Japanese studio Nikkatsu has bolstered its Filmart sales slate with A Big Home, the next feature from director Ryo Takebayashi.
The documentary is filmed in a children’s home in Tokyo and explores the lives of young people who live apart from their parents due to bereavement, abuse or financial problems.
It marks the third feature by Takebayashi, whose previous film was comedy Mondays: See You ‘This’ Week!, which played at festivals including Sitges and Shanghai in 2023. His first was Bookmark 14, a doc that followed 35 teenagers from the same school class.
A Big Home is produced by Chocolate Inc. and...
The documentary is filmed in a children’s home in Tokyo and explores the lives of young people who live apart from their parents due to bereavement, abuse or financial problems.
It marks the third feature by Takebayashi, whose previous film was comedy Mondays: See You ‘This’ Week!, which played at festivals including Sitges and Shanghai in 2023. His first was Bookmark 14, a doc that followed 35 teenagers from the same school class.
A Big Home is produced by Chocolate Inc. and...
- 3/11/2024
- ScreenDaily
Japanese auteur Kiyoshi Kurosawa, who won best director at Venice in 2020 with Wife Of A Spy, is working on a new suspense thriller titled Cloud, which will be introduced to buyers at the EFM by Japanese studio Nikkatsu Corporation.
The feature is in post-production with a Japanese release set for September 2024. A first look at the film can be seen above.
Written by Kurosawa, the story centres on Ryosuke Yoshii, an enigmatic young man who tries to make money by reselling shrewdly obtained goods on the internet under the pseudonym ‘Ratel’.
The film stars Masaki Suda, who won best actor...
The feature is in post-production with a Japanese release set for September 2024. A first look at the film can be seen above.
Written by Kurosawa, the story centres on Ryosuke Yoshii, an enigmatic young man who tries to make money by reselling shrewdly obtained goods on the internet under the pseudonym ‘Ratel’.
The film stars Masaki Suda, who won best actor...
- 2/12/2024
- ScreenDaily
Japanese studio Nikkatsu has boarded international sales on revenge drama Tatsumi by rising filmmaker Shoji Hiroshi ahead of the EFM.
It marks the second feature of Hiroshi, whose crime drama Ken And Kazu played a string of festivals in 2016, following its premiere at Tokyo International Film Festival where it won the top prize in the Cinema Splash section for independent Japanese films.
His follow-up is also a crime drama that follows Tatsumi, a fisherman who doubles as a “cleaner” for gangland hits. But when his ex is murdered in front of her young sister, the two form an alliance to seek vengeance.
It marks the second feature of Hiroshi, whose crime drama Ken And Kazu played a string of festivals in 2016, following its premiere at Tokyo International Film Festival where it won the top prize in the Cinema Splash section for independent Japanese films.
His follow-up is also a crime drama that follows Tatsumi, a fisherman who doubles as a “cleaner” for gangland hits. But when his ex is murdered in front of her young sister, the two form an alliance to seek vengeance.
- 2/6/2024
- ScreenDaily
Takumi Matsumoto is an actor and up-and-coming artist. Growing up, he loved musicals like “Peter Pan” and began acting at three. The early days of his career included commercials and eventually J-Dramas like “My Girl.” As he got older, his motivation grew, and he landed a supporting part in Takashi Murakami's “Jellyfish Eyes” and the role of John in the Japanese Broadway production of “Peter Pan.” Since then, Matsumoto has continued to work in theater, film, and television. Recently, he starred alongside Myuri in Yoko Higuchi's sci-fi drama short film “Synthetic Love.”
Recently, we spoke with Matsumoto about acting, the filming process in Japan, filmmaking relationships, and other topics.
What motivated you to pursue an acting career?
When I was three years old, I started acting. One of the reasons I studied acting was because when I watched the musical “Peter Pan,” I wanted to fly through the sky.
Recently, we spoke with Matsumoto about acting, the filming process in Japan, filmmaking relationships, and other topics.
What motivated you to pursue an acting career?
When I was three years old, I started acting. One of the reasons I studied acting was because when I watched the musical “Peter Pan,” I wanted to fly through the sky.
- 1/21/2024
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
by Sophia Ng
“You sound like one of those guys,” he spits, “Men who get girls pregnant then say ‘Oh, I understand', and sign the form like it's none of their business.” Aki says nothing to that, silently taking a gulp of water. “But I'm the one who bears the risk whether it's childbirth or an abortion.”
Click on the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix
In a literal reversal of roles, the 2022 comedy-drama “He's Expecting (Hiyama Kentaro ō Ninshin)”, directed by Yuko Hakota and Takeo Kikuchi, sees Hiyama Kentaro, a 33 year old cisgender man having an emotional outburst, lashing out at his female partner's apparent failure to empathize with his predicament—being pregnant and the eventual trauma his body would be put through regardless of whether or not they keep the child. Currently on Netflix, this limited series based loosely on Eri Sakai's manga 2012 series, “Hiyama Kentaro no Ninshin...
“You sound like one of those guys,” he spits, “Men who get girls pregnant then say ‘Oh, I understand', and sign the form like it's none of their business.” Aki says nothing to that, silently taking a gulp of water. “But I'm the one who bears the risk whether it's childbirth or an abortion.”
Click on the image below to follow our Tribute to Netflix
In a literal reversal of roles, the 2022 comedy-drama “He's Expecting (Hiyama Kentaro ō Ninshin)”, directed by Yuko Hakota and Takeo Kikuchi, sees Hiyama Kentaro, a 33 year old cisgender man having an emotional outburst, lashing out at his female partner's apparent failure to empathize with his predicament—being pregnant and the eventual trauma his body would be put through regardless of whether or not they keep the child. Currently on Netflix, this limited series based loosely on Eri Sakai's manga 2012 series, “Hiyama Kentaro no Ninshin...
- 1/6/2024
- by Guest Writer
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese cinema has been on a somewhat successful stalemate for years now, with the titles produced (at least the ones we manage to sea in the West out of the 600 the country produces every year) retaining the same, relatively high quality, even though no particular steps forward have been made for years now Regarding the state of the industry in 2023, you can read the very informative article by Mark Schilling, but the thing I have to mention is that, despite the issues, local movies definitely have four things working quite well for them, particularly this year. First of all, the big names deliver almost always, with Miyazaki, Hamaguchi and Koreeda proving the fact this year also. Second of all, the quality of anime remains high as always and thirdly, some efforts at different cinematic approaches continue to take place, even though they can almost exclusively be found in low budget and short films.
- 12/19/2023
- by AMP Group
- AsianMoviePulse
In the closing days of the Tokyo International Film Festival, The Hollywood Reporter Japan sprinkled some old-school glamour on proceedings with a lavish party at The Peninsula Hotel in Ginza.
On Oct. 30, THR Japan took over Peter Restaurant for an event that saw some of the biggest names in Japan’s movie industry mingle, enjoy exquisite canapés and unique drinks from Sake Hundred surrounded on three sides by the spectacular nighttime views of Tokyo from the 24th floor of The Peninsula.
