Ultraman: Rising, the latest Netflix’s superhero sensation, took two decades to conceive and perfect, marking a labour of love from creator Shannon Tindle. Inspired by her passion for Japanese pop culture and dedication to diversity, Tindle’s take on the superhero genre combines sci-fi elements with a deeply personal narrative. Netflix’s decision to host the project allowed Tindle liberating creative freedom.
Co-directed by Tindle and John Aoshima, Ultraman:Rising blends the aesthetics from the 1960s original series with the power of modern cinematography. Combined efforts resulted in a spectacular blend of past and future, lifting the beloved classics to new heights without devouring their retro charm. Advanced technical features and a refined visual palette were combined in a delicate balancing act resulting in a final product that remains both fresh and nostalgic.
The visual scope of the film is deeply influenced by the renowned artist Keiko Murayama. Her creativity and respect for the series’ heritage birthed a visual narrative, strikingly colored and textured to reflect the film’s adventurous spirit and superhero roots.
Redefining superheroes: Netflix’s Ultraman Rising
Ultraman: Rising’s aesthetics pays tribute to East Asian mythology richly woven with modern technological themes, proving to be a visual spectacle for both new and existing fans of the Ultraman universe.
The film plots a moving storyline for Ultraman as he forms an endearing bond with a baby kaiju, Emi. In addition to epic battles against evil, elements of friendship, protection, and evolution enrich the narrative, proving the superhero fiction can also explore deep emotional zones. The bond between Ultraman and Emi, seen in the gentle moments of care and protection, paints Ultraman as a tender guardian besides being a hero.
The film’s authenticity was achieved by consulting and collaborating with Japanese and Asian team members on character movements and skin tones, with meticulous attention paid to details. The employment of light and shadow, careful sound crafting, and choreography during high-intensity sequences were all derived from a deep understanding of cultural roots and advanced technological tools, adding true-life and familiar layers to the elaborate cultural representation.
The main character, Ken, a Japanese-American, displays a unique American energy in a fascinating display of cultural fusion. Meticulously designed set pieces, CGI effects, and imaginative props form the backbone of the narrative, enriching the urban setting and contemporary feel. As the film unfolds, viewers are transported into a world where reality and fantasy merge, reflecting transcultural identity and time-travelling complexities, demonstrating a true homage to the classic.
