Released in Hong Kong in 2007, Big Man Japan is finally making its way to the United States via Magnolia Home Entertainment. Magnolia is known for its quirky choices for release and Big Man Japan may just top them all. Although it boasts supremely creative special effects and an equally creative approach to the story, this film has a pretty narrow target audience. If you are its target though, it’ll hit the bullseye.
Big Man Japan is the defender of said country and has been for generations (they become a giant defender by being electrocuted and then eventually shrink back down to regular size in a way similar to the Incredible Hulk comic books). The current Big Man Japan is unlike his predecessors in that he is very depressed and is disliked by the public at large. The film is presented as part documentary with our would-be-hero offering commentary on his life, his history, and his Big Man Japan predecessors and part Godzilla-like superhero film with the BMJ fending off monsters who seek to either attack or just “hang out” in the city. BMJ’s conversations with some of the monsters become highlights of the film, especially the drawn out conversation with the Stink Monster. It’s been a week since I watched this film and I’m still laughing about that particular scene.
I absolutely loved Big Man Japan! It is a dry, witty, tremendously interesting “real life” look at the business of being a superhero. Fans of Sci-Fi, comics, superhero films, or the like will find a lot to enjoy here. The DVD also includes a Making of documentary that includes a commentary track and a batch of deleted scenes. If you are interested in these types of films, then you’ll be hard pressed to find a better one than this.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
