Welcome to the corner of my blog, A Look Beyond Godzilla and Into Indie Tokusatsu. Here, I explore the world of independent tokusatsu films, talking about stories and filmmakers in the genre. Links to the films will always be at the bottom of the page.

Tokusatsu, a genre known for its special effects that bring gigantic kaiju and heroes to life, has been thriving lately with big-budgeted, CGI-saturated movies like Godzilla X Kong.

However, the indie scene in Japan, which produces some of the most innovative work, is keeping the true art style of suitmation (スーツメーション), miniature models, and hand-crafted sets alive.

In this series, I’ll talk about various independent tokusatsu films and their creators. Looking at how the new generation of toku films maintains traditional effects techniques while telling new innovative stories.

I also believe many of these young filmmakers will be the directors of the Godzilla, Gamera, Ultraman, and Kamen Rider series of tomorrow.

This is part of my ongoing series; if you want to read more, check out “Day of the Kaiju,” the second entry in the series.

*Disclaimer*

Remember, if you go watch one of these indie kaiju films I cover, most are made by non-English speakers, so if you do leave a comment for them, make sure you say something short and nice. Also, please don’t say anything like, “Show more kaiju” or “Need English subtitles.” Independent films are almost always shot on a tight budget, and they do their best, given the constraints of time and budget. That said, I hope you learn something new and enjoy the blog.

『狂気！怪獣生中継』Insanity! Kaiju Livestream!

In today's post, I’m looking at one of my personal favorite kaiju short films, "Insanity! Kaiju Livestream!" I like it so much it has even influenced one of my own kaiju projects. Created by Taisuke Aoi in 2016 as a university cinema club project, this film offers a fresh and exhilarating perspective on kaiju storytelling that I believe every fan and aspiring filmmaker should see.

Insanity! Kaiju Livestream! Plot

Although "Insanity! Kaiju Livestream!" runs just 4 minutes, it packs a significant punch. The film follows Shinnosuke Kawabe, who portrays a character who decides to chase a kaiju through a city under attack, live-streaming the entire encounter. This premise alone sets it apart.

Why is Insanity! Kaiju Livestream! My Favorite?

First, the kaiju design—it looks inspired by the Showa era, and it reminds me of "Ultra Q" but with its own unique individuality. There's something inherently adorable yet terrifying about its appearance, which adds an intriguing layer to the kaiju.

Second, the perspective of a streamer who wants to be there intensifies the insanity and chaos during the kaiju's rampage; the protagonist even laughs in delight during the most dangerous scenes.

Insanity! Kaiju Livestream! Sountrack

When watching it, you will realize that the short uses music from "Shin Godzilla." While it works well, it leaves me curious about what original music tailored to this film might have added to the atmosphere. It's a small point, but it speaks to the potential of the project had there been more resources available.

The Potential of Insanity! Kaiju Livestream!’s Storytelling

In kaiju films, the focus often leans heavily on the monster battles, which are undoubtedly exciting. However, "Insanity! Kaiju Livestream!" demonstrates that human-driven narratives can be equally compelling. The protagonist's enthusiasm, audible even in perilous situations, adds a layer of insanity and drives the film's pace. It's a testament to how engaging and innovative storytelling from a human viewpoint can be if it is given space to breathe within the genre.

The Kiyotaka Taguchi Connection!

Yes, he indeed supported this project; Taguchi was a special assistant director or producer, as mentioned in the credits.

I often find Taguchi’s name attached to various indie toku projects, so I have made a small game to see if I can find out if he was somehow involved in the film.

This time I did find him. I’m feeling the need to talk about UNFIX soon.

Watch Insanity! Kaiju Livestream! Short Film

I normally wouldn’t post the full movie, but since I think this is the director’s YouTube and he put it up himself, I will share it here.

Final Thoughts

While I haven’t found any current projects attached to Taisuke Aoi, I'm eager to see more of his work. "Insanity! Kaiju Livestream!" is more than just a student film; it's a brief but impactful exploration of what kaiju cinema can be when not restricted by an imaginationless audience.

This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in the genre's future and evolution. Although it lacks English subtitles, the visual storytelling is so strong that you won’t miss them.

This review is part of my ongoing series "A Look Beyond Godzilla and Into Indie Tokusatsu," where I talk about my favorite indie tokusatsu films. If you want to read more, check out “Day of the Kaiju,” the second entry in the series.

Well, I hope you’ve learned something new, and until next time, later!