The opening ceremony saw speeches from Tokyo Film Festival chairman Hiroyasu Ando; Tsukasa Shiga, chairman of Hersey Shiga Global the digital media giant that licenses THR Japan in collaboration with Penske Media Corporation; Japan’s Environment Minister, and noted film buff, Shintaro Ito; and THR‘s Asia Bureau Chief Patrick Brzeski.
THR Asia Bureau Chief Patrick Brzeski
Among the local entertainment industry guests were Cannes Palme d’Or-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda,...
On Oct. 30, THR Japan took over Peter Restaurant for an event that saw some of the biggest names in Japan’s movie industry mingle, enjoy exquisite canapés and unique drinks from Sake Hundred surrounded on three sides by the spectacular nighttime views of Tokyo from the 24th floor of The Peninsula.
The opening ceremony saw speeches from Tokyo Film Festival chairman Hiroyasu Ando; Tsukasa Shiga, chairman of Hersey Shiga Global the digital media giant that licenses THR Japan in collaboration with Penske Media Corporation; Japan’s Environment Minister, and noted film buff, Shintaro Ito; and THR‘s Asia Bureau Chief Patrick Brzeski.
THR Asia Bureau Chief Patrick Brzeski
Among the local entertainment industry guests were Cannes Palme d’Or-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Hirokazu Koreeda,...
- 11/7/2023
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Leaff 2023 brings a diverse programme from East and Southeast Asia, including international and UK premieres. This year, our programme will be showcased through these strands: Retrospective: Director Chung Ji-Young, Leaff’s Official Selection, Competition, Stories of Women, Halloween Horror Special, Cherish the World, Lgbtqia+ and Classics Restored. The festival will open and close at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square. Other screenings and Q&As will take place at Odeon Luxe West End and the Cinema at Selfridges.
For more information about tickets, please visit: https://www.leaff.org.uk/2023tickets
Here is the full programme:
Opening Gala
The Boys + Q&a with the Director | Dir. Chung Ji-Young | Korea | 2023 | 124 mins
Closing Gala
Concrete Utopia + Q&a with Director, Actor Park Bo-young | Dir. Um Tae-hwa | Korea | 2023 | 130 mins
Leaff Official Selection
The Breaking Ice | Dir. Anthony Chen | Singapore | 2022 | 97 mins
Dan Dan | Dir. Song Chuan | China | 2022 | 103 mins
Hidden Blade | Dir. Cheng Er | Hong Kong | 2022 | 128 mins
In Broad Daylight | Dir.
For more information about tickets, please visit: https://www.leaff.org.uk/2023tickets
Here is the full programme:
Opening Gala
The Boys + Q&a with the Director | Dir. Chung Ji-Young | Korea | 2023 | 124 mins
Closing Gala
Concrete Utopia + Q&a with Director, Actor Park Bo-young | Dir. Um Tae-hwa | Korea | 2023 | 130 mins
Leaff Official Selection
The Breaking Ice | Dir. Anthony Chen | Singapore | 2022 | 97 mins
Dan Dan | Dir. Song Chuan | China | 2022 | 103 mins
Hidden Blade | Dir. Cheng Er | Hong Kong | 2022 | 128 mins
In Broad Daylight | Dir.
- 10/15/2023
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Despite this one being a mediocre season for Asian cinema, Nyaff still managed to include a number of gems in its huge program, once more justifying its place as the biggest festival of Asian cinema in the Western world. With an obvious focus on titles by and about women, the programmers offered a diverse selection that included the whole spectrum of genre films from the whole region, while also of note was the inclusion of a plethora of shorts, both live-action and animation. Japanese and Korean (family) dramas, action and horror from Asean countries, while the Chinese mainland cinema highlighted a couple of captivating stories. Comedies are still a mixed-bag, at least for the Western audience, but some progress is also evident in that category also. Without further ado, here is a list of this year's coverage of New York Asian Film Festival
You can read the full reviews by...
You can read the full reviews by...
- 8/4/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Takumi Saitoh is best known as an in-demand actor with an enormous list of credits, but he has also established himself as a filmmaker and photographer. After modeling in Japan and overseas in his teens, he made his acting debut in 2001, and has appeared in such heralded films as Takashi Miike's For Love's Sake (2012) Junji Sakamoto's The Projects (2015), Eric Khoo's Ramen Teh (2018), Last of the Wolves (Nyaff 2021), Shin Ultraman and The Legend and Butterfly (2023), among many others. Saitoh has been directing short films for several decades, and made his feature debut with blank 13 (2018), which won awards at film festivals in Japan and abroad, followed by the omnibus Zokki (Nyaff 2020). Home Sweet Home marks his third feature as director.
On the occasion of his film “Home Sweet Home” screening at New York Asian Film Festival, we speak with him about transitioning from actor to director, the filmmakers...
On the occasion of his film “Home Sweet Home” screening at New York Asian Film Festival, we speak with him about transitioning from actor to director, the filmmakers...
- 8/4/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Director Keishi Ohtomo returns to feudal Japan with his newest picture, “The Legend and Butterfly.” Having concluded the live-action “Rurouni Kenshin” film series, Ohtomo shifts gears for his latest feature, focusing more on real Japanese history, albeit with a heavily fictitious spin in a screenplay by Ryota Kosawa. The story deals with the rise and fall of Japanese daimyo Oda Nobunaga and explores his relationship with his wife, Nohime. This feature wouldn't be the first time Lord Nobunaga has been depicted in film or television. Still, with a big budget and an all-star cast, this epic was set to sweep away audiences and the box office while commemorating the 70th-anniversary celebration of Toei Company. Yet, despite a strong opening, it quickly dwindled in popularity and was met with mixed reception.
The Legend and Butterfly is screening at Japan Cuts
The story takes place over 30 years, beginning with a politically driven...
The Legend and Butterfly is screening at Japan Cuts
The story takes place over 30 years, beginning with a politically driven...
- 8/2/2023
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
Takumi Saitoh is a truly unique talent, who, after proving his prowess as an actor (he now has 165 credits to his name) continued in the same level as a director, with his segments in “Folklore” and “Food Lore”, and the features “Blank 13” and “Comply+-ance” being truly top notch. As such, his latest work, “Home Sweet Home”, based on the homonymous 2019 novel by Rinko Kamizu was one of the most anticipated films of the year. Let us see how he fared.
Home Sweet Home is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Living in the harsh winter of Nagano, Kenji Kiyosawa, a sports instructor, is tired of being cold along with his wife, Hitomi, and newborn. As such, when he stumbles upon a company that manufactures pre-built houses that implement a technology that can warm the whole establishment with a single air-conditioner, his enthusiasm is unprecedented, as much as for his wife.
Home Sweet Home is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
Living in the harsh winter of Nagano, Kenji Kiyosawa, a sports instructor, is tired of being cold along with his wife, Hitomi, and newborn. As such, when he stumbles upon a company that manufactures pre-built houses that implement a technology that can warm the whole establishment with a single air-conditioner, his enthusiasm is unprecedented, as much as for his wife.
