(Japan/2007 – directed by Hitoshi Matsumoto)

Middle-aged slacker Daisato (writer-director Hitoshi Matsumoto) lives a grungy, unremarkable life in a rundown Tokyo neighborhood. Until, that is, he’s summoned by the Japanese Monster Defense Bureau, which pumps him full of the electricity that causes him to grow several stories high and gives him the appearance of a gigantic, Eraserhead-coiffed sumo wrestler. In this imposing form (and garbed only in huge purple briefs), Daisato sets out to do battle with any number of outlandish monsters that seem to have forever threatened to stomp their way across Tokyo. His monstrous takedowns become the subject of a late-night Japanese reality TV show, but while the program’s diminishing ratings begin to alarm Daisato’s agent and advertisers, the public too begins to complain – about noise and property damage from the seemingly daily man vs. monster slugfests. One of Japan’s most celebrated comedians, star and director Matsumoto has created a colorful, riotously enjoyable screen fantasy with a wickedly satirical aftertaste. You won’t soon forget the Big Man. Cannes and Toronto Film Festivals. Japanese with English subtitles. (113 min.)

“It will astound audiences. Tears-down-the-face funny and a genuine, jaw-dropping oddity.” -Russell Edwards, Variety

BIG MAN JAPAN IS RECOMMENDED FOR AUDIENCES 12 AND OVER.

June 26 and 27 @ 7:00 p.m., June 28 @ 2:00 p.m.

July 10 and 11 @ 9:30 p.m., July 12 @ 4:30 p.m.


Giant Japanese Monster Slugfest Alert!

JULY 11, 8:30 p.m.

Big Man Japan audience members are invited to bring their most fearsome daikaiju figures to do battle on the DFT’s vibrating board of destruction! Matches will be projected onto the DFT’s giant screen prior to the 9:30 p.m. screening on Saturday July 11th, and the monstrosity that pushes at least three opponents off the board will win a season pass for two to the Fall 2009 DFT. All contenders must be less than 10 inches tall, and sign a waiver releasing the Detroit Film Theatre from responsibility in event of their total annihilation.

PURCHASE TICKETS