Message from Space

Message from Space

Year: 1978

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

ActionAdventure

On Jillucia, a ravaging attack by the Gavanas – whose commander obeys his mother rather than the Emperor – leaves the planet near ruin. King Kaiba sends eight Liabe holy seeds for chosen warriors: veteran General Garuda, Prince Hans, and young Terrans Meia, Kido and Aaron, each reacting uniquely to their destiny.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Message from Space yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Message from Space (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Message from Space (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Far Future

The events unfold in a distant future across multiple star systems, where interstellar travel and planetary empires shape the political landscape. Advanced technology and mystical-seeming Liabe seeds drive the struggle for liberation. The narrative juxtaposes imperial ambitions with desperate resistance, culminating in a high-stakes clash in space and on planetary fronts.

Location

Jillucia, Earth

Jillucia is a planet in the Andromeda galaxy that is conquered by the Gavanas Empire and turned into a military fortress. The story spans Earth as the human government responds to the crisis, and travels through space to a rebel galleon and Gavanas bases. The setting shifts between imperial strongholds, starships, and frontier worlds as diverse pilots and Jillucians unite to reclaim their home.

🌌 Sci-Fi 🪐 Space Opera 🗺️ Planetary War

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:06

Main Characters – Message from Space (1978)

Meet the key characters of Message from Space (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Shiro Hongo (Hiroyuki Sanada)

A reckless space pilot who initially acts on impulse but grows into a key strategist for the Jillucian resistance. His bold maneuvers and willingness to take risks help the group survive early setbacks. Over time he becomes a natural leader who champions Jillucian freedom and the mission of the Liabe Seeds.

🚀 Pilot 🗡️ Warrior 🧭 Leader

Aaron Solar (Philip Casnoff)

A brash yet skilled space pilot who forms a strong bond with Shiro. He grapples with loyalty, danger, and the costs of their reckless approach to liberation. Amid battles and betrayals, his courage and tactical sense contribute to the team’s dangerous plan to strike at Gavanas power.

🚀 Pilot 🧭 Loyal 🧨 Hot-headed

Jack (Masazumi Okabe)

A friend of Shiro who becomes entangled in gangsters’ debts, leading him to betray Urocco and Emeralida. His actions bring severe consequences and moral conflict, but his later remorse highlights the possibility of redemption and the imperfect path to justice.

💰 Conman 🤐 Betrayer 🕊️ Redemption

Emeralida (Etsuko Shihomi)

A Jillucian princess who is pursued by the Gavanas and becomes a focal point of the rebellion. Her endurance under pressure and resolve inspire others to fight for their homeland. Her capture by Gavanas intensifies the stakes for the group’s mission.

👑 Aristocrat 🗡️ Target 💪 Resilient

Urocco (Makoto Satō)

A skilled fighter who begins skeptical but ultimately evolves into the eighth Liabe warrior after a courageous sacrifice. His death is a critical blow that empowers the final strike against the Gavanas fortress. He embodies the transformation from doubt to heroic commitment.

🗡️ Warrior 🕊️ Sacrifice 🛰️ Liabe Hero

General Garuda (Vic Morrow)

A disillusioned officer who shifts loyalty to the Jillucians, bringing military experience and strategic insight. His reluctant alliance strengthens the resistance and provides a steadier hand in planning the assault on Gavanas forces. He remains a wary but steadfast ally.

🛡️ General 🤝 Ally ⚔️ Strategic

Prince Hans (Sonny Chiba)

The rightful heir to the Gavanas throne who emerges to lead the revolt against his usurping predecessor. His bravery and leadership reveal the truth about Rockseia’s betrayal and galvanize the Jillucians to fight under a legitimate banner.

👑 Heir 🦾 Leader ⚔️ Rebel

Rockseia XXII (Mikio Narita)

The Gavanas emperor whose ruthless ambition drives conquest and who betrays his own family for power. He embodies tyranny and manipulation, steering Gavanas’ advance toward Earth before his ultimate confrontation with Hans.

👑 Tyrant 🪄 Betrayer ⚔️ Villain

Kido (Junkichi Orimoto)

The leader of the Jillucians who organizes the Liabe Seeds’ mission and coordinates the resistance. His steady leadership and strategic thinking anchor the group’s efforts to unite disparate allies against a superior foe.

🗺️ Leader 🛰️ Strategist 🤝 Ally

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:06

Major Themes – Message from Space (1978)

Explore the central themes of Message from Space (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕯️ Sacrifice

The liberation of Jillucia hinges on personal sacrifices from many characters. Urocco’s selfless act marks the pivotal turning point as the eighth Liabe warrior sacrifices himself to empower the group’s final strike. Others risk their lives to destroy the reactor and the Gavanas space carrier. The theme underscores how freedom often demands the willingness to give everything for a greater cause.

💔 Betrayal

Betrayal threads through the plot, from Jack’s decision to sell out Urocco and Emeralida to the broader scheming of Rockseia against his own family. Trust is fragile, tested by debts, coercion, and political intrigue. The narrative examines the emotional cost of betrayal and the path to redemption.

🤝 Unity

A disparate group—pilots, Jillucians, a disillusioned General Garuda, and a rightful heir—must unite to stand against a formidable empire. The Liabe seeds’ summons catalyze a shared purpose that overcomes initial reluctance. The final confrontation depends on cooperation across species and loyalties to liberate Jillucia.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 17:06

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Narrative Summary

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Unlock the Full Story of Message from Space

Don't stop at just watching — explore Message from Space in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Message from Space is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Message from Space Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Message from Space, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Message from Space Summary

Message from Space Timeline

Track the full timeline of Message from Space with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Message from Space Timeline

Message from Space Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Message from Space that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

Message from Space Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Message from Space

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