- 7/27/2023
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto to receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has revealed the features that will compete for its Uncaged Award and announced that Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto will receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nine-strong competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 14-30, will include the world premieres of Hong Kong horror Back Home and Chinese films Flaming Cloud and Redemption With Life.
Back Home is a suspense horror that marks the feature directorial debut of Nate Ki and stars Anson...
The New York Asian Film Festival (Nyaff) has revealed the features that will compete for its Uncaged Award and announced that Japanese filmmaker Junji Sakamoto will receive the Screen International Star Asia Lifetime Achievement Award.
The nine-strong competition for best feature film at the festival, running July 14-30, will include the world premieres of Hong Kong horror Back Home and Chinese films Flaming Cloud and Redemption With Life.
Back Home is a suspense horror that marks the feature directorial debut of Nate Ki and stars Anson...
- 6/23/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Shin Ultraman Watch The Trailer: youtu.be/U6AphAYe4WU Distributor Cleopatra Entertainment Directed by Shinji Higuchi Starring Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, with Anno and Bin Furuya as Ultraman As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace …
The post Shin Ultraman: On VOD July 4, On Blu-ray & DVD July 11 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
The post Shin Ultraman: On VOD July 4, On Blu-ray & DVD July 11 appeared first on Horror News | Hnn.
- 6/9/2023
- by Janel Spiegel
- Horror News
Cleopatra Entertainment have announced the US home entertainment release of Shin Ultraman, directed by Shinji Higuchi, next month.
As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery. Shin Ultraman is a delightful reimagining of one of Japan’s classic superheroes, full of cosmic twists, charismatic villains, and giant Kaiju, leading Variety to declare that “the mix of styles and moods works wonderfully, raising Shin ‘Ultraman’ into the top rank of superhero movies!”
Starring Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima,...
As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery. Shin Ultraman is a delightful reimagining of one of Japan’s classic superheroes, full of cosmic twists, charismatic villains, and giant Kaiju, leading Variety to declare that “the mix of styles and moods works wonderfully, raising Shin ‘Ultraman’ into the top rank of superhero movies!”
Starring Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima,...
- 6/9/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
The live-action comic book reboot of Ultraman, titled Shin Ultraman will be released on Blu-ray and DVD this July!
Synopsis: As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery. Shin Ultraman is a delightful reimagining of one of Japan’s classic superheroes, full of cosmic twists, charismatic villains, and giant Kaiju, leading Variety to declare that “the mix of styles and moods works wonderfully, raising Shin Ultraman into the top rank of superhero movies!”
About The Film
Starring: Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, with...
Synopsis: As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery. Shin Ultraman is a delightful reimagining of one of Japan’s classic superheroes, full of cosmic twists, charismatic villains, and giant Kaiju, leading Variety to declare that “the mix of styles and moods works wonderfully, raising Shin Ultraman into the top rank of superhero movies!”
About The Film
Starring: Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, with...
- 6/8/2023
- by Editor
- CinemaNerdz
"As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery. Shin Ultraman is a delightful reimagining of one of Japan’s classic superheroes, full of cosmic twists, charismatic villains, and giant Kaiju"
Distributor Cleopatra Entertainment
Directed by Shinji Higuchi
Starring Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, with Anno and Bin Furuya as Ultraman
On VOD July 4, On Blu-ray & DVD July 11
The post Shin Ultraman Arrives on VOD July 4th, Blu-ray & DVD July 11th appeared first on Daily Dead.
Distributor Cleopatra Entertainment
Directed by Shinji Higuchi
Starring Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, Tetsushi Tanaka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, with Anno and Bin Furuya as Ultraman
On VOD July 4, On Blu-ray & DVD July 11
The post Shin Ultraman Arrives on VOD July 4th, Blu-ray & DVD July 11th appeared first on Daily Dead.
- 6/8/2023
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
Shin Ultraman, from Shin Godzilla filmmaking duo Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi, finally dates a home release after a limited theatrical release earlier this year.
Look for the live-action comic book reboot to arrive on Digital on July 4 before heading to Blu-ray and DVD on July 11. No box art or special features have been revealed at this time.
In Shin Ultraman, “we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as ‘S-Class Species (Kaiju)’ has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery.”
Takumi Saitoh is playing the main character. In addition, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, and Tetsushi Tanaka star in Shin Ultraman.
Look for the live-action comic book reboot to arrive on Digital on July 4 before heading to Blu-ray and DVD on July 11. No box art or special features have been revealed at this time.
In Shin Ultraman, “we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as ‘S-Class Species (Kaiju)’ has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman, this giant’s identity and purpose are a mystery.”
Takumi Saitoh is playing the main character. In addition, Masami Nagasawa, Daiki Arioka, Akari Hayami, and Tetsushi Tanaka star in Shin Ultraman.
- 6/8/2023
- by Meagan Navarro
- bloody-disgusting.com
Toronto-based genre specialist plans summer release.
Toronto-based genre specialist Raven Banner has acquired Canadian rights to Japanese box office smash Shin Ultraman, the latest incarnation of the Japanese superhero franchise from Tsuburaya Productions.
The latest Ultraman adventure grossed more than $30m at the Japanese box office and opened theatrically in the US through Fathom Events in January.
Raven Banner plans a summer release on Shin Ultraman, which takes place as Japanese authorities respond to the appearance around the country of giant unidentified life forms known as S-Class Species (Kaiju), when a silver giant descends from the sky to save the country.
Toronto-based genre specialist Raven Banner has acquired Canadian rights to Japanese box office smash Shin Ultraman, the latest incarnation of the Japanese superhero franchise from Tsuburaya Productions.
The latest Ultraman adventure grossed more than $30m at the Japanese box office and opened theatrically in the US through Fathom Events in January.
Raven Banner plans a summer release on Shin Ultraman, which takes place as Japanese authorities respond to the appearance around the country of giant unidentified life forms known as S-Class Species (Kaiju), when a silver giant descends from the sky to save the country.
- 5/19/2023
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
After making its debut on Screambox, the Japanese remake of Vincenzo Natali‘s sci-fi cult classic Cube, directed by Yasuhiko Shimizu (“Pension: Love Is Pink”), is coming to Blu-ray on June 15 from Terror Vision. The release includes a new interview with original Cube creator Vincenzo Natali plus the new movie’s trailer.
Pre-order your copy now!
The newest Cube takes a deeper, darker and deadlier look at isolation and gore and follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in a mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code.
Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps. As fear and distrust swirl around them, the group must work together to survive.
The brutal, sci-fi horror classic by Vincenzo...
Pre-order your copy now!
The newest Cube takes a deeper, darker and deadlier look at isolation and gore and follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in a mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code.
Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps. As fear and distrust swirl around them, the group must work together to survive.
The brutal, sci-fi horror classic by Vincenzo...
- 5/17/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
"The numbers have a pattern." Back into the Cube we go. Screambox has launched a trailer for their official streaming release of the new Cube remake from Japan. We posted trailers for this back in 2021 when it was opening in Japan at first, now it's finally getting a US debut. Yes, this is a direct remake of Vincenzo Natali's iconic 1997 cult classic Cube sci-fi horror film. A group of strangers wake up in mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code. Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps. As fear and distrust swirl around them, the group must try to work together to survive & escape. The Japanese cast includes Masaki Suda, Anne Watanabe, Masaki Okada, Hikaru Tashiro, Takumi Saito, and Kotaro Yoshida. Natali praised the film in 2021, saying "Shimizu-san did a great job with his version. It is needless-to-say uniquely Japanese." If you've...
