Zebra Man (2004)

Directed by: Takashi Miike | 115 minutes | comedy, science fiction | Actors: Show Aikawa, Kyoka Suzuki, Atsuro Watabe, Teruyoshi Uchimura, Yui Ichikawa, Koen Kondo, Akira Emoto, Ryo Iwamatsu, Ren Osugi

‘Zebraman’ is a film that contains elements of so many genres that it is difficult to pigeonhole it. The story is a mixture of science fiction, drama, comedy, action and a bit of horror. But there’s no doubt that Takashi Miike, who made his name with films like ‘Ichi the Killer’ and ‘Audition’, has successfully brought these elements together.

Show Aikawa is memorable as the wimpy teacher Shinichi Ichikawa. He is the walking definition of the word ‘loser’. As a viewer, you empathize with him as the drama in Shinichi family unfolds: his daughter can no longer be controlled and is even encouraged by her mother in her licentious behavior, his wife barely notices him and stops another na and his son is the laughing stock of the school. But luckily, underdog Shinichi gets a chance to turn the tide. As Zebraman, he is clumsy and insecure at first, but once he discovers his hidden powers, he is unstoppable.

After the somewhat slow, dramatic start, ‘Zebraman’ becomes more and more an action film. But the comic element is also getting stronger. For example, in his homemade zebra costume, Schinichi looks more ridiculous than tough. The phantom figures are grotesque, not very frightening and seem to have stepped right out of a comic strip. The secret agents don’t seem very professional. In short: ‘Zebraman’ is a film that ridicules the genre of superhero stories in an entertaining way.

Director Takashi Miike deviates with ‘Zebraman’ from the kind of films that have become his trademark. Extreme violence and sadism are virtually absent, as are the undertones of sadness, abandonment and pessimism that are so characteristic of Miike’s work. There is room for moving scenes and the end of the film can even be called euphoric. Time will tell whether Miike has definitely taken a different path with ‘Zebraman’.