Hideaki Anno’s highly anticipated live-action film, Shin Kamen Rider, is ready to reach a global audience through Amazon Prime Video, with availability in over 200 countries and territories starting from July 21. The film had its North American premiere at the Japan Society in New York City on May 23 and has been screened in North American theatres since May 31.
The film had a strong start in its home country of Japan, claiming the second spot at the Japanese box office during its opening weekend and selling 345,000 tickets, earning 542 million Yen (US $4.12 million) within the first three days. With a total of 2.1 billion Yen (US $15.51 million) as of date, Shin Kamen Rider has become the highest-earning film in the history of the Kamen Rider franchise.
The new chapter written in the books of Kamen Rider history, Shin Kamen Rider, only adds to the franchise’s legacy and heritage. The movie instantly received positive reception, leaving movie-goers nostalgic and happy. If you’ve watched a Kamen Rider before, then you know how hype the action scenes can get and how engaging the story is. On the topic of Shin Kamen Rider, let’s take a look at everything we know.
About Shin Kamen Rider
Shin Kamen Rider is a Japanese superhero film directed and written by Hideaki Anno. As the fourth and final installment in Anno’s Shin Japan Heroes Universe, it was made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kamen Rider. Katsuro Onoue is the associate director, accompanied by Ikki Todorokki as assistant director. Designs were handled by Mahiro Maeda, Ikuto Yamashita, and Yutaka Izubuchi, and costume design by Isao Tsuge.
Initially planned for release in 2021, the film’s production was delayed due to COVID-19 spread. After filming commenced in October 2021 and concluded in January 2022, Shin Kamen Rider premiered at selected theatres in Japan on March 17, 2023, followed by a nationwide release on March 18, 2023.
The talented group of actors included Sosuke Ikematsu, Minami Hamabe, Tasuku Emoto, Nanase Nishino, Shinya Tsukamoto, Toru Tezuka, Suzuki Matsuo, and Mirai Moriyama.
The Synopsis and a Short Review of the Film
Takeshi Hongo, captured and turned into a grasshopper mutant cyborg by the clandestine and evil group known as SHOCKER, finds hope in Ruriko, his mentor’s daughter and a defector from the organization. Together, they fight to survive and resist SHOCKER’s cruel plans and overthrow their schemes to conquer the world.
Shin Kamen Rider is somewhat of a remake of the original Kamen Rider TV series while also paying homage to it. It features seen-before characters and scene recreations, but it also takes the freedom to tweak the original story a bit. The film is made so that it feels nostalgic but welcomes new viewers to enjoy the franchise.
The pacing of the movie seems to be its only flaw. The movie is divided into 5 acts, each with its own story, but since the runtime is so low, the arcs don’t get time to fully come to a climax and are done hastily. Anno doesn’t miss, and his directing takes the cake once again. The sudden cuts and quick shots feel oh-so-familiar and let the boring script off the hook.
Overall, the fans seem to love the new film, as seen in the financial success of the movie. Shin Kamen Rider is a must-watch and has established itself as an instant classic in the franchise. If you’re looking for a well-directed superhero film that isn’t a Marvel or DC movie, then Shin Kamen Rider is your cup of tea.
