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Timeline

Shin Ultraman (2023) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

Release, runtime and language
2023 · 118 min · Japanese
Echo score 72
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Directed by
Shinji Higuchi
Starring
Tôru Masuoka, Hidetoshi Nishijima, Akari Hayami, Daiki Arioka, Keishi Nagatsuka, Kyûsaku Shimada
Budget
$5.5M

A taskforce, the SSSP, faces daily battles against monstrous threats in this reimagining of the classic Japanese hero, Ultraman. When a giant, heroic figure intervenes to save the day, questions arise about its true identity. As the forces of good and evil clash, the story unfolds with dynamic action sequences, memorable characters, and unexpected cosmic elements.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Events in order (15)
  3. 3 Timeline questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Shin Ultraman
  6. 6 Every angle
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15 events in order · contains spoilers

Shin Ultraman Timeline: Events in Chronological Order

Every key event of Shin Ultraman (2023) in order, scene by scene, with when and where it takes place. Use it to untangle flashbacks, time jumps and parallel storylines, to refresh your memory before the sequel or to find the exact scene you are thinking of.

  1. SSSP Established

    In response to the invasion of kaiju in Japan, the government establishes the S-Class Species Suppression Protocol (SSSP). This organization aims to eliminate further threats posed by these monstrous creatures, signaling a new era of defense for humanity.

    Where
    Japan
  2. Neronga's Defeat

    The SSSP deploys to respond to an attack by an S-Class kaiju known as Neronga. Just as the situation seems dire, a silver giant extraterrestrial arrives and defeats Neronga, showcasing immense power and changing the battle dynamics.

    Where
    Japan
  3. Kaminaga's Heroism

    During the chaos, SSSP member Shinji Kaminaga puts himself in danger to rescue a lost child. Unfortunately, he gets injured in the process, highlighting the sacrifices made by those fighting against the kaiju threat.

  4. Hiroko Asami Joins SSSP

    Analyst Hiroko Asami is transferred from the Public Security Intelligence Agency to join the SSSP. Partnering with Kaminaga, she begins her work as they analyze the silver giant, who is later named Ultraman.

  5. Gabora's Attack

    The SSSP faces another S-Class Species threat from a kaiju called Gabora. Unbeknownst to them, Kaminaga transforms into Ultraman, taking on his new role while preventing Gabora from causing further destruction near a nuclear waste storage facility.

    Where
    Nuclear Waste Storage Facility, Japan
  6. Zarab's Conspiracy

    An alien named Zarab contacts the SSSP, presenting himself as a diplomatic figure. However, his true intention is to incite conflict among nations, which Kaminaga soon discovers, leading to his capture.

  7. Ultraman's Discredit

    To undermine Ultraman's reputation, Zarab attacks Japan while disguised as Ultraman himself. He disseminates footage of Kaminaga's transformation, resulting in a widespread international manhunt.

    Where
    Japan
  8. Asami's Fateful Capture

    Asami receives Kaminaga's transformation device, the Beta Capsule, for safekeeping. However, she is later kidnapped by Zarab, complicating Kaminaga's quest to save both her and their missions.

  9. Mefilas' Manipulation

    Another alien, Mefilas, captures Asami and transforms her into a mind-controlled giant. He demonstrates his power by returning her to normal, showcasing his intent to manipulate humanity for his own purposes.

  10. Conflict with Mefilas

    Kaminaga, still in his Ultraman form, conspires with the SSSP to thwart Mefilas' plans to supply the Beta Box to the government. The SSSP hijacks the Box, leading to a climactic battle between Ultraman and Mefilas.

  11. Zōffy's Warning

    Following their battle, Zōffy, a superior alien, observes the combat. He warns Ultraman about the upcoming threat of Zetton, forcing Ultraman to prepare for a serious confrontation that poses existential risk to humanity.

  12. Zetton's Assault

    Zōffy unleashes Zetton with instructions to eradicate humanity, believing they are a potential threat. Kaminaga learns of this plan and provides the SSSP with crucial information, determined to prevent the impending disaster.

  13. The Final Battle

    Kaminaga engages Zetton in a fierce battle, ultimately being defeated and hospitalized. The SSSP struggles with the ramifications of realities that could threaten all of humanity, leading to pivotal choices about silence or action.

  14. Black Hole Creation

    In a dramatic rescue effort, Kaminaga transforms into Ultraman and ignites the Beta Capsule. Just in time, he opens a black hole that consumes both himself and Zetton, showcasing the stakes and serious consequences of this clash.

