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Big Man Japan
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Metascore
62 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 13 Critics What's this?

User Score
5.6 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 10 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: A middle-aged slacker living in a rundown, graffiti-ridden slum, Daisato’s job involves being shocked by bolts of electricity that transform him into a stocky, stick-wielding giant several stories high who is entrusted with defending Japan from a host of bizarre monsters. But while his predecessors were national heroes, he is a pariah among the citizens he protects, who bitterly complain about the noise and destruction of property he causes. And Daisato has his own problems –an agent insistent on branding him with sponsor advertisements, an Alzheimer-afflicted grandfather who transforms into a giant in dirty underwear, and a family who is embarrassed by his often cowardly exploits. A wickedly deadpan spin on the giant Japanese superhero, BIG MAN JAPAN is an outrageous portrait of a pathetic but truly unique hero. (Magnolia Pictures)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Aaron Hillis
    90
    I hurt myself laughing at this amazingly inventive mockumentary, and because it's so good, I refuse to give away much more than an insistent recommendation.
  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    50
    At nearly two hours, Big Man Japan is clever (in a sick sort of way) but overlong. It needs judicious editing -- more mockumentary, fewer superhero antics.
  3. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: G. Allen Johnson
    25
    But the film written, directed and starring stand-up comic Hitoshi Matsumoto has, like most superheroes, a tragic flaw: It isn't funny.

See all 13 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 2 out of 7
  1. BillyJoeBob
    10
    It really is that funny and sad and bizarre favorite of the year.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. jonC
    10
    Very trippy indeed. watch it when you're high.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. DeaneG.
    1
    Very slow, and an ending that came out of nowhere and finished there as well.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 7 User Reviews

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