Tetsujin 28

Directed by Shin Togashi

Aztec International

R4 DVD Release

This is a live action revival of a classic anime character, this time a giant robot from the 60's anime series Tetsujin 28, better known in the West as Gigantor. This 2004 release comes from the creator of Giant Robo and tries to update the original series while keeping the ethos of the original. The setting is similar to many other Anime type films, Tokyo is attacked, this time however, by an enormous robot called the Black Ox. Black Ox is so strong that the Japanese police force or military can't destroy it and worse still it is controlled by a terrorist.

When all seems lost, rescue comes in the most unusual form. Shotaro is an elementary school student who receives a mysterious phone call from an older man with a secret. It seems Shotaro's father was a robotics engineer in charge of the Tetsujin project. When he died in a lab accident many years before he left behind the twenty eighth and final Tetsujin robot, which has been hidden away slowly gathering dust. Shotaro must awaken Tetsujin and use him against the powerful Black Ox if Tokyo is to survive. Bullied at school and without much self confidence, Shotaro must gather all his strength to use Tetsujin to defend this city. Even with the Tetsujin 28 by his side, Shotaro may not be strong enough to defeat the Black Ox and a great battle ensues.

Made in the old style this has divided the critics, many revel in the traditions of robot battles and 1950’s Anime and hence love the nostalgia of this remake. Others have found it boring and overblown. Certainly the feel of the film, the music and the robot battles come from a very different period. It has little in common with the frenetic violence of modern Anime and Manga.

However, that being said, I wouldn’t be too quick to write it off. Its return to simpler forms, its nostalgia, its superior use of animation coupled with great robotic action will make it of interest for children and adults alike.

The Region 4 release comes with Japanese language, English subtitles and is 1.85:1 aspect ratio.