Shin Japan Heroes Universe Champions Continuity

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MOVIE REVIEW
Shin Ultraman
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Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 58m
Director(s): Shinji Higuchi
Writer(s): Hideaki Anno
Cast: Akari Hayami, Daiki Arioka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Masami Nagasawa, Ryo Iwamatsu, Takumi Saitoh, Tetsushi Tanaka
Language: Japanese with English subtitles (English dub also available)
Where To Watch: available July 11, 2023, pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: The ever-evolving cosmos of superhero narratives constantly gives birth to fresh faces and refreshing renditions of our beloved classics. The bright spotlight shines on a familiar face from the past, Ultraman, a figurehead of Japanese pop culture, reinvigorated in the high-octane film SHIN ULTRAMAN. The fusion of Director Shinji Higuchi's guidance and Hideaki Anno's storytelling expertise knits an Ultraman narrative that returns with an homage to the 60s classic while integrating a contemporary touch.

I’ll be the first to admit that the Kaiju (giant monsters, or the genre itself) is one of my least explored. That will change now after this experience; SHIN ULTRAMAN steers its narrative around the Special Science Search Party (SSSP), a team dedicated to curbing cosmic threats. Their commander, Kimio Tamura, played by Hidetoshi Nishijima, preps his team for an impending showdown with the towering adversary, Neronga. The entrance of this behemoth and Ultraman's ensuing counteraction sets the stage for the complex storyline yet to unfurl.

In this journey, SHIN ULTRAMAN transcends temporal boundaries, thanks to Higuchi's direction and Anno's well-crafted narrative. The film bridges the gap between traditional Japanese pop culture nostalgia and modern cinematography. This seamless blend keeps the 1960s' charisma alive while injecting a dose of modern-day sensibilities and morphing from the monsters with actors in suits to much more CGI flair.

The film is a product of a strategic alliance between powerhouses of production studios. This collective led to the birth of the Shin Japan Heroes Universe, a mix of original pieces and remodeled classics like SHIN GODZILLA. Under the creative tutelage of Anno and Higuchi, this alliance champions joint artistic efforts over a continuous storyline.

In SHIN ULTRAMAN, vintage elements such as photo negatives, fluorescent ink, and typewriters exist, as well as cellphones that you can’t put a date on, all help to underline Higuchi's stylistic preferences. The battles involving our hero Ultraman resonate with an authentic, unpolished touch, sidelining choreographed theatrics for a more earthy, gritty feel.

Beyond the spectacle of towering clashes and celestial wonders, SHIN ULTRAMAN dives into the story's narrative depths. The plot commences amidst a galactic battle, promptly sketching out the pivotal role of the SSSP—intrigue bubbles up with the introduction of Shinji, another team member, after a kaiju attack.

The narrative pivot in SHIN ULTRAMAN is a testament to Anno's storytelling prowess. Transitioning from the political undertones prominent in SHIN GODZILLA, we now focus on more human resilience and courage. It delves into the dangers of pinning all hopes on a lone hero, especially during grave crises, lending a touch of reality to an otherwise extraordinary narrative.

The film pays homage to its illustrious lineage, notably the influential Ultra Series from 1966 that heavily influenced Godzilla's success. Respect and appreciation for the original Ultraman series resonate in the film's meticulous attention to detail, from monster design to Ultraman's faithful portrayal.

Despite minor hiccups, SHIN ULTRAMAN achieves a notable equilibrium. It upholds its allegiance to its origins while flaunting modern storytelling prowess. It pays tribute to the legacy of the original series while charting its course into the future. This translates into a cinematic offering that's a nostalgic ode and narrative innovation.

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[photo courtesy of CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]