Cast
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Hiroki Iijima
as Emu Hojo / Kamen Rider Ex-Aid
Shun Nishime
as Takeru Tenkuji / Kamen Rider Ghost
Shunya Shiraishi
as Haruto Soma / Kamen Rider Wizard
Gaku Sano
as Kamen Rider Gaim (archive voice)
Ryoma Takeuchi
as Shinnosuke Tomari / Kamen Rider Drive
Toshiki Seto
as Hiiro Kagami / Kamen Rider Brave
Ukyo Matsumoto
as Taiga Hanaya / Kamen Rider Snipe
Hayato Onozuka
as Kiriya Kujo / Kamen Rider Lazer
Ryosuke Yamamoto
as Makoto Fukami / Kamen Rider Specter
Hayato Isomura
as Alain / Kamen Rider Necrom
Shiro Sano
as Michihiko Zaizen / Dr. Pac-Man
Hiroshi Tanahashi
as Soji Kuruse / Robol Bugster
Suzunosuke Tanaka
as Kazushige Ryuzaki / Doral Bugster
Chihiro Yamamoto
as Ageha Takeda / Giril Bugster
Akira Takano
as Togo Kiyomiya
Crew
Director
- Koichi Sakamoto
Writer
- Yuya Takahashi
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Science Fiction film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders distinguishes itself through its exceptional pacing and meaningful stakes for its protagonists.
Director Koichi Sakamoto 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 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The musical score contains over 55 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fearless, which focuses more on action than character development, Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mortal Kombat and Ong Bak explore similar territory, Kamen Rider Heisei Generations: Dr. Pac-Man vs. Ex-Aid & Ghost with Legend Riders 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: December 10, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 29m