  15. Ultimate Sacrifice

    Ultimately, Ultraman decides to sacrifice himself to resurrect Kaminaga, believing it's the right choice amid their struggle against the powerful threats facing humanity. Zōffy, moved by their teamwork, reluctantly begins to understand the depth of Ultraman's commitment to Earth.

Last updated: December 03, 2024 at 14:27

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Timeline questions answered

Shin Ultraman Timeline Explained: Your Questions Answered

When does it happen, and why in that order? The questions people ask about the chronology of Shin Ultraman (2023): time jumps, flashbacks, cause and effect between scenes and the correct order of events, each answered with spoilers.

Q1

Why can Shinji Kaminaga transform into Ultraman?

Kaminaga did not merely get injured during the Neronga attack, he was actually killed by debris when Ultraman descended to Earth. Understanding the value of human life, Ultraman chose to adopt Kaminaga's identity to experience humanity firsthand, which is why Kaminaga can transform into Ultraman.

Foreshadowing: Earlier scenes show Kaminaga receiving severe injuries, but the full truth of his death is revealed later in the forest conversation with Zōffy.

  • kaminaga
  • ultraman
  • transformation
  • identity
  • death
Q2

Why does Zōffy unleash Zetton against Earth?

Zōffy is a superior alien who views humanity as a potential threat due to their rapid advancement in power. After Ultraman repeatedly violates celestial laws by merging with a human form, Zōffy decides humanity must be eliminated and releases Zetton, the ultimate weapon engineered specifically to annihilate them.

Foreshadowing: Zōffy's warning to Ultraman about breaching celestial laws foreshadows his willingness to destroy humanity to prevent future threats.

  • zoffy
  • zetton
  • threat
  • extermination
  • alien
Q3

Why does Ultraman sacrifice himself at the end?

Ultraman sacrifices his own existence to resurrect Kaminaga, believing that protecting humanity means restoring the human life he came to value. This final act demonstrates his complete transformation from an observer of humanity to someone willing to give up everything for a single human life.

Foreshadowing: Throughout the film, Ultraman repeatedly chooses to protect humans at great cost, building toward this ultimate sacrifice.

  • sacrifice
  • resurrection
  • ultraman
  • kaminaga
  • death
Q4

How does Ultraman create a black hole to defeat Zetton?

Using the Beta Capsule, a transformation device, Kaminaga activates it while in Ultraman form to open a dimensional rift. This creates a black hole that consumes both Zetton and Ultraman himself. The theory behind this comes from Taki's research on the flash drive, which revealed the Beta Capsule's potential for dimensional manipulation.

Foreshadowing: Taki's earlier investigation of the flash drive hints at the Beta Capsule's advanced capabilities beyond simple transformation.

  • beta capsule
  • black hole
  • zetton
  • dimension
  • taki
Q5

Why does Zarab attack Japan while disguised as Ultraman?

Zarab's true goal is to incite conflict and destruction among nations. By attacking Japan while disguised as Ultraman and releasing footage of Kaminaga's transformation, Zarab aims to destroy Ultraman's reputation and turn humanity against the alien hero, creating chaos that would benefit his plans for war.

Foreshadowing: Zarab's initial diplomatic contact with the SSSP establishes his deceptive nature before his true intentions are revealed.

  • zarab
  • disguise
  • ultraman
  • attack
  • deception
Q6

Why is Shinji Kaminaga hunted by authorities?

After Zarab releases footage showing Kaminaga's transformation into Ultraman, the Japanese government and international forces view him as both a national security threat and a valuable asset. His ability to transform into Ultraman makes him a target for capture and exploitation.

Foreshadowing: The footage of transformation directly connects Kaminaga to the silver giant, making him a target.

  • kaminaga
  • manhunt
  • transformation
  • zarab
  • exposed
Q7

Why does Mefilas abandon his plan to conquer Earth?

Mefilas initially plans to use the Beta Box to force humanity's obedience, but when he realizes Zōffy, a superior alien, is watching the battle between Ultraman and himself, he becomes fearful of Zōffy's presence. Abandoning his conquest, Mefilas flees Earth with the Beta Box, warning Ultraman about the impending Zetton threat.

Foreshadowing: Zōffy's observation of the battle is shown before Mefilas suddenly departs, explaining his sudden change of heart.

  • mefilas
  • zoffy
  • flee
  • beta box
  • threat
Q8

What is the difference between the Beta Capsule and Beta Box?

The Beta Capsule is a small device that allows Kaminaga to transform into Ultraman, given to him by Ultraman himself. The Beta Box is a large-scale version of the Capsule, capable of transforming humans into giants on a massive scale. Mefilas uses the Beta Box as leverage to demand humanity's obedience.