- 4/15/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Last month, Scream VI and 65 released on the very same day, and believe it or not we’re getting yet another big screen double feature from the horror genre this week.
Here’s all the new horror releasing April 11 – April 16, 2023!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
After scaring up $4.5 million at the worldwide box office, viral hit Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey was finally made available to watch at home beginning yesterday.
You can rent the film for $9.99 or purchase it for $19.98 on Amazon now.
Rhys Frake-Waterfield directed the bloody horror movie for Jagged Edge Productions, a twisted take on the classic children’s tale. And yes, a sequel is already on the way.
In this version of the classic story, Christopher Robin is headed off to college and he has abandoned his old friends, which then leads to the duo embracing their inner monsters.
Here’s all the new horror releasing April 11 – April 16, 2023!
For daily reminders about new horror releases, be sure to follow @HorrorCalendar.
After scaring up $4.5 million at the worldwide box office, viral hit Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey was finally made available to watch at home beginning yesterday.
You can rent the film for $9.99 or purchase it for $19.98 on Amazon now.
Rhys Frake-Waterfield directed the bloody horror movie for Jagged Edge Productions, a twisted take on the classic children’s tale. And yes, a sequel is already on the way.
In this version of the classic story, Christopher Robin is headed off to college and he has abandoned his old friends, which then leads to the duo embracing their inner monsters.
- 4/11/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
The Japanese remake of Vincenzo Natali‘s sci-fi cult classic Cube, directed by Yasuhiko Shimizu (“Pension: Love Is Pink”), is now streaming on the Bloody Disgusting-powered Screambox!
The newest Cube takes a deeper, darker and deadlier look at isolation and gore and follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in a mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code.
Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps. As fear and distrust swirl around them, the group must work together to survive.
The brutal, sci-fi horror classic by Vincenzo Natali was so successful that it spawned Cube²: Hypercube (2002) and Cube Zero (2004). Natali stayed on as an executive producer of the Japanese remake with Kôji Tokuo writing the adapted screenplay.
The newest Cube takes a deeper, darker and deadlier look at isolation and gore and follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in a mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code.
Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps. As fear and distrust swirl around them, the group must work together to survive.
The brutal, sci-fi horror classic by Vincenzo Natali was so successful that it spawned Cube²: Hypercube (2002) and Cube Zero (2004). Natali stayed on as an executive producer of the Japanese remake with Kôji Tokuo writing the adapted screenplay.
- 4/11/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Whoa!! This looks awesome. Toei Studios in Japan recently released another live-action take on a classic tokusatsu franchise - an update on Kamen Rider. The great Hideaki Anno (also of Shin Godzilla) directed Shin Kamen Rider, which is now playing in cinemas in Japan. We still don't know when it will play in the US, hopefully later this year. A man who was given unwanted power & became a non-human. A woman who questions the theory of happiness she was given. Takeru Hongo, transformed into an Augment with killing power by the hands of the Shocker, escapes under the guidance of Ruriko Midorikawa, who was born to the organization but rebelled against it. He is drawn into an epic battle with the assassins who are closing in. What is justice? What is evil? Is there an end to the exchange of violence? Starring Sôsuke Ikematsu as Hongo, with Minami Hamabe, Masami Nagasawa,...
- 3/23/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
I know a lot of you have been asking for updates on the Japanese remake of Vincenzo Natali‘s sci-fi cult classic Cube, directed by Yasuhiko Shimizu (“Pension: Love Is Pink”). Well, we’re excited to reveal today that we bought it!
Yup! First reported by THR this afternoon, Cinedigm has acquired all North American rights to the remake of the 1997 award-winning Canadian cult classic and will be bringing it straight to Screambox subscribers on April 11th!
The newest Cube takes a deeper, darker and deadlier look at isolation and gore and follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in a mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code.
Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps.
Yup! First reported by THR this afternoon, Cinedigm has acquired all North American rights to the remake of the 1997 award-winning Canadian cult classic and will be bringing it straight to Screambox subscribers on April 11th!
The newest Cube takes a deeper, darker and deadlier look at isolation and gore and follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in a mysterious room inscribed with an unfamiliar code.
Looking for ways to escape, they discover the room is riddled with lethal traps.
- 3/16/2023
- by Brad Miska
- bloody-disgusting.com
Cinedigm has picked up the U.S. rights to the Japanese sci-fi horror movie Cube, a remake of Vincenzo Natali’s 1997 Canadian cult classic of the same name.
Cinedigm will release the remake on its horror streamer Screambox on April 11. Natali directed the original Cube movie, which came out of the Canadian Film Centre’s First Feature Project.
“Vincenzo Natali’s Cube is a modern cult classic that broke new ground with its unique production design and groundbreaking storytelling. This new Japanese experience honors the original and delivers the goods horror fans expect to see,” Brad Miska, managing director of Bloody Disgusting/Cinedigm, said in a statement.
The Japanese remake, directed by Yasuhiko Shimizu, follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in...
Cinedigm will release the remake on its horror streamer Screambox on April 11. Natali directed the original Cube movie, which came out of the Canadian Film Centre’s First Feature Project.
“Vincenzo Natali’s Cube is a modern cult classic that broke new ground with its unique production design and groundbreaking storytelling. This new Japanese experience honors the original and delivers the goods horror fans expect to see,” Brad Miska, managing director of Bloody Disgusting/Cinedigm, said in a statement.
The Japanese remake, directed by Yasuhiko Shimizu, follows a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a sadistic maze without remembering how they got there. After waking up drugged and disoriented, the prisoners, who seemingly have nothing in common, find themselves in...
- 3/16/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Four decades ago—before he worked with Hayao Miyazaki, before the young artists’ collective he co-founded changed their name from “Daicon Films” to “Studio Gainax,” before Neon Genesis Evangelion shook the medium of anime to its foundations, and before Shin Godzilla affirmed his worldwide recognition as a major figure of contemporary Japanese cinema—a brilliant and unapologetically geeky college student helmed one of the most striking fan films in history. Return of Ultraman, Hideaki Anno’s 1983 directorial debut, is on its surface nothing more or less than a painstakingly exact tribute to the early-70s tokusatsu superhero TV series of the same name: a half-hour “lost episode” indulging the show’s standard dramatic plotline of a Japanese paramilitary group battling monstrous kaiju invaders, with one of their members concealing and frequently angsting over his secret identity as a part-man, part-alien super-savior. Despite its amateur production and shoestring resources, the film...
