New Showbiz

You are here:
TIGER & BUNNY: The Rising

TIGER & BUNNY: The Rising

2014

TV-14

Director

Yoshitomo Yonetani

Runtime

108 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

Synopsis

The heroes of 'Tiger & Bunny' are back in an all-new feature-length film! Picking up after the events of the Maverick incident, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, a.k.k Wild Tiger, and Barnaby Brooks Jr. resume their careers as heroes fighting crime in Hero TV's Second League. Their partnership comes to a sudden end when Apollon Media's new owner Mark Schneider fires Kotetsu and moves Barnaby back into the First League, pairing him up with Golden Ryan, a new hero with awesome powers and a huge ego to match. When the heroes are sent to investigate a string of strange incidents tied closely to the city's Goddess Legend, they discover three super powered NEXTs plotting to bring terror and destruction to Stern Bild. With the lives of millions hanging in the balance, Barnaby and Goden Ryan must overcome their differences to contain the approaching doom, while a jobless Kotetsu's resolve as a hero is put to the test as he struggles to help his fellow heroes from the sidelines.

Where to Watch

Diversity & Representation

Overall Score

5.9/10

Fair

Category Breakdown

LGBTQ+ Representation

Good

The film centers on the intense, evolving bond between Kotetsu and Barnaby. Their profound, non-traditional companionship invites queer reading by prioritizing emotional intimacy over heteronormative clichés.

Gender Representation

Fair

The central dramatic arc is heavily concentrated on male protagonists. While female characters hold meaningful roles, they do not serve as the primary drivers of the plot.

Racial & Ethnic Diversity

Fair

Diversity is expressed through the varied identities of 'Next' individuals rather than real-world ethnic markers. The cast functions as a collection of archetypal identities within a stylized society.

Religious & Cultural Diversity

Excellent

The narrative offers a sophisticated critique of late-stage capitalism. It portrays heroism as a televised, corporate-sponsored spectacle that prioritizes profit and branding over human welfare.

Disability Representation

Fair

Superpowered 'Next' abilities function as metaphors for biological exceptionalism. The film touches on the psychological burden of 'otherness' but focuses more on the utility of these traits.

Strengths

  • Sophisticated critique of the commodification of justice and corporate-sponsored heroism.
  • Nuanced, subtextual exploration of deep emotional intimacy between the two main protagonists.
  • Effective deconstruction of traditional masculine archetypes within a regulated social framework.

Areas for Improvement

  • The heavy concentration on male protagonists limits the impact of gender-based subversion.
  • Reliance on speculative identities over real-world ethnic markers restricts racial diversity.
  • The focus on the utility of powers overlooks deeper explorations of neurodivergent agency.

AI Analysis

The film excels in its postmodern critique of how corporate interests commodify justice and heroism. By framing superheroics as a televised industry, it provides a sharp commentary on consumerism and systemic power. However, the narrative remains largely centered on male-driven conflict and archetypes. This focus limits the breadth of gender-based subversion and keeps the primary dramatic momentum within a masculine framework. While the interpersonal chemistry between the leads offers significant subtextual depth, the film's reliance on speculative, archetypal identities prevents a more grounded exploration of real-world racial or ethnic diversity.

How are these scores produced? →

Rate this Movie

No rating selected
Use arrow keys to select a rating from 1 to 5 stars
Optional text review, maximum 2000 characters
Tip: Wrap spoilers with ||double pipes|| to hide them
0/2000 characters
You must be signed in to submit a rating

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to share your thoughts on this movie!

Use the rating form above to leave a star rating and optional review.