Having spent the previous two decades plying his trade in war films and Yakuza thrillers, Kinji Fukusaku seemed an odd choice to lens a phantasmagorical trip beyond the stars. With Message from Space, however, the Japanese director successfully melds the themes and characters of his previous work, ultimately composing an exciting adventure across the Andromeda galaxy. Message from Space offers a familiar tale of underdog rebels tasked with liberating a benevolent planet from its warmongering captors. A spritely princess, a daredevil aristocrat, a burned-out Earth General, and a vengeful swordsman are among the party of misfits fated by some Magical Glowing Walnuts to confront the ruthless Gavanas Empire – outgunned, outmatched, and outnumbered.
Message From Space was Japan’s most expensive production to date, with a budgetary equivalent of six million dollars. Despite this, Fukusaku’s film has an undeniable chintzyness to its aesthetic – all wobbly spaceships, cardboard robot suits, and egg carton cockpits. However, for those willing to embrace these limitations rather than reject them, Message from Space is an infectiously stirring tale of bravery and redemption, daubed in a charming visual style that radiates nostalgia. Great cinematography and a vibrant colour palette embolden the design, resulting in dazzling laser battles; cute robot sidekicks; quaint costuming; and the obligatory flying Galleon. The experience is that of a cosmic serial, married to a higher budget, but maintaining creativity and cultural pride. A live-action Star Fleet.
Most importantly, however, Message from Space is great fun – carried wholly by its sweet characters, rousing themes, creative design, and time-tested, (if admittedly dizzying), tale of Good vs. Evil. Though some may scoff at its cheaper elements, this energetic opera is delightful sci-fi cinema, and a must-watch for anyone who ever painted a washing up bottle as a rocket, before embarking upon their own bedroom-based space odyssey.
MESSAGE FROM SPACE is out now on Eureka’s Masters of Cinema label.
Click cover to order a copy through Amazon.co.uk
