‘Message from Space’ Blu-ray Review (Masters of Cinema)
Stars: Vic Morrow, Sonny Chiba, Etsuko Shihomi, Philip Casnoff, Peggy Lee Brennan, Tetsurô Tanba, Mikio Narita, Makoto Satô, Seizô Fukumoto, Hiroyuki Sanada | Written by Kinji Fukasaku, Shotaro Ishinomori, Hirô Matsuda | Directed by Kinji Fukasaku
Message from Space, directed by Kinji Fukasaku, is a Japanese science fiction film that blends traditional space opera tropes with unique cultural elements, delivering a visually captivating yet narratively uneven experience. Released in the wake of the monumental success of Star Wars, this film ambitiously seeks to carve out its own niche within the genre.
One of the standout features of Message from Space is its visual presentation. The film showcases an impressive array of special effects for its time, with meticulously designed spacecraft and vibrant alien landscapes that reflect a distinctively Japanese aesthetic. The miniature models and practical effects, though not as polished as those in Hollywood blockbusters, possess a charming quality that adds to the film’s retro-futuristic appeal. The use of colour and imaginative set design further enhances the otherworldly atmosphere, making each scene visually engaging.
The plot of Message from Space revolves around the planet Jillucia, which has been devastated by the evil Gavanas Empire. In a desperate bid for salvation, the Jillucians send out eight Liabe seeds (glowing walnuts) to find heroes who can liberate their world. This narrative setup echoes classic adventure tales but is marred by a lack of coherence and depth in its execution.
The characters, while diverse and quirky, often fall into stereotypical roles without much development. Vic Morrow’s General Garuda is the jaded warrior with a heart of gold, Sonny Chiba’s Prince Hans is the stoic leader, and Etsuko Shihomi’s Meia is the determined warrior. Despite the film’s effort to assemble a ragtag group of heroes, the interactions among them often feel forced, and their individual arcs lack satisfying progression.
Kinji Fukasaku, known for his work on Battle Royale and the Yakuza Papers series, brings a certain level of directorial flair to Message from Space. However, the pacing of the film suffers from uneven shifts between action-packed sequences and slower, more contemplative moments. While some scenes are thrilling and imaginative, others drag on without contributing significantly to the overall narrative. Yet the soundtrack, composed by Ken-Ichiro Morioka, complements the film’s adventurous spirit with its orchestral arrangements. The music enhances the sense of wonder and urgency in key scenes, though at times it can feel overbearing or mismatched with the on-screen action.
Ultimately, Message from Space is a film that exudes creativity and ambition but ultimately falls short of becoming a classic due to its disjointed storytelling and underdeveloped characters. It remains an interesting artefact of 1970s science fiction cinema, notable for its distinct style and earnest attempt to capture the magic of space opera adventures. Fans of vintage sci-fi and Japanese cinema may find it a nostalgic and entertaining watch, while others might view it as a curious but flawed endeavour in the shadow of more polished contemporaries.
Special Features:
- 1080p HD presentation on Blu-ray from a restoration of the original film elements supplied by Toei
- Original Japanese audio
- English dub
- Optional English subtitles
- Limited edition O-card slipcase featuring new artwork by Scott Saslow
- Limited edition reversible poster
- Brand new audio commentary by Tom Mes
- Message from Earth – archival documentary featuring interviews with Sonny Chiba and Kenta Fukasaku
- An appreciation of the film by film writer Patrick Macias
- Reversible sleeve featuring original poster artwork
- Stills gallery
- Trailers
- Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Christopher Stewardson
Message from Space is out now on Blu-ray from Eureka Entertainment, via their Masters of Cinema imprint.
