A Shining Moment of Anime Love: Tsukasa-san's Live-Action Version of the 'Great Mazinger' Ending Theme
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Great Mazinger...
"Great Mazinger" is an anime series that debuted in 1974, spanning 56 episodes on Japanese television, and is also a manga created by Go Nagai. This series follows the legacy of "Mazinger Z," introducing a new protagonist, Tetsuya Tsurugi. Raised by the presumed-dead Kenzo Kabuto, Tetsuya is the son of Mazinger Z’s pilot, Kouji Kabuto. Kenzo entrusts Tetsuya with the new Mazinger, Great Mazinger, developed based on his father's invention, 'Super Alloy Z', to combat humanity's new foe, the Mycenean Empire. More about the series can be found here
https://lineup.toei-anim.co.jp/ja/tv/great_mazin/
Another significant character in the story is Jun Hono, an orphan of Japanese and African American descent. She plays a pivotal role as the pilot of her own female robot, 'Venus A'.
As the story progresses, Mazinger Z is cornered by the Mycenean Empire's War Beasts, leading Kenzo to deploy the Great Mazinger. In its first sortie, piloted by Tetsuya, Great Mazinger demonstrates its immense power by defeating the enemy, taking over the defense of Earth from Mazinger Z, and starting a new battle against the Mycenean Empire.
Although Kouji Kabuto, the protagonist of "Mazinger Z," mostly doesn’t appear in this series due to his studies in America, he makes a dramatic return in the final episodes, fighting alongside Great Mazinger. He also reappears as a regular character in the sequel, "UFO Robot Grendizer."
That Emotional Ending Theme, Once Again...
"Great Mazinger" captivated many with its thrilling plot and engaging characters, but one of its most memorable aspects is the emotional ending theme, "The Hero is Mazinger." This song deepened the impact of the anime, not only serving as a closing piece but also as an insert song in key episodes.
Points of Interest:
The lyrics were penned by manga legend Kazuo Koike, whose deep messaging and emotional depth, akin to his numerous popular works, perfectly encapsulated the world of "Great Mazinger." The composition and arrangement were by Chumei Watanabe, renowned for his melodies in anime and film music. His talent shines through in this ending theme, highly acclaimed in many of his works.
The song is performed by anime music legend Ichiro Mizuki and the children's choir Columbia Yurikago-kai. Mizuki's powerful vocals combined with the children's pure voices deeply resonate with listeners. Its use as an insert song in episodes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 9, 20, and 36 further amplified the dramatic scenes.
The Hero is Mazinger," with its grand melody and meaningful lyrics, perfectly concludes the story of "Great Mazinger," while etching itself deeply into the hearts of anime fans. The song transcends a mere ending theme, becoming a significant part of anime history.
ブラックカフェ
Many who have played Super Robot Wars might recognize this ending theme. Here it is, brought to life in a unique live-action representation.
The Charm of Anime Revived in Live-Action: “Great Mazinger” ED Reenactment
Great Mazinger ED The Hero is Mazinger half-assed live action recreation by：ツカーサさんの記録
This YouTube video is a unique endeavor to recreate the ending theme of the anime “Great Mazinger,” titled "The Hero is Mazinger," in live action. The creator, Tsukasa-san, usually does not undertake such ending recreations but was inspired by Okada Tosio-san to take on this project. It's a moment filled with anime love, offering a special experience for fans.
Introducing the Cast: Diverse Talents Enriching the Video
In Tsukasa-san's video, key characters from "Great Mazinger" like Tetsuya Tsurugi, Great, Nuke, Mucha, Boss, Boss Borot, Jun Hono, and Venus A are featured. Talented actors like Keinyo-san, Okadamassataka-san, and Kamitaso-san bring these characters to life with their passionate performances. Their acting adds a unique charm to the video, drawing viewers into the world of the anime.
Fusion of Creativity: Bridging Anime and Live Action
This video by Tsukasa-san stems from the innovative idea of reenacting an anime ending theme in live action. While maintaining a passion as an anime fan, Tsukasa-san offers a new perspective by reinterpreting an existing work through a fresh medium. The video is a compelling piece where the allure of anime and the realism of live action blend seamlessly.
Capturing Viewers' Hearts: The Essence of Anime Love
This video transcends mere recreation, reflecting a deep adoration and respect for "Great Mazinger." Through this project, Tsukasa-san highlights the potential of anime as a medium and its cultural significance. The video resonates with anime fans, providing an opportunity to discover new aspects of "Great Mazinger."
Viewers comment on the exploits of the great heroes,
"The ED of Great Mazinger is seriously cool! It's as impressive as the OP, truly moving! 🎉"
"The bathtub scene in Great Mazinger was really fun to watch. I was impressed with the accurate portrayal of Boss. Especially, the camera work transitioning from Tetsuya Tsurugi inside the Brain Condor to the flight scene of Great Mazinger was moving due to its high fidelity. A wonderful work filled with the creators' love and respect. 😅"
"The cool scenes in the ED and the relaxed direction, especially the portrayal of Boss, are fantastic! 😊😊😊 The subtle inclusion of the Scramble Dash would surely bring tears to the eyes of director Keisuke Morishita!"
"The ED of Great Mazinger, even with its seemingly rough movements within a single frame, looks incredibly cool!"
"Finally, someone took on the challenge of Great Mazinger's ED! It's a pity that such a fantastic endeavor isn't more widely recognized yet, but dedicated video production for EDs is one of the significant charms of Japanese robot anime. I'm greatly anticipating a series. "
"I knew it was that same person playing Boss, as always (laugh). I'd love to see the making of it!"
"Wow, it's the best! The final lineup of Great, Venus, and Borot, truly moving!"
"The unique recreation of the staff credits, right down to the attention to the Tobac logo, brought tears of joy. Of course, I am also deeply grateful for the wonderful recreation of the imagery."
Summary
This YouTube video is Tsukasa-san's original attempt to recreate the ending theme of "Great Mazinger," "The Hero is Mazinger," in live action. Influenced by Okada Tosio-san, Tsukasa-san undertook this project, providing a special experience for fans.
Viewer comments demonstrate deep emotion and admiration for the video. Some comments express appreciation for the quality of the ending, especially the accurate depiction of the Boss character. Others are moved by the high fidelity of the camera work transitioning from Tetsuya Tsurugi inside the Brain Condor to the flight scene of Great Mazinger.
Further comments focus on details such as the dynamic movement within the single frames of the live-action recreation, the choice of actor for Boss, and the final lineup of Great, Venus, and Borot, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail.
These responses reflect the passion of anime fans, showing how Tsukasa-san's work has deeply resonated with viewers. The recreation of the staff credits and the attention to the Tobac logo, down to the finest detail, seem to have deeply moved the audience.
Overall, this video is a work filled with reverence and respect for "Great Mazinger," as clearly indicated by the enthusiastic responses from viewers. Each comment sheds light on different aspects of the video, showing how viewers have embraced this unique project.
ブラックカフェ
As the numerous viewer comments indicate, while casually labeled as rough, the quality steadily increases, attracting more viewers. This proves that even with a 'rough' approach, it hits the right spot for that generation.
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リップサービス
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