Review | Ultraman: Rising - Future of the Force

“Ultraman: Rising is undoubtedly the best animated film of the year. It’s a fresh take on this iconic Japanese superhero and Kaiju stories. This is a fun and action-packed film with a lot of heart. ILM has crafted a unique visual style that is absolutely striking, a true wonder for the eyes.”

Netflix’s latest animated film Ultraman: Rising is based on the iconic Japanese superhero franchise – Ultraman. This film is a co-production between Netflix Animation and Tsuburaya Productions (the company behind this franchise) with animation done by Industrial Light & Magic (ILM).

STORY

Ultraman: Rising tells the story of Ken Sato (Christopher Sean), an all-star baseball player who reluctantly returns to Japan to take on the mantle of Ultraman. But fighting monsters isn’t his greatest challenge, he has to raise one after finding a baby kaiju. It’s far from easy for him as he has to balance his life as a baseball player and rising a baby.

This is a fresh take on this iconic Japanese superhero and on kaiju stories. Having Ultraman raising a baby kaiju is a brilliant idea. In fact, it creates a lot of funny situations. But more importantly, it changes from the usual story of having Ultraman fighting monsters to defend Earth. That doesn’t mean there isn’t a lot of action. In fact, this is an action-packed film with some epic kaiju fights!

The story perfectly balances moments of humour with action and character development. When we meet Ken Sato, he is an arrogant baseball player. Because he is an all-star athlete, he just thinks he is the best. He doesn’t take the mantle of Ultraman seriously. Though, meeting this baby and having to raise him is what puts him on the right track. It’s a powerful hero’s journey to see him growing with this baby as he learns from her and she learns from him. Ken’s story is an heartfelt one, his character ends up being an endearing one that you will love and cheer for. His relationship with the baby and his relationship to the concept of family is the heart of this film. It’s an incredibly moving story. By the end of the film, you will be asking for more.

CAST

Christopher Sean is the American voice of Ken Sato. You may know him from Star Wars Resistance, he voiced the main character Kazuda Xiono. Christopher Sean delivers a heartfelt performance as Sato/Ultraman. He really embodies the character. In addition, he is joined by a great cast. Netflix has made the right choice to hire voice actors who are of Japanese descent as these are Japanese characters.

As Ultraman is a Japanese franchise, I would also suggest checking out the Japanese dub version. Especially since it has the talented Yuki Yamada (Pending Train, Godzilla Minus One) voicing Ken Sato. It doesn’t get any better than this.

VISUALS & SOUNDTRACK

Moreover, this is the third film that ILM has fully animated. The previous ones were Strange Magic in 2015 and Rango in 2011. Though Industrial Light & Magic is well known for their breathtaking VFX, they are an underrated company when it comes to animation. It hasn’t done a lot but each time, it has been a real triumph. Ultraman: Rising is ILM’S best work yet. The visual are absolutely striking. It’s a real joy to watch this two-hour film from start to finish. Indeed, ILM has crafted a unique 3D visual style that stands out in the world of American animation. It truly feels like its own thing. And may I say that Ken Sato is hot, like really hot.

Because it is a Japanese-American co-production, this film has the desire to recreate the real Tokyo in animation and not the American vision of it that we often see in Hollywood productions. For someone who has been in Tokyo several times, watching this film I could really recognize the atmosphere and the visuals of this city. I must applaud the animated team for this! It’s how you do it.

On top of that, Scot Stafford has composed an electrifying score that does justice to the Ultraman franchise. Make sure to watch the stylized end credits as it features the song ‘No Better’ by Alicia Creti. It’s a beautiful song that is fitting for the end. Plus, there is a mid-credits scene that teases a potential sequel.

VERDICT

Ultraman: Rising is undoubtedly the best animated film of the year. It’s a fresh take on this iconic Japanese superhero and Kaiju stories. This is a fun and action-packed film with a lot of heart. ILM has crafted a unique visual style that is absolutely striking, a true wonder for the eyes. It’s two hour of pure awesomeness. This is exactly the type of film that deserves a sequel.

If you know Ultraman, you will definitely enjoy this film. But, it can also be your starting point into this franchise especially for Western audience. And, I can recommend the Japanese live-action film Shin Ultraman as your next entry into the wonderful world of Ultraman.