Foreshadowing: The Capsule's existence establishes that larger versions are possible within the film's technology.

  • beta capsule
  • beta box
  • transformation
  • device
  • mefilas
Q9

Why does Mefilas turn Hiroko Asami into a giant?

Mefilas kidnaps Asami to demonstrate his power and intimidate the Japanese government. He transforms her into a giant under mind control, then reverses the transformation using the Beta Box to prove he can grant immense power, or take it away. This display is meant to force the government into a deal of total obedience.

Foreshadowing: Mefilas' arrival follows the pattern of previous alien encounters, where demonstration of power precedes negotiation.

  • asami
  • mefilas
  • kidnap
  • giant
  • mind control
Q10

What happens to Kaminaga after he is defeated by Zetton?

After the brutal battle with Zetton, Kaminaga is hospitalized and left in critical condition. The government decides to conceal humanity's impending destruction from the public as a final act of kindness. Kaminaga survives but remains hospitalized until he awakens to join the final confrontation.

Foreshadowing: The earlier battle's intensity and Zetton's designation as the ultimate weapon foreshadow the severe consequences of this fight.

  • kaminaga
  • hospital
  • zetton
  • defeat
  • recovery
Q11

Why does Zōffy ultimately allow Ultraman to stay on Earth?

After witnessing Ultraman's willingness to sacrifice himself for humanity and observing humanity's relentless spirit in the face of destruction, Zōffy's perspective shifts. Though he initially saw humanity as a threat, their courage and determination convince him to spare Earth and allow Ultraman to remain as its protector.

Foreshadowing: Zōffy's change is hinted at when he queries Ultraman about sacrificing himself for an 'inferior race,' showing doubt forming.

  • zoffy
  • change
  • mind
  • humanity
  • protect
  • sacrifice
Q12

Why are the SSSP members detained and then released?

The SSSP is temporarily detained due to their allegiance to Ultraman, which the government views as treason during the international crisis caused by Zarab's attacks and the exposure of Kaminaga's identity. They are exonerated after their Chief convinces higher-ups of the truth about Ultraman's benevolent nature and the alien threats facing Earth.

Foreshadowing: The tension between the SSSP and government authorities builds throughout the film as Ultraman's true intentions remain unclear to officials.

  • sssp
  • detained
  • exonerated
  • government
  • chief

Movie threads

More Movies Like Shin Ultraman, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Shin Ultraman tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Sci-fi stories of hope and sacrifice like Shin Ultraman

Stories where a heroic, costly sacrifice ultimately affirms hope for humanity. Explore movies like Shin Ultraman where cosmic threats and heroic sacrifices are met with an unshakable hope for humanity. This collection features similar sci-fi and action films with heavy emotional weight, fast pacing, and a bittersweet yet ultimately affirming conclusion.

  • hopeful
  • sacrificial
  • heroic
  • cosmic
  • tense
  • action-packed
  • Tone: hopeful, bittersweet
  • Pacing: fast, action-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern involves a powerful external threat that forces a heroic intervention, often from a seemingly alien or otherworldly source. The central conflict explores the cost of this intervention, culminating in a significant sacrifice. However, the story's arc is ultimately hopeful, using the sacrifice to prove the worth and spirit of the defended community.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread are grouped by their unique emotional blend of high-intensity action and a profoundly hopeful tone, even when dealing with heavy themes of sacrifice. They share a structure where victory is earned through loss, creating a powerful and uplifting experience.

Movies about giant monsters and crisis response like Shin Ultraman

Fast-paced stories of monstrous threats and the organizations built to stop them. If you liked the kaiju battles and the SSSP's efforts in Shin Ultraman, discover similar films focusing on giant threats and the specialized teams that confront them. These action-packed sci-fi movies feature high stakes, fast pacing, and themes of alien intervention and saving the world.

  • tense
  • action-packed
  • large-scale
  • procedural
  • heroic
  • destructive
  • Tone: tense, heroic
  • Pacing: fast, chaotic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories typically follow a cycle of crisis and response, where a specialized organization (like a military group or science team) is the first line of defense against suddenly emerging gigantic foes. The plot involves investigating the threat, developing countermeasures, and deploying them in large-scale battles, often intertwined with political or philosophical questions about the invaders' origin and humanity's place in the cosmos.

Why they belong together: These films are united by their core premise: a procedural approach to fantastical, large-scale destruction. They share a specific vibe of organized chaos, combining the spectacle of monster fights with the tension of a crisis management thriller.

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Movies Like Shin Ultraman

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Every angle

Shin Ultraman (2023) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Shin Ultraman in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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