Cast
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Kazuhiro Yamaji
as Kazuya Mishima (voice)
Yumi Touma
as Jun Kazama (voice)
Akio Nakamura
as Lei Wulong (voice)
Daisuke Gori
as Heihachi Mishima (voice)
Shin-ichiro Miki
as Lee Chaolan (voice)
Minami Takayama
as Nina Williams / Young Kazuya / Jin Kazama (voice)
Kaori Yamagata
as Anna Williams (voice)
Narumi Hidaka
as Michelle Chang (voice)
Tamio Ohki
as Dr. Bosconovich (voice)
Kyousei Tsukui
as Baek Doo San (voice)
Takashi Nagasako
as Ganryu (voice)
Shihori Niwa
as Operator (voice)
Takehiro Murozono
as Guard (voice)
Akio Otsuka
as Jack-2 / Narrator (voice)
Eri Sendai
as Little Girl (voice)
Crew
Director
- Kunihisa Sugishima
Writer
- Ryota Yamaguchi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Animation/Adventure film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, TEKKEN: The Motion Picture distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Kunihisa Sugishima brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1998, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of TEKKEN: The Motion Picture took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 57 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 101 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1998, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While TEKKEN: The Motion Picture shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike City Hunter Special: Goodbye My Sweetheart, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, TEKKEN: The Motion Picture subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Doom and Kikumana explore similar territory, TEKKEN: The Motion Picture stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 21, 1998
- Runtime: 57m
