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Cover of Ultraman: The Next

film

Ultraman: The Next

2004

First Lieutenant Shun'ichi Maki of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force is a prestigious F-15 Eagle jet pilot (or "driver" as he is called in the film). A lifelong fan of flying since he was a child, being a pilot is his ultimate dream. Unfortunately, his duties distance himself from his wife, Yoko, who always ends up being neglected, and his son, Tsugumu, who has a congenital blood disease and has a high risk of dying at a young age.Maki decides to quit the Air Force to devote more time to his family and to spend whatever is left for his son. He takes a part-time job as a commercial tour guide run by a kindly group of people who allow him time to work and to also take care of his family.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Monster battles, military danger, frightening imagery, and a child’s serious illness may be intense for younger viewers; the family drama also requires emotional maturity. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

The film is part of the Ultraman franchise, but the supplied material does not indicate prominent in-story brand promotion or buying messages.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The child’s potentially terminal illness and fear of dying are central emotional themes, though a specific death is not established by the supplied material.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Some creature or sci-fi injury may occur, but available information does not indicate graphic blood, exposed wounds, or detailed gore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language appears limited to mild expressions or insults, with no indication of frequent strong profanity or slurs.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

The marital relationship is a primary motivator for the protagonist, though not a focus on romance.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Alien imagery, threatening monsters, military emergencies, and danger to civilians and family members can be frightening.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes intense sci-fi combat, monster attacks, and aerial dogfights typical of the tokusatsu genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront alien threats, military danger, illness, and painful family decisions with substantial bravery and commitment.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Its imaginative alien mythology, superhero transformation, monster designs, and science-fiction premise strongly support inventive thinking and wonder.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Cast is primarily Japanese, consistent with the local setting of the story.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental exposure to concepts of aviation and general science-fiction themes.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes empathy and the desire to protect human life.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes family responsibility, sacrifice, perseverance, compassion, and choosing loved ones over status or career ambitions.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist is portrayed as a dedicated father and a brave protector.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Ultraman: The Next would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Ultraman: The Next, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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