'Ultraman' Turns 60! September Taiwan Release Sparks Nostalgia, 5 Legendary Directors Revealed as Fans

The legendary "Light Giant," Ultraman, a cornerstone of Japanese special effects history, is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Since its debut in 1966, the series has captivated audiences worldwide, and to commemorate this milestone, a documentary titled "Ultraman: The Beginning" has been produced. The film is set to premiere in Taiwan on September 4th, promising a nostalgic journey for fans.

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Ultraman: The Beginning is set to premiere in Taiwan on September 4th.

This documentary goes beyond revisiting Ultraman's classic elements like its iconic monsters, energy beams, and the signature red-and-silver suit. It brings together a remarkable group of acclaimed directors who openly express their admiration for the franchise. Among them are Cannes Palme d'Or winner Hirokazu Kore-eda, Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro, game visionary Hideo Kojima, and Hideaki Anno, the creative force behind "Neon Genesis Evangelion," along with Shinji Higuchi, director of "Shin Godzilla." Their participation creates a "master class" event, bridging cinema, animation, gaming, and special effects.

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My life is already inseparable from Ultraman.

The documentary was initiated by Hirokazu Kore-eda, a lifelong fan who approaches the subject from his characteristic humanistic perspective. He delves into the question, "What is Ultraman, really?" The film revisits how Eiji Tsuburaya, the "God of Special Effects," and his original team used creativity and practical techniques to build a fantastical world. It also shifts focus to the monsters, exploring the idea that these "villains," seemingly defeated by the hero, might possess their own narratives and stories.

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The memory is like an 'Ultraman curse,' it will probably follow me for a lifetime.

Kore-eda finds a message of "mutual understanding between people" within the Ultraman series, elevating the documentary beyond mere nostalgia. It offers a fresh interpretation of the 60-year-old franchise's enduring themes. The film also highlights how influential Ultraman has been on contemporary creators. Hideo Kojima declares, "My life is inseparable from Ultraman," while Hideaki Anno, who directed "Shin Ultraman," humorously describes his connection as an "Ultraman curse" that will stay with him forever. Guillermo del Toro revealed that his work on "Pacific Rim," featuring giant robots battling monsters, was inspired by Tsuburaya's creative methods.

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When filming 'Pacific Rim,' the giant robots fighting monsters, I was actually thinking about Eiji Tsuburaya's creative methods.