Astro Boy's Earth Defense Force: Appeal and evaluation of episode 4 and the second movie

Astro Boy Earth Defense Force - Tetsuwanatomu Chikyuboueitai

■ Public Media

theater

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

March 20, 1980 - January 1, 0000

■Frequencies

24 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

・Original work: Osamu Tezuka

■ Director

Director: Eiichi Yamamoto, Shigeyuki Hayashi, Atsushi Takagi

■ Production

Mushi Production

■Works

©Tezuka Productions, Mushi Productions

■ Story

Atom's guardian, Dr. Ochanomizu, heads to the moon. However, the doctor is kidnapped by mysterious aliens, and Atom joins in rescuing the doctor as a member of the Earth Defense Force at the moon base. Soon, Atom realizes that there are aliens inside the base...

■Explanation

This is the theatrical release of episode 56, "Earth Defense Force," an experimental color episode from the black-and-white TV anime "Astro Boy" that aired in 1964. Set in the 21st century, it depicts the exploits of Atom, a boy-type robot with human emotions.

■Cast

・Atom / Mari Shimizu ・Dr. Ochanomizu / Hisashi Katsuta

■ Main staff

Original story by Osamu Tezuka Screenplay by Yoshitake Suzuki Directed by Atsushi Takagi
・Music by Tatsuo Takai ・Theme song
OP "Astro Boy"
Lyrics by Shuntaro Tanikawa Music by Tatsuo Takai Vocals by Kamitakada Boys Choir

■ Main Characters

A robot made to look just like the Atom Human boy. While he has human-like emotions, he also has a variety of special abilities unique to robots. He has a serious personality and a strong sense of justice, but he also faces many anguish and conflicts due to being a robot.

Dr. Ochanomizu is the head of the Ministry of Science. He understands and protects Atom.

- Aliens want Earth's scientific knowledge and kidnap Dr. Ochanomizu.

■ Related works

"Astro Boy" [First TV series]

Astro Boy Earth Defense Force - Detailed Review and Recommendation

Tezuka Osamu's masterpiece "Astro Boy" was first broadcast as a TV anime in 1964, and has since been remade and produced many times. Among these, "Astro Boy: Earth Defense Force", which was released in theaters in 1980, is a particularly noteworthy work. This work is a colorized theatrical version of episode 56, "Earth Defense Force", from the 1964 TV series. Below, we will provide a detailed review and recommendation of this work.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Astro Boy: Earth Defense Force" is simple, yet it stimulates tension and a sense of adventure. The plot, in which Dr. Ochanomizu heads to the moon and is abducted by mysterious aliens, immediately draws the viewer into the world of the story. Atom's struggle to rescue the doctor as a member of the Earth Defense Force is a moving tale of courage and friendship. The presence of aliens lurking inside the moon base adds an element of mystery, giving the story depth.

Atom's character is fascinating because he has the same emotions as a human being, but also uses his special abilities as a robot. His sense of justice and seriousness resonates with viewers, and viewers can feel his growth as the story progresses. His relationship with Dr. Ochanomizu is also depicted in depth, and the bond between protector and protected is an important element of the story.

Visuals and Music

This work is a colorization of the 1964 black-and-white anime, and the beauty of its colors is stunning. In particular, the lunar landscape and alien designs were drawn using the technology of the time, leaving a strong visual impact. Takai Tatsuo's music is also an important element in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The theme song, "Astro Boy," with lyrics by Tanikawa Shuntaro and music by Takai Tatsuo, is a masterpiece that resonates in the hearts of viewers.

Cast and crew

The performances of Mari Shimizu as Atom and Hisashi Katsuta as Dr. Ochanomizu are very realistic in expressing the emotions of their characters, adding depth to the story. The teamwork of directors Eiichi Yamamoto, Shigeyuki Hayashi and Atsushi Takagi is also excellent, and the storytelling by screenwriter Yoshitake Suzuki keeps the audience engaged. The production skills of Mushi Productions are also highly praised, faithfully recreating Tezuka Osamu's original work while bringing out new appeal.

Comparison with related works

Compared to the first TV series in 1964, "Astro Boy: Earth Defense Force" has a different appeal in that it was colorized and released in theaters. Details and character expressions that were not shown in the TV series are depicted more clearly in the movie version. Also, compared to other remakes of "Astro Boy," this work firmly retains the essence of the original while drawing viewers in with its unique story development and beautiful visuals.

Recommendation

Astro Boy: Earth Defense Force is a film that I would highly recommend not only to fans of Tezuka Osamu's original work, but also to anyone interested in anime and science fiction. It is especially a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the technique and artistry of Japanese anime from the 1980s. It is also a film that the whole family can enjoy, and will be enjoyed by a wide range of people, from children to adults.

This work is not just entertainment, but also contains deep themes that question the relationship between humans and robots, and the value of justice and friendship. After watching it, you will be forced to think about your own values ​​and human relationships. We encourage you to watch the movie "Astro Boy: Earth Defense Force" and experience its charm for yourself.