“Ultraman: Rising” takes an unconventional approach to the classic Ultraman saga, centering on a parenting theme rather than the monster battles that fans typically crave. Traditionally, Ultraman’s role has been to protect humanity from kaiju, metaphorical representations of various threats. This film, however, diverges from the norm by having Ultraman adopt a baby kaiju, a plot twist akin to Batman raising a supervillain’s child or Superman opening a kryptonite store. This narrative shift focuses more on exploring parent-child dynamics, tapping into the universal appeal of adorable baby creatures.
Despite writer-director Shannon Tindle’s novel concept, the baby kaiju angle feels overused, reminiscent of tactics employed by studios like DreamWorks. These studios have successfully introduced cute baby versions of characters, ensuring audience affection and driving merchandise sales.
In “Ultraman: Rising,” the baby kaiju, Emi, is introduced as the offspring of Gigantron, a menacing kaiju. Emi, with her oversized head and small body, starkly contrasts her formidable parent. The film begins with a detailed backstory: Ken Sato (voiced by Christopher Sean), now Ultraman, reflects on his father’s (Gedde Watanabe) disappearance due to his kaiju-fighting duties. Twenty years later, Ken, now a brash baseball star in the U.S., harbors resentment over his father’s absence.
Ken’s transformation into Ultraman each night, depicted in ILM’s stunning semi-phosphorescent CG animation, fulfills his heroic obligations, battling various monsters. Relocating to Japan, the epicenter of kaiju activity, he confronts Gigantron, the creature linked to his father’s vanishing. Further complicating matters, Dr. Onda (Keone Young) and the Kaiju Defense Force (KDF) aim to annihilate kaiju, presenting conflicting views on whether these creatures are inherently good or evil.
Upon adopting Emi, Ken navigates the challenges of balancing baseball, parenting, and preventing the baby kaiju from wreaking havoc, with assistance from a floating AI named Mina (Tamlyn Tomita). The film leaves unanswered the question of why Ken doesn’t simply eliminate Emi, akin to the unexplained logic of Batman’s bat persona.
Ultraman’s character fluctuates between humble human and superhero, indicating an identity crisis. A budding romance with reporter Ami (Julia Harriman) adds complexity to an already dense narrative. Despite the clutter, fans primarily seek epic battles, which the film delivers. In the climax, Emi, slightly evolved, allies with Ultraman against Mega Gigantron in a visually spectacular showdown. The film attempts to weave parental themes into the chaos, with varying degrees of success. Sacrificial acts by parental figures lose their impact when characters reappear unharmed, undermining the film’s emotional and thematic clarity. Ultimately, “Ultraman: Rising” struggles to balance its myriad elements, leaving Ultraman’s fate and the movie’s message somewhat ambiguous.
By focusing on the deeper emotional dynamics between parents and children, “Ultraman: Rising” aims to add a layer of depth to the monster-fighting spectacle. This fresh perspective provides fleeting pleasures, especially in scenes where Ken tries to care for Emi, adding humor and warmth. However, the film’s ambition to merge these intimate moments with grandiose battles creates a disjointed experience. Fans of the franchise may find the deviations from the traditional Ultraman narrative both intriguing and frustrating. The film’s success ultimately lies in its ability to maintain the core appeal of Ultraman while exploring new thematic territories, even if it doesn’t always achieve a perfect balance.
‘Ultraman: Rising’ Review: The Iconic Japanese Superhero Wrestles Kaiju and Daddy Issues in Netflix’s Overcrowded Cartoon
Reviewed on Netflix, June 8, 2024. In Annecy Animation Festival. Running time: 117 MIN.
- Production: (Animated – Japan-U.S.) A Netflix release, presented in association with Tsuburaya Prods. Producers: Tom Knott, Lisa M. Poole. Executive producers: Takayuki Tsukagoshi, Masahiro Onda, Kei Minamitani.
- Crew: Director: Shannon Tindle. Co-director: John Aoshima. Screenplay: Shannon Tindle & Marc Haimes, based on the “Ultraman” franchise from Tsuburaya. Editor: Bret Marnell. Music: Scot Stafford. Songs: Diplo, Oliver Tree.
- With: Christopher Sean, Gedde Watanabe, Tamlyn Tomita, Keone Young, Julia Harriman.