- 1/13/2023
- by Eli Friedberg
- The Film Stage
The critic Viktor Shklovsky once described the durability of certain poetic images as a kind of immortality, for it’s as if they were never created, but constantly being found, in new but recognizable forms. The poetic image of the Japanese superhero Ultraman is now in its 56th year of rediscovery, with over a half-century of revival and reconfiguring amounting to a vast constellation of TV series, one-off specials, films, manga and video games. This enormous store of moving images is a testament to not only the popularity of Ultraman the character, but to several generations of artists, of many stripes, who’ve sculpted this franchise in an ever-changing flow of new styles and ideas. Shinji Higuchi and Hideaki Anno make their own addition with Shin Ultraman (2022), the second film in their series of reimagined classic tokusatsu (special effects) films. It follows Shin Godzilla (2016), a restoration of the Godzilla film...
- 1/12/2023
- MUBI
The wait for “Shin Ultraman’s” U.S. release is finally over, but for now, you’ve got a very limited window to catch it in theaters. Following a blockbuster May 2022 debut in Japan, the reimagining of the iconic “Ultraman” franchise is getting a special engagement release in limited theaters, for two days only.
If you weren’t able to catch the film during its festival run, this might be the last chance to see it in theaters. And If you’re an “Ultraman” fan, you’ll definitely want to catch the Kaiju-packed, crowd-pleasing film on the big screen, so we’ve put together all the need-to-know details so you don’t miss your shot.
When Is “Shin Ultraman” Getting a U.S. Release?
“Shin Ultraman” will finally arrive in U.S. theaters on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and Thursday, Jan. 12, via Fathom Events.
Screenings on Jan. 11 will have subtitles, while the Jan.
If you weren’t able to catch the film during its festival run, this might be the last chance to see it in theaters. And If you’re an “Ultraman” fan, you’ll definitely want to catch the Kaiju-packed, crowd-pleasing film on the big screen, so we’ve put together all the need-to-know details so you don’t miss your shot.
When Is “Shin Ultraman” Getting a U.S. Release?
“Shin Ultraman” will finally arrive in U.S. theaters on Wednesday, Jan. 11 and Thursday, Jan. 12, via Fathom Events.
Screenings on Jan. 11 will have subtitles, while the Jan.
- 1/11/2023
- by Haleigh Foutch
- The Wrap
Shinji Higuchi’s fantastic new film “Shin Ultraman” elicits a sensation that other blockbusters, huge and popular blockbusters, have often neglected: In these worlds where larger-than-life, godlike beings traipse around like they own the place, people wouldn’t just feel small — we’d be completely confused. How inconsequential are we? How oblivious have we been to the rest of this incredible universe? What is our purpose? What’s the freakin’ point?
“Shin Ultraman,” an adaptation of an immensely popular and long-running tokusatsu/kaiju multimedia franchise that began way back in 1966, captures all the ecstatic joy of giant monsters fighting a giant alien and breaking buildings and blowing up mountains. But the screenplay (by “Neon Genesis Evangelion” creator Hideaki Anno) also captures the episodic quality of the “Ultraman” series, leaving audiences overwhelmed by how multifaceted this fantasy truly is and how existentially challenging it would be simply to live in a world that’s this weird.
“Shin Ultraman,” an adaptation of an immensely popular and long-running tokusatsu/kaiju multimedia franchise that began way back in 1966, captures all the ecstatic joy of giant monsters fighting a giant alien and breaking buildings and blowing up mountains. But the screenplay (by “Neon Genesis Evangelion” creator Hideaki Anno) also captures the episodic quality of the “Ultraman” series, leaving audiences overwhelmed by how multifaceted this fantasy truly is and how existentially challenging it would be simply to live in a world that’s this weird.
- 1/11/2023
- by William Bibbiani
- The Wrap
Cleopatra Entertainment has acquired U.S. territory rights to the latest incarnation of the Japanese Superhero franchise Ultraman from Tsuburaya Productions. Entitled Shin Ultraman, this new Ultraman adventure was the sixth-highest grossing Japanese feature film of 2022 and will hit U.S. theaters – via Fathom Events – on January 11th and 12th, 2023.
Written by Hideaki Anno (Shin Godzilla) and directed by Shinji Higuchi, the film stars Takumi Saitoh, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Masami Nagasawa (Before We Vanish, Mother), Daiki Arioka (Innocent Curse), and Akari Hayami (Gintama, Forget Me Not).
As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman,...
Written by Hideaki Anno (Shin Godzilla) and directed by Shinji Higuchi, the film stars Takumi Saitoh, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Masami Nagasawa (Before We Vanish, Mother), Daiki Arioka (Innocent Curse), and Akari Hayami (Gintama, Forget Me Not).
As Shin Ultraman begins, we learn the appearance of giant unidentified life forms known as “S-Class Species (Kaiju)” has become commonplace in Japan. The Japanese Government formed a Kaiju defense taskforce known as the Sssp, led by Kimio Tamura (played by Drive My Car’s Hidetoshi Nishijima). After a particularly challenging encounter, a silver giant descends from the sky to rescue the country. Dubbed Ultraman,...
- 1/11/2023
- by Phil Wheat
- Nerdly
Blue An, Film.UA & Zdf Team On Zelenskyy Doc ‘Citizens At War’
Canada’s Blue Ant International has struck a distribution and co-production financing deal for six-part doc series Citizens at War: A Year in Ukraine. The doc will include exclusive, personal interviews with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena, and details how the lives of people in Ukraine were turned upside down by the Russian invasion. Stories include intervies with a Ukrainian beauty queen turned sniper, a Russian soldier terrified by unexpected resistance to his convoy and the sole survivor of a mass execution in Bucha. Blue Ant’s Global Head of Acquisitions and Partnerships Lilla Hurst struck the deal for the series with leading Ukrainian studio Film.UA, Australia’s Tilt Media and Gtv Docs in London. Germany’s Zdf is attached as the commissioning broadcaster and the show is expected to debut on the one-year anniversary...
Canada’s Blue Ant International has struck a distribution and co-production financing deal for six-part doc series Citizens at War: A Year in Ukraine. The doc will include exclusive, personal interviews with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his wife, Olena, and details how the lives of people in Ukraine were turned upside down by the Russian invasion. Stories include intervies with a Ukrainian beauty queen turned sniper, a Russian soldier terrified by unexpected resistance to his convoy and the sole survivor of a mass execution in Bucha. Blue Ant’s Global Head of Acquisitions and Partnerships Lilla Hurst struck the deal for the series with leading Ukrainian studio Film.UA, Australia’s Tilt Media and Gtv Docs in London. Germany’s Zdf is attached as the commissioning broadcaster and the show is expected to debut on the one-year anniversary...
- 1/11/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Fathom Events, Tsuburaya, and The Exchange are partnering to bring the iconic Japanese superhero Ultraman to theaters nationwide this coming January for a two night engagement. January 11 will have English subtitles while January 12 will be dubbed in English.
The film, Shin Ultraman turns the Japanese icon Ultraman – first broadcast on television in 1966 – into a full-length feature film, written and produced by Hideaki Anno – a self described Ultraman fan – and directed by Shinji Higuchi. The film is set in modern Japan – depicting a world where Ultraman is witnessed by human eyes for the first time, ever!
View trailer with a special message from Takumi Saitoh Here.
