Message From Space (1978)

Speaking of Japanese strangeness, (as we were in the previous post), I also recently caught Message From Space (1978), touted at its release as being the 'Japanese Star Wars'.  While it falls well short in comparison to the US film, it is a galaxy-spanning space opera, drawing in elements from all manner of genres and mythologies.  Unlike much Japanese popular culture of the era, the film was clearly aimed an international audience from the outset, rather than simply having an English-language version created through re-editing and dubbing existing footage and inserting new footage with non-Japanese performers, as was usually the case.  The cast features several US actors, most notably Vic Morrow, who gets top billing, not to mention Sonny Chiba, who had already gained an international fandom and was recognisable to English speaking audiences.  While it doesn't make any attempt to mimic the visual design of Star Wars, (unlike various Italian cash ins, for instance), many of the tropes and characters are instantly recognisable.  Not only is there an imperiled Princess on a mission to find help for her people, but there is also a reckless, yet often naive, space pilot (shades of Han Solo and Luke Skywalker), a robot sidekick, (that combines design elements from both R2D2 and C3PO, while the wise old space warrior role is effectively split between Vic Morrow's forcibly retired general, Sonny Chiba's deposed prince and the wise old father of the princess.  The villains - a race of metallic faced marauders who are subjugating the galaxy - also tool around on their Death Star-like planet-cum-spaceship.

In terms of production design, Message From Space chooses to differentiate the tech-heavy villains, (although they also brandish swords along with their ray guns and spaceships), from the peace-loving planet they are oppressing by giving the latter more fantasy-like trappings, most notably the 'Space Galleons' they use for interstellar travel which are, as the name implies, fully-rigged sailing ships in space.  For good measure, the film throws in a Seven Samurai vibe by having much of its running time taken up by the Princess' quest for the eight legendary warriors who will defend her planet - a glowing seed from her world will identify them.  For the film's climax, however, the makers couldn't resist imitating Star Wars by creating their own version of the rebel attack on the Death Star.  Unfortunately, the effects work, while good, simply isn't up to the standards set by George Lucas' film - although the miniatures work is very well done, there is still something 'Gerry Anderson' about it all, with it never quite convincing the viewer that they are seeing anything other than models.  Ultimately, the film falls short of its inspiration via its lack of pace, likeable characters, (It doesn't help that none of them gets sufficient screen time to establish themselves as a principle protagonist for the audience to identify with), or clear plot development.  Having spent an age meandering around, following the disparate characters in their individual adventures, the climax feels rushed and as if it has come out of nowhere.  The tone varies, with some sections obviously a Star Wars imitation, others feeling like a dark fantasy and still others like a medieval Japanese drama.  This clash of styles and cultures makes Message From Space a slightly disconcerting watch for Western audiences expecting a straightforward Star Wars clone.  Nonetheless, it remains an interesting artifact of its era and, if you are in the right mood, an interesting viewing experience.