored and reimagined in relatable ways.
John Aoshima adds that the blend of cultural nuances can enrich narratives and foster a greater appreciation for different storytelling traditions. By presenting familiar characters in new lights, they hope to ignite interest in the original works and inspire future collaborations that bridge the gap between East and West.
Together, Tindle and Aoshima view Ultraman: Rising as not just a film about monsters and heroes, but as a narrative that speaks to universal themes of family, legacy, and the daunting responsibility of adulthood—albeit with a monster-sized twist. So grab your snacks and mark your calendars, because this film promises to be more than just a visual spectacle; it’s poised to tug at your heartstrings while keeping you at the edge of your seat!
