Dainipponjin

“Dainipponjin” (or for those who don’t speak Japanese, “The Great Japanese) caught my attention early on when the TIFF schedule was first announced for several reasons:

1) Having lived in Japan, I love all things Japanese, especially if they are quirky and weird

2) the film was being called “the most bizarre film” of this festival, and possibly ever

3) a “mockumentary” directed by and starring Matsumoto, a Japanese sensation. Seriously, he’s everywhere. Ask your Japanese friends.

4) if none of that was enough to peak anyone’s interest, I’ll direct your attention to this video entitled, “Who is Matsumoto?” If anything, it is worth your time to watch and be enlightened.

Matsumoto is “Dainipponjin.” Or he is when he is called upon to protect Japan from the monstrous “Baddies.” A little bit mockumentary, a little bit monster flick, “Dainipponjin” is one of the funiest films I have ever seen, and one of the highlights of the fest for me. When he’s not saving the country, Daisato is a mocked and reviled 6th generation superhero. He lives in a small house with none of the grandeur past Dainipponjin’s had- servants, parades, you name it. He’s divorced, a bit overweight, with a daughter who barely knows him. He doesn’t seem to have any friends aside from his agent. When called to action, Daisato runs to the nearest electric transformation station, gets zapped with electrical current to become several storeys tall to fight off the numerous Baddies attacking Japan.

The film really defies explanation. It is meant to be experienced. It all seems too weird to describe in words…and it is weird. But it’s also incredibly funny, and being “lost in translation” helps here. It’s a big send up of Japanese anime, action heroes, and the country itself.

The screening was packed- one of the busiest Midnight Madness screenings I attended. Everyone seemed to get a kick out of the film, whether they understood the language or followed along with subtitles.

When this film is relased on DVD, do yourself a favour and rent it. It has a broad and wide-ranging appeal- from the gross out humour of “Borat” to mockumentary fans of “Best in Show.” Laugh with it or laugh at it, it doesn’t matter. It all translates to a turly bizarre and enjoyable experience.