Tickets for Shin Ultraman can be purchased at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters participants are subject to change). Please contact your local theater for individual safety precautions.
There’s...
The film, Shin Ultraman turns the Japanese icon Ultraman – first broadcast on television in 1966 – into a full-length feature film, written and produced by Hideaki Anno – a self described Ultraman fan – and directed by Shinji Higuchi. The film is set in modern Japan – depicting a world where Ultraman is witnessed by human eyes for the first time, ever!
View trailer with a special message from Takumi Saitoh Here.
Tickets for Shin Ultraman can be purchased at Fathom Events or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters participants are subject to change). Please contact your local theater for individual safety precautions.
There’s...
- 1/6/2023
- by Rouven Linnarz
- AsianMoviePulse
Kaoru Fukasawa (Takumi Saitoh) is a successful manga artist. His acclaimed manga series was published for 8 years, but has now finished. He doesn’t have any ideas for his next work. His situation seems bleak, with his editor seeming to not care about him anymore and he has a troubled relationship with his wife, Nozomi MacHida (Megumi). As he spends his days in despair and darkness, he visits a brothel and meets prostitute Chifuyu (Shuri). He becomes attracted to Chifuyu and they decide to head to her hometown together. (Source: AsianWiki)
Naoto Takenaka (one of the co-directors with Takumi Saitoh of Zokki) directs this live-action adaptation of Inio Asano’s manga. Asano published his manga in March 2017 in Big Comic Superior and the serialisation ended its run after 4 months. A single tankōbon volume was released in November 2017.
Downfall is scheduled to open in Japan on March 17, 2023.
Naoto Takenaka (one of the co-directors with Takumi Saitoh of Zokki) directs this live-action adaptation of Inio Asano’s manga. Asano published his manga in March 2017 in Big Comic Superior and the serialisation ended its run after 4 months. A single tankōbon volume was released in November 2017.
Downfall is scheduled to open in Japan on March 17, 2023.
- 1/4/2023
- by Suzie Cho
- AsianMoviePulse
Tongue-in-cheek but never campy, “Shin Ultraman” is an object lesson in how to reboot a superhero franchise for modern times. Cannily making its CGI resemble the aesthetic of Japanese monster movies from yesteryear, this all-new Ultraman adventure has been lovingly assembled to enthrall viewers with no prior knowledge and satisfy fans who’ve been cheering for the giant red-and-silver humanoid since he first saved Japan and the world in a 1966-67 children’s television series. The sixth-highest grossing Japanese feature of 2022, “Shin Ultraman” will fly into U.S. cinemas for an initial two-days-only release on January 11 and 12.
Reuniting after their hit 2016 reboot “Shin Godzilla” (shin translates as “new”), director Shinji Higuchi (“Attack on Titan” Parts 1 and 2) and writer-producer-editor Hideaki Anno (the “Evangelion” anime series) have again woven smart political commentary and meaningful ruminations on human existence into a screenplay otherwise dedicated to delivering marvelously entertaining silliness with an immaculately straight face.
Reuniting after their hit 2016 reboot “Shin Godzilla” (shin translates as “new”), director Shinji Higuchi (“Attack on Titan” Parts 1 and 2) and writer-producer-editor Hideaki Anno (the “Evangelion” anime series) have again woven smart political commentary and meaningful ruminations on human existence into a screenplay otherwise dedicated to delivering marvelously entertaining silliness with an immaculately straight face.
- 1/3/2023
- by Richard Kuipers
- Variety Film + TV
Tatsushi Ohmori made an impressive transition from arthouse filmmaker to cineplex crowd pleaser. Known for violent disruptions of conventions both cinematic and social, he created his own style, starting in 2005 with the debut film “The Whispering of Gods”. His latest production, “Goodbye Cruel World”, is a heist movie about a group of people who rob a Yakuza gang. Betrayal, love, and revenge are mixed together and crowned with an A-List cast.
Goodbye Cruel World is screening at Hawai’i International Film Festival
Nao Ohmori (“Outrage Coda” 2017) steals the show as a detective hired by the yakuza to find the culprits. On the other side, “Drive my Car” actor Hidetoshi Nishijima leads the robbers, consisting of Takumi Saitoh (“Shin Godzilla” 2016), Hio Miyazawa (“his” 2020), Tina Tamashiro (“Diner” 2019), Tomokazu Miura (“Adrift in Tokyo” 2007), and Daisuke Miyagawa (“Drop” 2009). All the characters are portrayed in a passive way, and their story is told with many omissions,...
Goodbye Cruel World is screening at Hawai’i International Film Festival
Nao Ohmori (“Outrage Coda” 2017) steals the show as a detective hired by the yakuza to find the culprits. On the other side, “Drive my Car” actor Hidetoshi Nishijima leads the robbers, consisting of Takumi Saitoh (“Shin Godzilla” 2016), Hio Miyazawa (“his” 2020), Tina Tamashiro (“Diner” 2019), Tomokazu Miura (“Adrift in Tokyo” 2007), and Daisuke Miyagawa (“Drop” 2009). All the characters are portrayed in a passive way, and their story is told with many omissions,...
- 11/7/2022
- by Alexander Knoth
- AsianMoviePulse
Based on Inio Asano’s manga, the film stars Takumi Saito from ’Shin Ultraman’.
Japan’s Nikkatsu is launching sales on actor-director Naoto Takenaka’s Downfall, an upcoming live-action feature based on Inio Asano’s manga of the same name, at content market Tiffcom.
The adaptation of the manga, also known as Reiraku, will be a dark drama starring Takumi Saitoh of Shin Ultraman as a formerly successful manga artist. He will be joined in the cast by Shuri (Wandering), who plays a prostitute he becomes interested in, and Megumi, who plays his wife.
The story follows the artist as...
Japan’s Nikkatsu is launching sales on actor-director Naoto Takenaka’s Downfall, an upcoming live-action feature based on Inio Asano’s manga of the same name, at content market Tiffcom.
The adaptation of the manga, also known as Reiraku, will be a dark drama starring Takumi Saitoh of Shin Ultraman as a formerly successful manga artist. He will be joined in the cast by Shuri (Wandering), who plays a prostitute he becomes interested in, and Megumi, who plays his wife.
The story follows the artist as...
- 10/27/2022
- by Jean Noh
- ScreenDaily
Translation by Koichi Mori
Shinji Higuchi is a filmmaker and storyboard artist. At a young age, he was taken on a tour by his aunt to Toho Studios, where he saw the making of tokusatsu in action, which greatly inspired him. He would get his big start as an assistant modeler for the production of “The Return of Godzilla” and further advance career-wise with his collaborations with the studio Daicon. During that period, he would meet fellow filmmaker Hideaki Anno, who would become a close friend and frequent collaborator. Higuchi’s recognition would peak for his phenomenal work directing the special effects for the “Heisei Gamera Trilogy” directed by Shusuke Kaneko. Since then, he has been hailed both natively and internationally for his exceptional work as a special effects director and his movie directorial career. Higuchi’s latest film is “Shin Ultraman” the newest entry in the long-running “Ultra” franchise...
