Shin Ultraman

Shin Ultraman is a 2022 Japanese science fiction film written and directed by Shinji Higuchi, co-written by Hideaki Anno, and produced by Tsuburaya Productions and Toho. It features Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, and Hidetoshi Nishijima in pivotal roles, taking us back to the nostalgic world of Japanese superhero stories, reinventing and revitalizing, with a contemporary touch, the beloved character created by Eiji Tsuburaya. True to its namesake, 'Shin' meaning 'new', this movie presents a fresh lens to appreciate the Ultraman universe.

The movie opens in contemporary Japan, enveloped by modernity yet seeping with traditional norms and values. We get introduced to Shin Hayata, played by Takumi Saitoh, a diligent young government worker unexpectedly drawn into an alarming chain of events. A sinister threat in the form of gigantic and unfamiliar creatures disrupts the ordinary life in Japan, forcing the government and its defense forces to scramble for strategies to neutralize it.

Shin Hayata's professional and personal world gets further entwined when he is chosen by a mysterious light, transforming him into the gigantic superhero, Ultraman. Gifted with powers beyond normal human comprehension, he steps forward to defend his city and its people from these colossal entities, pushing the boundaries of courage and ordinary existence.

Masami Nagasawa plays the character of Rena Sayama, a passionate and determined journalist who persistently follows the evolving crisis. Her objective reporting and persistent drive for the truth brings her close to Hayata and the unfolding chaos. Hidetoshi Nishijima features as Secretary Ide, a mature and pragmatic government official who is also instrumental in managing the grave national crisis.

The movie masterfully navigates through the extraordinary crisis and its impact on the ordinary civilian life, government bureaucracy, and media coverage. While the giant beings and the colossal Ultraman take center stage, there is a deep human story unraveling. Professional duties, personal lives, and their momentous encounter with the extraordinary shape their characters' evolution and narrative arc.

'Shin Ultraman' is a tribute to the legacy of the original Ultraman series from the 60s, which has enamored generations with its intriguing storytelling and remarkable characters. Yet, it also marks a significant departure. The Ultraman in 'Shin Ultraman' is a softer, more human character, accurately mirroring contemporary societal values and anxieties.

The movie is a visual spectacle, with awe-inspiring action sequences and ground-shaking graphics. It uniquely blends modern CGI technology with the traditional 'tokusatsu' means of production, reminiscent of the classic Ultraman series. The crafting of the monstrous creatures, Ultraman, and the epic battles, reflect a thorough attention to details, evoking a sense of wonder and terror, nostalgia and novelty.

On another note, 'Shin Ultraman' also deftly handles elements of suspense and anticipation. It keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats, as the human characters grapple with their skepticism, fears, and the impending catastrophe. The change in scale between the humans and these gigantic entities, the cityscape being dwarfed by them, and the frequent switching perspectives maintains the tension throughout the narrative.

The score by Shiro Sagisu is melodious, rousing, and atmospheric, attenuating the intensity of the action sequences and bolstering the quieter moments. The cinematography by Kosuke Yamada makes optimal use of light and shadow, rendering the scenes with a depth that aligns it with the theme of the movie.

'Shin Ultraman' is a bold, dramatic, and visually stunning reimagination of the classic Ultraman series. It successfully presents an engaging narrative loaded with suspense, action, and emotional drama, effectively mixing the familiar and the new. It has managed to satiate the long-time fans of the franchise while attracting a newer audience, ultimately paying a fitting homage to the Ultraman legacy.