Message from Space

Message from Space

Year: 1978

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Kinji Fukasaku

ActionScience FictionAdventureMonsters aliens sci-fi and the apocalypseAction-packed space and alien sagas

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!

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Timeline – Message from Space (1978)

Trace every key event in Message from Space (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Conquest of Jillucia by the Gavanas

The Gavanas Empire conquers Jillucia and transforms it into a vast military fortress. Their victory demonstrates the empire's ruthless reach and strategic ambitions. Kido, the leader of the Jillucians, sends eight Liabe Seeds off-world to seek help from distant powers.

During the conquest Jillucia
2

Escape begins: Emeralida and Urocco flee

Princess Emeralida and the warrior Urocco flee Jillucia aboard a space galleon as Gavanas forces close in. They race through space to elude Rockseia XXII's pursuit and its crushing grip. Their escape sets in motion the seeds' search for allies across the galaxy.

Immediately after conquest Space near Jillucia
3

Liabe Seeds reach Shiro and Aaron

The Liabe Seeds reach Shiro and Aaron, two reckless space pilots. The seeds reveal a divine selection of warriors destined to liberate Jillucia and recruit others to the cause. Their initial bravado gives way to the gravity of the mission.

Soon after seeds reach them Space / aboard their ships
4

Jack's betrayal and dire consequences

Jack, a friend entangled in gangster debts, sells out Urocco and Emeralida to save himself. This betrayal sows distrust within the emerging alliance and tests the group's resolve. In the same turbulent period, Urocco survives an assassination attempt and Emeralida is captured by Gavanas.

Early recruitment phase Space / unknown location
5

Meia joins the resistance

Meia, a young aristocrat, encounters the Jillucians and is drawn into their cause. The Liabe seeds' call resonates with her sense of duty and heritage. She becomes part of the growing resistance against the Gavanas.

Early to mid-journey Unknown
6

Garuda defects and joins the cause

General Garuda, a disillusioned officer, is persuaded by a glowing Liabe seed to join the rebellion. He defects from the Gavanas and aligns with the Jillucians, bringing crucial military experience. His decision helps unify the growing coalition against the empire.

During recruitment Onboard alliance / joint operations
7

Prince Hans reveals imperial betrayal

The group discovers Prince Hans, the rightful heir to the Gavanas throne. Hans reveals Rockseia's betrayal of his family and the true motive behind the empire's rule. This revelation galvanizes the Jillucians to rise up against the tyrant.

Mid-journey Hidden base
8

Rockseia propels Jillucia toward Earth

Rockseia forces Jillucia to be propelled toward Earth as part of his conquest. Earth's government seeks a peaceful resolution and sends an envoy to negotiate. Rockseia rejects diplomacy, escalating the crisis.

Voyage toward Earth Space between Jillucia and Earth
9

Earth's Moon destroyed as a warning

As a warning, Rockseia destroys Earth's Moon while Earth envoy General Garuda attempts to broker peace. The gesture isolates Earth and demonstrates the emperor's willingness to annihilate any resistance. The event raises the stakes for the impending rebellion.

During diplomatic efforts Earth vicinity / space near Earth
10

Infiltration of Gavanas fortress

The Liabe warriors infiltrate the Gavanas fortress to destroy the reactor powering the fortress. They must navigate tight security and face heavy resistance in a critical strike. The mission represents a turning point in the war.

Climactic battle Gavanas fortress
11

Urocco's sacrifice and eighth Liabe

Urocco sacrifices himself in battle, becoming the eighth Liabe warrior. His selfless act fuels the remaining fighters and cements their resolve. His death marks a crucial turning point in the fortress assault.

Fortress assault Gavanas fortress
12

Hans leads revolt and defeats Rockseia

Prince Hans leads the Jillucians in revolt against Rockseia's regime. He confronts and kills Rockseia in combat, ending the emperor's tyranny. The death of Rockseia catalyzes Jillucia's bid for freedom.

Final assault Gavanas fortress
13

Reactor destroyed; Jillucia explodes

Shiro and Aaron destroy the reactor that powers the Gavanas fortress. They barely escape as Jillucia begins to disintegrate and explode. The planet's destruction forces the survivors to flee into space.

Final push Gavanas fortress reactor room
14

Survivors flee aboard space galleon

As Jillucia disintegrates, the surviving Jillucians escape aboard a space galleon. Garuda, Beba-2, and the remaining Liabe warriors join the fleeing group. The fragile alliance rides the last hope of safety through the void.

Post-destruction evacuation Space near Jillucia
15

Final sacrifice and new voyage begins

Shiro, Aaron, and Meia mount a suicidal attack on the Gavanas space carrier. Their assault cripples the carrier, and they awaken on the space galleon, saved by the Liabe seeds. Earth offers asylum, but the Jillucians decline and set off to seek a new home.

After battle Gavanas space carrier / space galleon

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:49

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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

Characters, Settings & Themes in Message from Space

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Message from Space

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