Evil Brain from Outer Space

Evil Brain from Outer Space is a science-fiction film that was released in 1966. Directed by Koreyoshi Akasaka, Teruo Ishii, and Akira Mitsuwa, the film starred Ken Utsui, Junko Ikeuchi, and Minoru Takada. The film’s unique appeal is largely attributed to the blend of Japanese superhero culture with sci-fi elements, presenting a truly unique cinema experience.

The storyline revolves around the central protagonist, Starman (played by Ken Utsui), a heroic character who emerged from Japanese superhero culture of the '50s and '60s. Starman, also known as Super Giant, is an intergalactic warrior, born out of the universal energy, who guards the Earth from various interstellar threats. He is known to be a strong physical combatant with superhuman abilities, and in this film, he is entrusted with a mission to protect Earth from an evil brain that threatens the existence of humanity.

The plot unfolds intriguingly with the Council of the Galactic Alliance discovering that a grotesque, mutant brain, named Balazar, has escaped its homeward bound spaceship that crashed on Earth. This mutant brain is known for its evil intentions and inhuman strategies to conquer worlds. After deliberating about the imminent danger this could cause on Earth, the Galactic Alliance selects Starman to solve this crisis, giving him a human appearance to blend in with the earthlings.

Once he arrives on Earth, Starman finds himself among humans, trying to decipher their ways and means of life. His character development throughout the film showcases a fine balance of humor and seriousness, as he tries to guard the Earth and its inhabitants.

Providing an effective counter-point to Starman’s character is the character of Dr. Yamanaka (played by Minoru Takada). A reputed scientist, Dr. Yamanaka is known for his pivotal contribution to Earth's scientific developments. However, much to Starman's and earthlings' distress, Dr. Yamanaka is mind-controlled by the Evil Brain, Balazar, which forms the backbone of this narrative.

The film features Dr. Yamanaka’s daughter (played by Junko Ikeuchi) who contributes significantly to the storyline, building both emotional depth and human touch to the narrative. Her relationship with Starman and her attempts to save her father from the Evil Brain's influence adds another layer to the plot’s complexity.

Evil Brain from Outer Space was originally part of a series of nine Super Giant films developed in Japan in the mid-1950s. This movie, however, curates material from the last three films of the series into a standalone film that provides an exciting and challenging experience for Starman as he attempts to deal with the cosmic peril facing Earth. Despite its dated special effects and old-fashioned storytelling methods, the film continues to charm viewers with its classic sci-fi mood and dynamic heroism.

Setting itself apart from traditional American science fiction films, Evil Brain from Outer Space also provides a cultural cinematic experience. The film is a testament to the creativity and imagination of Japanese sci-fi cinema during the '50s and '60s. This is evident from the costume design of Starman and the depiction of the Galactic Alliance, and even the mutants, which all present an intriguing blend of Asian aesthetics with a science fiction setting.

The complexity, courage, and endurance portrayed by Starman, combined with an engaging plot and a subtle touch of sentimentality, echo the central theme of the film – good overcoming evil. While the film might primarily appeal to fans of vintage Japanese sci-fi, the moral lens and the diverse displays of courage make it appealing for a broader audience.

In conclusion, Evil Brain from Outer Space stands as an exciting adventure within the sci-fi genre, representing a blend of cultures and offering a heroic spectacle in the face of alien invasion. The nuances of its hero, the captivating narrative, and its classic cinematic techniques add to the consolidating charm of vintage Japanese cinema. Even more than five decades after its release, the film continues to be relevant and engaging for its unique presentation of interstellar heroism.