The highly anticipated Japanese monster fantasy film “Brush of the God” is set to debut in the United States, as confirmed by Bloody Disgusting. SRS Cinema will handle the theatrical release, as well as digital and physical media distributions. This film marks a significant moment as it is the directorial debut of the late Keizō Murase, a renowned tokusatsu special effects master who passed away last October at the age of 89.
Murase was celebrated for his exceptional work in classic Japanese science fiction and fantasy, having contributed to iconic productions such as “Godzilla,” “Mothra,” and “UltraMan.” The film’s story, penned by Takeshi Nakazawa and Nobuhiko Ishii, stems from an original idea by Murase himself.
In “Brush of the God,” the storyline follows Akari as she grapples with her mixed feelings attending a farewell party for her deceased grandfather, Kenzo Tokimiya, a special effects modelmaker. There, she befriends Takuya, a fervent fan of tokusatsu. Their lives take an unexpected turn when they encounter Hozumi, who reveals that he was to star in the film that Akari’s grandfather was developing. When Hozumi uses a mystical prop from the exhibit, the trio is transported into the very world of “Brush of the God,” where they must confront the terrifying kaiju Yamata no Orochi, which appears unexpectedly.
The film promises a nostalgic experience, featuring practical effects and miniature models crafted by both Daisuke Sato and Murase. The cast includes talents such as Rio Suzuki, Takeru Narahara, Yumiko Shaku, and Takumi Saitoh, among others.
SRS Cinema has expressed their excitement about bringing this landmark production to North American fans, planning a limited theatrical release in late summer through fall, with digital and physical media to follow in winter.
With its unique narrative and homage to the beloved genre of tokusatsu, “Brush of the God” holds promise for both fans of Japanese cinema and new audiences alike. This release shows an ongoing appreciation for cultural legacies and the artistry behind special effects, offering hope for future explorations of classic genres in modern filmmaking.