Kaiju is a Japanese word that roughly translates to monster. Kaiju eiga is a related term used to describe Japanese monster movies such as GODZILLA and its many imitators. Although the genre has slowed down considerably for the last couple of decades, we have good news for fans of these films.
NHK and the Saga Film Commission are producing a television drama entitled THE MAN WHO SUMMONS KAIJU. Directed by Daisuke Andô, the 25-minute drama will air in Japan this Friday, December 10th. Here is the synopsis:
Kouta Soejima (Gen Hoshino) works for the Saga Film Commission. One day, approached by an old school friend now working in the film industry, Kouta is given the opportunity to make a monster movie and eagerly takes up the challenge. He begins scouting for locations, seeking the perfect shoot location — which turns out to be the hometown he had left years before. As elements of his past start to catch up with him, he finds that something else — something big — is about make an appearance…
You can see the trailer below. It’s in Japanese, so if you know what’s going on please fill us in! Unfortunately we don’t get a glimpse of the beast, but I know you’re curious as to what it will look like. A spokesperson offered the following: “Its appearance is based on a fish known as Odontamblyopus lacepedii, which looks a little like H.R. Giger’s ALIEN design.”
Apparently the monster will be computer generated instead of the classic rubber suit of yesteryear. A bit disappointing, but the Giger reference still has me holding on to hope. Hopefully the special will make its way to the U.S. soon.
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