‘Ultraman: Rising’ Review: A New Animated Marvel in the Ultraman Franchise
A wholesome superhero-kaiju bond that brings pure joy to the audience.
The Ultraman franchise, a stalwart in the world of science fiction since its inception in 1966, continues to captivate audiences with its latest installment, Ultraman: Rising. Distributed by Netflix, this new animated movie has garnered acclaim for its exceptional storytelling and stunning visuals, reminiscent of the groundbreaking Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse series.
Directed by Emmy Award winner Shannon Tindle, Ultraman: Rising features a talented voice cast led by Christopher Sean as the titular character Ken Sato, alongside Tamlyn Tomita as Emiko Sato and Gedde Watanabe as Professor Sato. The film revolves around Ken Sato, who reluctantly returns to Japan to assume the mantle of Ultraman from his estranged father, Professor Sato. The latter, a former Ultraman, had unwittingly abandoned his family to create a utopian society where humans and Kaiju could coexist.
Ken Sato’s return to Japan marks a significant turning point in his life. Formerly a player for the LA Dodgers, he is now traded to Japan’s Yomiuri Giants, where he is warmly received by fans. However, his return is marred by the responsibility of becoming Ultraman, a role his father can no longer fulfil. This dual life as a baseball player and a superhero present Ken with unprecedented challenges.
The film delves deeply into Ken’s past, highlighting his childhood admiration for his father and the subsequent estrangement after Ken and his mother moved to America, leaving Professor Sato behind to protect the city. This complex father-son dynamic adds emotional depth to the narrative.
The movie introduces the Kaiju Defence Force (KDF), whose primary mission is to eliminate Kaiju threats. One of the standout moments is Ken’s battle with Gigatron, during which he encounters Emi, an adorable yet powerful truck-sized baby Kaiju. Initially struggling to care for Emi, Ken eventually bonds with her, creating some of the movie’s most heartwarming scenes.
The character of Emi, named after Ken’s mother, provides both comic relief and a touching subplot. Ken’s efforts to balance his life as a baseball player, a superhero, and a caretaker for Emi highlight the film’s exploration of responsibility, family, and personal growth.
The animation in Ultraman: Rising is a visual feast. Tindle’s use of neon-lit cityscapes, explosive anime-inspired impact frames, and comic book-style radial lines and hash tones elevates the film’s aesthetic appeal. These incandescent visuals contribute to making Ultraman: Rising one of the best animated movies of the year, with potential for award recognition in its category.
Conclusion
In a time when the superhero genre often faces criticism for lacklustre storylines and subpar visuals, Ultraman: Rising stands out as a refreshing exception. The long-running Ultraman franchise has consistently delivered larger-than-life visuals and compelling plots, and this latest installment is no different. Ultraman: Rising not only offers a visually stunning experience but also provides a touching narrative cantered on family and heroism. It is a family-friendly film that does not compromise on storytelling, making it a must-watch for audiences of all ages.