Big Man Japan

Big Man Japan, a movie released in 2007, is an unusual and intriguing blend of two distinct film genres – mockumentary and tokusatsu. The film stars Hitoshi Matsumoto, who also serves as the film's director, along with Riki Takeuchi and Ua. For those unfamiliar with the term, 'tokusatsu' refers to a Japanese genre of live-action film or television drama that predominantly features superheroes and has a strong focus on special effects. This eccentric cinematic piece dives headlong into this genre, infusing it with the realism and nuanced commentary of a mockumentary.

The film revolves around the character of Masaru Daisato, an ordinary and seemingly insignificant middle-aged man played by Hitoshi Matsumoto. Daisato lives on his own in a city where his neighbors dislike him due to the constant presence of television crews and paparazzi trying to sneak a peek at his daily life. This is because Daisato is not your average man; he harbors an extraordinary ability.

When the need arises, Daisato can transform into a giant superhero, known as Big Man Japan, tasked with protecting the nation from the bizarre assortment of creature enemies constantly threatening its safety. Daisato's incredible transformation is brought to life through ambitious visual effects. The city he protects, however, is largely unappreciative and disinterested in his exploits, casting a tarnished and controversial light on Daisato's character and the herculean tasks he undertakes.

Following Daisato as he goes about his daily routines and the absurd responsibilities that come with being a superhero, the film investigates the toll of this double life. Riki Takeuchi plays the role of Daisato's agent, who is more worried about the profit of selling the broadcasting rights than the safety of the people. Ua, a popular Japanese singer and actress, portrays the character of Daisato's estranged family.

As a parody of the often extravagant and over-the-top heroics typically seen in tokusatsu films, Big Man Japan maintains a nuance tone of humor. The humor is often dark, mirroring the burdens shouldered by Daisato. It's a thoughtful exploration into the life of a superhero that uses satirical strokes to sketch out a picture of the hero's existence in the absence of the usually granted reverential respect and admiration.

Apart from its outlandish premise and unique mix of genres, what makes Big Man Japan particularly noteworthy is its ability to use its fantastical elements to cast a more amplified light on everyday societal and human concerns. It delves into themes of loneliness, the quest for approval, mass media's role in societal perception, and the consequences of heroism devoid of glamour. It subverts the classic superhero genre by casting its protagonist not as a revered figure, but as a weary and misunderstood man whose overwhelming responsibility takes a toll on his personal and social life.

The film's special effects are worthy of mention, combining traditional Japanese aesthetics with decidedly more modern technological implementations. The battles between Daisato and the various monsters attacking Japan, which form the tokusatsu portion of the movie, are beautifully and captivatingly rendered. These intense fight sequences generate shocks and laughs in equal measure, while also contributing to the film's more significant thematic explorations.

As a stylized mockery of and homage to the tokusatsu genre, Big Man Japan is a film of contrasts and anticipation. This blend of genres offers a viewing experience that is likely to be unlike any you have seen before. It combines the cultural charm and hallmark thrills of traditional tokusatsu with the subversive wit and incisive commentary of a top-notch mockumentary. Add in some rich subtext and a fully committed, multifaceted central performance by Matsumoto, and you get a film that is a must-watch for fans of distinctive and genre-bending cinema.

Big Man Japan is an important and invaluable entry in modern Japanese cinema, providing audiences with a unique blend of humor, action, and social commentary. With its explorations of heroism, fame, and societal appreciation, all of it balanced on a fine-tuned axis of satire and sincerity, it offers a deeply nuanced, entertaining, and thought-provoking cinematic experience.