Big Man Japan (2007)

	Also Known As: -
	Year of first release: 2007
	Director: Hitoshi Matsumoto (Symbol)
	Actors: Hitoshi Matsumoto (Symbol), Riki Takeuchi
	Country: J
	Genre: Documentary, Comedy, Fantasy
	Conditions of visioning: 11.10.2015, DVD, 22" TV
Synopsis: Masaru Daisatô (Matsumoto) undergoes an interview, during which we slowly realise that he can at any time be called upon to transform into a giant man protecting Japan against monsters.
Review: I have tried to watch this movie some years ago but fell asleep after the first hour. It does last twice longer and is extremely slow to start, but it is worth watching until the end. The main character is funny in a way only the Japanese could have though about: it is a kind of super-hero from a gone age, under the pressure of doing as good as his much more renowned grandfather, and living a very simply life, suffering constant mockery and disdain, when he is not on duty. The mockumentary style (fake documentary, like What we do in the Shadows) fits well the story that alternates somehow boring interviews in various surroundings with monster fights. The digital effects used for those look very cheap and dated, but it doesn't matter as the important is that we see the Big Man in action, often defeating its enemies by pure chance. Mix into that his ex-wife, his decrepit apartment, the publicity agent selling his actions to TV and advertisers, the semi-official ceremonies proceeding his transformation and the final 15 minutes of total insanity, and you get a bizarre movie that will please the fans of the genre like me. I also liked a lot the next movie by the same director/actor: Symbol.
Rating: 6 /10