'Ultraman: Rising' Ending Explained: What happened to Ultraman? Ken Sato’s ultimate sacrifice unveils unfeigned valor
Contains spoilers for 'Ultraman: Rising'
ODAIBA, JAPAN: The legendary superhero Ultraman returns to our screens with Netflix's latest action-packed extravaganza, 'Ultraman: Rising'.
The action-animated film, directed by Shannon Tindle and John Aoshima, follows Ken Sato also known as Ultraman (Christopher Sean), a professional baseball player who also leads the secret life of a superhero.
However, things take a sharp turn for him when he discovers a newborn kaiju, who he names Emi, and starts to care for her.
As Ken's attachment to Emi grows, Dr Onda (Keone Young) along with Kaiju Defence Force (KDF) is seen trying to take her away to use her to get to Kaiju Island. As Emi was about to be apprehended by the KDF, Ken appeared in the nick of the time in his Ultraman form but was brutally battered by the mechanical Gigantron.
So, will Ultramen be able to save his beloved Emi from the clutches of Dr Onda and KDF?
Professor Sato's surprising entry turns the tide in 'Ultraman: Rising'
As Ultraman descends into the depths of the ocean, he remembers his other's words, and in an unexpected turn of events, he is saved by his father, Professor Sato (Gedde Watanabe), whom he had thought was dead.
On the other hand, mechanical Gigantron overrides KDF's orders, forcing Dr Onda to be raging red. He orders his forces to leave the area and defend the KDF. The crew flees via the escape pods, but Dr Onda is not done yet; he has a more sinister plan in mind
In an unexpected turn of events, Dr Onda emerges from the ocean wearing a gigantic robotic outfit, startling Ultraman.
Dr Onda unleashes his fury, but this time both the Ultraman, Emi and the mechanical Gigantron band together, culminating in a fierce battle.
Ken Sato teams up with Professor Sato and Emi to defeat Dr Onda in 'Ultraman: Rising'
The squad swiftly assaults Dr Onda, and, recognizing he would not be able to win, the crafty scientist self-detonated his robotic aircraft.
Ken, aware that the bombing may kill his father and Emi, chooses to protect them by putting himself at risk, indicating that he has finally transformed himself into the ultimate superhero, prepared to sacrifice himself for the benefit of others.
In the following scene, Ken is revealed to be seriously hurt as a result of the tragedy, but he has fully changed and is being praised by his teammates and coaches. He credits his accomplishments to his parents.
After finally healing his connection with his father, Professor Sato, the pair is seen traveling to Kaiju Island with Emi and the mechanical Gigantron.
The post-credit sequence offers a clear message regarding the film's sequel, as Ken receives a recording from his mother, Emiko, who is still alive and is asking for his aid to rescue her.
'Ultraman: Rising' trailer