Predator: Badlands might just have redefined how we have seen Predator movies since the dawn of the franchise. Now, while a majority of people are loving the rework done on the usual premises of a Predator movie, there is a section of fans who are not happy with it and prefer the usual route taken by the franchise. However, among those who appreciate Badlands is a name that outweighs all skepticism, and it’s none other than Hideo Kojima. In a review brought to us by Kojima himself, he has nothing but praise for Predator: Badlands, comparing it to Manga, anime, and gaming culture. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what he has to say.
What Does Kojima Have to Say About Predator: Badlands?
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Hideo Kojima wrote a review for Predator: Badlands on his X account, where he had high praise for director Dan Trachtenberg, and before talking about Badlands, he took a recap and talked about how his first Predator film, Prey, was an excellent reimagination of the original formula followed by the franchise for years now.
Talking about Predator: Badlands, Kojima said that while the cast did an absolutely incredible job, the elements in the movie that ascended beyond the simple concept of the fear of being hunted gave it a depth that reconciles with the blueprint formula of Japanese Manga. He wrote-
“Failure of the weak, isolation, journey, training, encounter, rebellion, clash, comradeship, betrayal, redemption, reconciliation, unity, revenge, growth, choice, family – and a new threat, These elements form the very blueprint of mainstream Japanese manga storytelling, typified by ‘Weekly Shonen Jump.”
He then went on to talk about how Predator: Badlands has taken heavy inspiration from video games in the visual aspect, and marks the dawn of a new era of Hollywood that consists of young filmmakers who are exposed to the global narrative of manga, anime, and gaming.
Kojima then expressed his hope that young anime fans who generally avoid live-action movies will give this one a shot, promising that once you start watching it, the movie will have you hooked from the very opening scene. He said-
“The film also takes heavy visual inspiration from video games. It represents a new direction for Hollywood entertainment led by a new generation of filmmakers who have inherited the global ‘memes’ of manga, anime, and gaming culture, I especially hope young anime fans who usually steer clear of live-action Western films will give this one a try. Even with Dek’s “ugly” face, you’ll find yourself emotionally invested from the opening scene. You’ll definitely get hooked.”
These words of appreciation show that a franchise that was considered irredeemable in live action by a lot of people has made a comeback like no one expected and is leaving a mark on a global scale. Overall, it appears that Dan Trachtenberg will have a lot more work to do in the future, considering how Predator: Badlands has been received.
You can read our review of Predator Badlands if you are still not convinced about watching it on the big screen.
Shashank Shakya
AloJapan.com