Shinji Higuchi is a filmmaker and storyboard artist. At a young age, he was taken on a tour by his aunt to Toho Studios, where he saw the making of tokusatsu in action, which greatly inspired him. He would get his big start as an assistant modeler for the production of “The Return of Godzilla” and further advance career-wise with his collaborations with the studio Daicon. During that period, he would meet fellow filmmaker Hideaki Anno, who would become a close friend and frequent collaborator. Higuchi’s recognition would peak for his phenomenal work directing the special effects for the “Heisei Gamera Trilogy” directed by Shusuke Kaneko. Since then, he has been hailed both natively and internationally for his exceptional work as a special effects director and his movie directorial career. Higuchi’s latest film is “Shin Ultraman” the newest entry in the long-running “Ultra” franchise...
- 8/6/2022
- by Sean Barry
- AsianMoviePulse
Stars: Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Kenjirô Tsuda, Kôji Yamamoto | Written by Hideaki Anno | Directed by Shinji Higuchi
Shin Ultraman is, for those unaware of it, a reboot of the original 1966 TV show Ultraman. That show launched a massively popular franchise in its native Japan and, reruns of the dubbed American version helped launch my love of kaiju films and eventually science fiction and horror in general. So you can understand I sat down to watch the film with both anticipation and worry about how well it would live up to my memories.
The film opens with a fast explanation of how the Sssp came to be as we see several rampaging creatures in the background. And when I say a fast explanation I mean fast, by ten minutes into the film Ultraman is on Earth and battling an energy-eating kaiju. One of the Sssp team Shinji Kaminaga is caught in...
Shin Ultraman is, for those unaware of it, a reboot of the original 1966 TV show Ultraman. That show launched a massively popular franchise in its native Japan and, reruns of the dubbed American version helped launch my love of kaiju films and eventually science fiction and horror in general. So you can understand I sat down to watch the film with both anticipation and worry about how well it would live up to my memories.
The film opens with a fast explanation of how the Sssp came to be as we see several rampaging creatures in the background. And when I say a fast explanation I mean fast, by ten minutes into the film Ultraman is on Earth and battling an energy-eating kaiju. One of the Sssp team Shinji Kaminaga is caught in...
- 7/22/2022
- by Jim Morazzini
- Nerdly
37th film in the Ultraman franchise and the second reboot of a tokusatsu series to be adapted by script writer Hideaki Anno and director Shinji Higuchi after “Shin Godzilla”, “Shin Ultraman” proves that the team behind the two movies (including Toho and Cine Bazar) have found the perfect recipe (and the money) for these relaunches.
Shin Ultraman is screening at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival
In a style very similar to “Shin Godzilla”, the movie jumps right into the action, as a number of giant creatures, classified as “S-Class Species” have appeared throughout Japan, with the government establishing the S-Class Species Suppression Protocol to eliminate further threats. Shortly thereafter, the Sssp addresses Neronga’s attack, when a silver extraterrestrial giant dubbed “Ultraman” appears to defeat the monster and save humanity. However, he inadvertently kills Sssp member Shinji Kaminaga during his battle with the monster. He subsequently takes Shinji’s appearance and place,...
Shin Ultraman is screening at Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival
In a style very similar to “Shin Godzilla”, the movie jumps right into the action, as a number of giant creatures, classified as “S-Class Species” have appeared throughout Japan, with the government establishing the S-Class Species Suppression Protocol to eliminate further threats. Shortly thereafter, the Sssp addresses Neronga’s attack, when a silver extraterrestrial giant dubbed “Ultraman” appears to defeat the monster and save humanity. However, he inadvertently kills Sssp member Shinji Kaminaga during his battle with the monster. He subsequently takes Shinji’s appearance and place,...
- 7/3/2022
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
For its subject matter, “Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” is a magnificent story, featuring several accomplished and intriguing actors, and using these to bring life to the world of magazine editing. Director Daihachi Yoshida does so with a mix of drama and comedy, making for a surprisingly fun film.
“The Fangs of Fiction” is screening at Toronto Japanese Film Festival
One of the many films delayed due to Covid-19, “Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” details the story of a Japanese magazine in current times, where many of them, including this one, are on the brink of collapse. Teruya Hayami (Yo Oizumi) is tasked to work on one magazine, Trinity, to keep it afloat and make it flourish once again. By using innovating tactics, some of which highly risky, he, with the help of young and passionate Megumi Takano (Mayu Matsuoka), tries to do everything in his capacity to make sure...
“The Fangs of Fiction” is screening at Toronto Japanese Film Festival
One of the many films delayed due to Covid-19, “Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” details the story of a Japanese magazine in current times, where many of them, including this one, are on the brink of collapse. Teruya Hayami (Yo Oizumi) is tasked to work on one magazine, Trinity, to keep it afloat and make it flourish once again. By using innovating tactics, some of which highly risky, he, with the help of young and passionate Megumi Takano (Mayu Matsuoka), tries to do everything in his capacity to make sure...
- 6/10/2022
- by Reinier Brands
- AsianMoviePulse
While those stateside are getting served up the latest product from the Marvel assembly line as their sole blockbuster offering to kick off the summer (all respect to Sam Raimi), Japan will be getting Shin Ultraman, a new film directed by Shin Godzilla VFX lead and Evangelion co-writer Shinji Higuchi and written and produced by Hideaki Anno.
A reimagination of the Japanese series Ultraman, first originating back in the 1960s, this 2022 iteration stars Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, and Drive My Car lead Hidetoshi Nishijima. Set for a May 13, 2022 release in Japan, this new international trailer shows all sorts of kaiju mayhem as our lead powers up.
Watch below.
The post First Trailer for Shin Ultraman Brings Kaiju Mayhem first appeared on The Film Stage.
A reimagination of the Japanese series Ultraman, first originating back in the 1960s, this 2022 iteration stars Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, and Drive My Car lead Hidetoshi Nishijima. Set for a May 13, 2022 release in Japan, this new international trailer shows all sorts of kaiju mayhem as our lead powers up.
Watch below.
The post First Trailer for Shin Ultraman Brings Kaiju Mayhem first appeared on The Film Stage.
- 4/18/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Shin Ultraman Trailer — Hideaki Anno and Shinji Higuchi‘s Shin Ultraman (2022) movie trailer has been released by Toho Pictures. The Shin Ultraman trailer stars Takumi Saitoh, Masami Nagasawa, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Koji Yamamoto, and Akari Hayami. Crew Hideaki Anno wrote the screenplay for Shin Ultraman. Shiro Sagisu created the music for the film. Kazuhiro Nakagawa crafted [...]
Continue reading: Shin Ultraman (2022) Movie Trailer: An Alien Gives Takumi Saitoh its Powers to Protect Earth from Extraterrestrial Criminals...
Continue reading: Shin Ultraman (2022) Movie Trailer: An Alien Gives Takumi Saitoh its Powers to Protect Earth from Extraterrestrial Criminals...
