At its heart, Ultraman is a generational tale conceived by Eiji Tsuburaya, one of Godzilla’s creators and the founder of Tsuburaya Productions. The franchise centers around a red-and-silver superhero from another planet who defends Earth from extraterrestrial threats by bonding with a human host.
Over nearly 60 years, many have taken the mantle of Ultraman, each adding unique layers to the legacy. Netflix’s new animated film Ultraman: Rising sees our hero facing his greatest challenge yet: parenthood.
Directed by Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima
Co-directors Shannon Tindle (Lost Ollie) and John Aoshima (2017’s DuckTales) helmed this unique take. Written by Tindle and Marc Haimes (Kubo and the Two Strings), the movie stars Kenji “Ken” Sato, a self-centered baseball player in America. When his estranged father is injured as Ultraman, Ken returns to Tokyo to take over his duties.
Ken grieves his mother Emiko’s disappearance and resents his father’s absence. His professional baseball career and role as Ultraman both take a hit due to his lack of seriousness. However, rescuing a baby kaiju changes everything when it imprints on Ken, believing him to be its mother. Suddenly, Ken must learn to balance fatherhood with his responsibilities as Ultraman.
The Shift from Brash Player to Responsible Hero
Ultraman: Rising smartly narrows its focus on Ken’s family dynamics. His transformation from an arrogant athlete to a more humble figure adds depth, making it approachable for audiences unfamiliar with the franchise’s lore. Compared to the intricate plotlines of Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno’s 2022 movie Shin Ultraman, this film’s accessible nature stands out.
A Story Rooted in Family Dynamics
The narrative revolves around Ken growing through parenthood, encapsulated by a poignant quote: [Kids are] like little monsters sometimes… They have hearts and minds of their own… The only support they have is us… dealing with our own issues, trying to figure out who we are.
This tender sentiment combined with the show’s vibrant animation and compelling character arcs elevates it beyond typical children’s fare. Emotional moments, such as Ken transforming midair or fidgeting while discussing his father’s absenteeism, add texture to the story.
Humanizing Principal Characters
The film excels at fleshing out its characters. From the rambunctious baby kaiju to Dr. Onda, head of Japan’s Kaiju Defense Force, every principal character is nuanced. Dr. Onda’s grief over losing his family in a kaiju attack makes him more than just a one-dimensional antagonist.
A Refreshing Take on an Iconic Franchise
Ultraman: Rising delivers much more than average animated films. Its combination of heartfelt storytelling and stunning visuals makes it not only a standout entry in the Ultraman saga but also one of this year’s best animated releases.
The movie’s post-credits scene suggests that we haven’t seen the last of Ken Sato’s Ultraman. For now, Ultraman: Rising is available for streaming on Netflix.
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