Gathered on the island of Hokkaidō for a G8 summit, world leaders find themselves facing an emergency as Guilala a giant monster from outer space threatens to destroy the planet. Each of the leaders will have a chance to head the international mission to combat the invader.
Turning to the genre of kaiju (manga, film, and anime genre centred on humanity’s battles with giant monsters) Minoru Kawasaki presents a biting satire that mocks world politicians and international relations, while revisiting Japanese identity and the country’s tragic history in the twentieth century. Along with the eccentric G8 leaders, central characters include a journalist and a tabloid photographer. Looking for a scoop, the couple find a way to actually combat the monster that turns out to be far more charming than the world’s leading politicians.
Acclaimed Japanese director Minoru Kawasaki makes low-budget parody films that combine elements of various genres, from action films and horror to comedy and sci-fi. His best known pictures include Pussy Soup (2008), The Rug Cop (2006) and Everyone But Japan Sinks (2006), as well as a number of films about anthropomorphic animals, such as Crab Goalkeeper (2006), Executive Koala (2005) and a wrestling movie featuring a stag beetle.
The Monster X Strikes Back/Attack the G8 Summit
Directed by Minoru Kawasaki. 98 minutes, Japan, 2008
16+
