Disguised as humans, starfish-shaped aliens try to warn mankind that a meteor will soon destroy Earth. As the approaching threat triggers climate change, mankind builds a last-chance defence.
The first Japanese science fiction film to be made in colour, Koji Shima’s WARNING FROM SPACE 宇宙人東京に現わる| Uchūjin Tōkyō ni arawaru (1956) features eye-popping special effects from the same team at Daiei Studios that would bring giant turtle Gamera to life a decade later. The film features a witty script by Hideo Oguni (screenwriter for several Akira Kurosawa classics including SEVEN SAMURAI) and iconic starfish-shaped aliens designed by avant-garde artist Tarō Okamoto.
WARNING FROM SPACE is often misrepresented as a cinematic ‘turkey’ thanks to those avant-garde aliens, but the film offers a sincere account of the profound threat mankind poses to our continued existence. The sequences of pending eco-apocalypse have achieved a greater resonance as we learn more about climate change and its harmful consequences. Similarly, the story’s urge to rid Earth of its nuclear threat provides a dramatic way to dispose of the accelerating weapons arsenal.
Polite notice: We are showing WARNING FROM SPACE (1956) in Japanese with English subtitles from the best available digital source.
Part of ATOMIC ORIGINS, an apocalyptic season of sci-fi films unleashed by the monstrous power of the atom bomb. Hosted by queer film fanatic Token Homo (creator of BAR TRASH and QUEER HORROR NIGHTS), all films screen in the Members’ Bar with an introduction, intermission, and subtitles/captions (where possible!). Tickets £8 (£5 for Picturehouse members). Adults 18+ only. Follow @tokenhomo on Instagram for news and updates.
