ALL YOUR SLIME ARE BELONG TO US - THE GREEN SLIME: PART OF THE BRITERION COLLECTION

 

The Green Slime effortlessly straddles the intergalactic absurdity with Saturday matinee charm. Released in 1968, this cult classic showcases the wondrous collaboration of Japanese director Kinji Fukasaku (Battle Royale, A Chaos of Flowers), Italian production, and a touch of American influence. Prepare for an outer space voyage through the realms of rubber-suited monsters, miniature mayhem, and an international fusion of cheese!

Before the radioactive slime, Kinji Fukasaku had an impressive background in Japanese cinema. Contrary to the genre and special effects, The Green Slime is not part of the iconic Toho production company's portfolio. Fukasaku's earlier works established him as a prominent figure in Japanese cinema, notably his contributions to the yakuza genre. So, while The Green Slime stands on its own in terms of its connection to Toho, Fukasaku's involvement adds a unique touch to the film.

But this emerald in the rough wasn’t fashioned in Japan. It is a prime example of the international collaboration that characterized the era. With an Italian production team and an American distributor, the film blends cultural influences in a way that only the '60s could. It's a delightful mishmash of spaghetti sci-fi and Hollywood sensibilities. It seamlessly blends Italian and American influences a delightful mishmash of cultural elements that involved an international collaboration, combining Japanese artistry, Italian financing, and American talent. This fusion contributes to the movie's distinct flair and sets it apart from more traditional sci-fi offerings of the time or ever since.

The Green Slime boasts impressive miniature work and special effects that were considered cutting-edge for its time. The use of scale models to depict space stations, rockets, and epic battles with rubber-suited creatures created a sense of wonder and adventure. It features an epic battle between astronauts and fluorescent green creatures that resemble sentient amoebas. Sure, the rubber suits are a bit questionable, but the vibrant colors and imaginative design make up for it. And while the effects may appear dated by today's standards, they remain a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the filmmakers. They are also a hell of a lot of fun to watch.

Green Slime revels in its own ridiculousness, embracing its flaws with a mischievous grin whilst simultaneously appealing to our childlike sense of wonder. The film dares you not to chuckle at its over-the-top dialogue, the predictability of its plot, and the earnestness of its actors. It's the kind of cheesy goodness that elicits a unique form of cinematic joy—a guilty pleasure that keeps us coming back for more in a manner that is reminiscent to the Saturday matinees of yesteryear.

Due to its charm and re-watchability, The Green Slime is a proud member of the Briterion Collection.