- 4/16/2022
- by Rollo Tomasi
- Film-Book
"I felt a different reality than a monster when I was a giant." Toho Pictures has debuted a new 30-second main trailer for the iconic monsterverse movie Shin Ultraman, a modern update on the beloved '60s TV character from Japan. Toho convinced filmmakers Hideaki Anno & Shinji Higuchi to re-team again after making Shin Godzilla in 2016, updating the classic Ultraman character for these times. The new Ultraman design is is based on an Ultraman painting by the late Tohl Narita in 1983 called “Incarnation of Truth, Justice, and Beauty”. Shin Ultraman stars Takumi Saitoh, who becomes the human host of "Ultraman", with Masami Nagasawa and Hidetoshi Nishijima. Almost every shot in this new trailer is totally epic! Plus there's some glimpses at Ultraman foes including Gabora, Neronga, and some kind of evil robot. Why does this seem like it's going to be absolutely amazing?! Feast your eyes on this monsterverse trailer below.
- 4/15/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
During this pandemic, we have watched and reviewed a rather large number of “quarantine films”, since the creativity of many directors could not be contained due to the lockdown. It is the first time, though, to watch a kaiju one, and a black and white one for that matter, with Shunji Iwai getting particularly creative on how to achieve something like that. First hint? Capsule Kaiju.
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 is screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival
The inspiration behind the movie came from special-effects wizard Shinji Higuchi, who initiated an online challenge titled Kaiju Defeat Covid, where the idea was to catch an invisible monster, fuse it with your own Godzilla toy monster, and send the strengthened creature to crush the virus. Higuchi even put an instruction video on Youtube and Iwai took up the idea and turn it into a 12-part internet...
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 is screening at Five Flavours Asian Film Festival
The inspiration behind the movie came from special-effects wizard Shinji Higuchi, who initiated an online challenge titled Kaiju Defeat Covid, where the idea was to catch an invisible monster, fuse it with your own Godzilla toy monster, and send the strengthened creature to crush the virus. Higuchi even put an instruction video on Youtube and Iwai took up the idea and turn it into a 12-part internet...
- 11/27/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
Japanese humor is rather unique, occasionally moving towards intelligent, quirky and deadpan paths, occasionally towards absurd, slapstick or even appalling and “blasphemous” ones. “Zokki”, the collective effort of Naoto Takenaka, Takayuki Yamada and Takumi Saitoh, thankfully lingers mostly towards the first two categories, in five intermingling episodes written by Yutaka Kuramochi, based on short stories by manga artist Hiroyuki Ohashi.
“Zokki” is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
The omnibus begins with a story of a kidnapping that ends up with a grandfather talking about secrets with his granddaughter, who eventually throws out of her mouth the milk she was drinking, which sets up the tone, to a point at least, for the rest of the movie. Another story focuses on Fujimura, a loner who decides to go for a road trip with his bike, eventually arriving at a seaside town, where he is taken in by a friendly...
“Zokki” is screening at New York Asian Film Festival
The omnibus begins with a story of a kidnapping that ends up with a grandfather talking about secrets with his granddaughter, who eventually throws out of her mouth the milk she was drinking, which sets up the tone, to a point at least, for the rest of the movie. Another story focuses on Fujimura, a loner who decides to go for a road trip with his bike, eventually arriving at a seaside town, where he is taken in by a friendly...
- 8/25/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
For its subject matter, “Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” is a magnificent story, featuring several accomplished and intriguing actors, and using these to bring life to the world of magazine editing. Director Daihachi Yoshida does so with a mix of drama and comedy, making for a surprisingly fun film.
“Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” is screening at Japan Cuts
One of the many films delayed due to Covid-19, “Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” details the story of a Japanese magazine in current times, where many of them, including this one, are on the brink of collapse. Teruya Hayami (Yo Oizumi) is tasked to work on one magazine, Trinity, to keep it afloat and make it flourish once again. By using innovating tactics, some of which highly risky, he, with the help of young and passionate Megumi Takano (Mayu Matsuoka), tries to do everything in his capacity to make sure the...
“Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” is screening at Japan Cuts
One of the many films delayed due to Covid-19, “Kiba: The Fangs of Fiction” details the story of a Japanese magazine in current times, where many of them, including this one, are on the brink of collapse. Teruya Hayami (Yo Oizumi) is tasked to work on one magazine, Trinity, to keep it afloat and make it flourish once again. By using innovating tactics, some of which highly risky, he, with the help of young and passionate Megumi Takano (Mayu Matsuoka), tries to do everything in his capacity to make sure the...
- 8/24/2021
- by Reinier Brands
- AsianMoviePulse
Cinema Today in Japan has released the full official trailer for the Japanese remake of the classic indie sci-fi horror film Cube, with the same name again. We featured a teaser trailer earlier this year, but there's even more freaky footage in this full trailer. The official website contains this cryptic message: "No one can resist the overwhelming order that Cube brings... Is it hope or despair that lurks in the abyss of myself? Soon, you too are in Cube. No, it may already be inside." Well that's scary. The cast includes Masaki Suda, Takumi Saitoh, Masaki Okada, Kôtarô Yoshida, and Hikaru Tashiro. This remake is also executive produced by Vincenzo Natali, who made the original in 1997. He says on Twitter: "Shimizu-san did a great job with his version. It is needless-to-say uniquely Japanese. I hope you enjoy it." I'm looking forward to watching! There's no subtitles, but we...
- 8/10/2021
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Yuichi Goto (Masaki Suda), an engineer who woke up in a strange cube, Asako Kai (Kyou), a group employee, Shinji Ochi (Masaki Okada), a part-time worker, Chiyo Uno (Masaki Tashiro), a junior high school student, and a mechanic. Hiroshi Ide (Takumi Saitoh), Kazumasa Ando (Kotaro Yoshida), a corporate officer. They have no contact with each other and do not know why they are here, moving through other cubic spaces that connect in all directions to escape. Clear murderous traps such as heat-sensitive lasers, wire slicers, and flame jets are set up everywhere and continue to break the code.
- 8/3/2021
- by Don Anelli
- AsianMoviePulse
During this pandemic, we have watched and reviewed a rather large number of “quarantine films”, since the creativity of many directors could not be contained due to the lockdown. It is the first time, though, to watch a kaiju one, and a black and white one for that matter, with Shunji Iwai getting particularly creative on how to achieve something like that. First hint? Capsule Kaiju.
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam
The inspiration behind the movie came from special-effects wizard Shinji Higuchi, who initiated an online challenge titled Kaiju Defeat Covid, where the idea was to catch an invisible monster, fuse it with your own Godzilla toy monster, and send the strengthened creature to crush the virus. Higuchi even put an instruction video on Youtube and Iwai took up the idea and turn it into a 12-part internet series...
The 12 Day Tale of the Monster That Died in 8 is screening at International Film Festival Rotterdam
The inspiration behind the movie came from special-effects wizard Shinji Higuchi, who initiated an online challenge titled Kaiju Defeat Covid, where the idea was to catch an invisible monster, fuse it with your own Godzilla toy monster, and send the strengthened creature to crush the virus. Higuchi even put an instruction video on Youtube and Iwai took up the idea and turn it into a 12-part internet series...
- 6/5/2021
- by Panos Kotzathanasis
- AsianMoviePulse
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.