As a child of the ’90s who grew up watching countless holiday films and devouring every bit of dinosaur media that came my way, I can confidently say that Rex: A Dinosaur‘s Story is a unique and quirky gem worth revisiting. The movie may have been born from the corporate machinations of a man with questionable business practices, but it still manages to capture the spirit of friendship, family, and the joy of Christmas.
Worldwide, some fascinating and amusing projects have sprung from well-known films. While countless people adore films such as the 1984 classic Terminator, fewer recognize that various countries produced their own versions, albeit not reaching the original’s heights, but offering a culturally diverse take on the famous Hollywood blockbuster. Simultaneously, movies often draw inspiration from popular trends, with creators of B-movies exclaiming, “Robot killers are hot right now; let’s produce a hundred and see what catches on.
In a different phrasing, Steven Spielberg’s groundbreaking film, “Jurassic Park,” which became a cultural sensation, sparked a global effort to cash in on the fascination with dinosaurs. Even some lesser-known films, such as the campy “Carnosaur,” managed to achieve cult status. However, an unusual production from Japan aimed not just to capitalize on the success of dinosaurs but to appeal to an even larger demographic: a family-friendly movie with significant portions taking place during Christmas. By blending genres and rushing its release, one might assume it would be a hit, right?
The Strange Plot of ‘Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story’ (1993)
In a secluded Japanese cave, a group of researchers disregarded local tribal warnings and ventured deeper into uncharted territory. There, they stumbled upon a dinosaur egg nestled on a crystal stand. Ignoring the impending danger, they removed the egg from its pedestal, causing an immediate cave-in that sealed their exit route.
She names it Rex and begins training it. As news spreads of the remarkable discovery, Rex becomes a phenom, but Chie escapes with her dino friend when a museum demands the right to display him. Chie runs away with Rex into a city in the full swing of Christmas, hiding him among the people by dressing him in festive garb. During their time exploring the Christmas landscape, Chie starts to believe that Rex’s real family is still out there, waiting for him. She plans to return to the cave in search of an underground dinosaur paradise where she hopes to reunite with Rex and his parents.
‘Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story’ Banks on Holiday Nostalgia and the Popularity of ‘Jurrasic Park’
The film version of “Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story” was based on a manga by the renowned CLAMP team, who are famous for creating “Cardcaptor Sakura” and other popular series like “Tokyo Babylon”. Some people believe that the movie was hurriedly produced to profit from the dinosaur trend, as it came out just a month after “Jurassic Park”. It’s interesting to note that the release date of “Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story”, July 3, 1993, is unusual for a film primarily set on Christmas.
Haruki Kadokawa, the director, was undeniably a businessman at heart, having taken over the expansive Kadakowa conglomerate from his late father, which spans industries such as publishing, film production, video games, web services, education/Edtech, and entertainment venues. The movie appears to be a blend of popular culture hastily assembled for profit, a trait that is not uncommon in Christmas films, as consumerism has become an integral part of the holiday season, alongside spreading cheer and merriment.
In my humble opinion, “Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story” unfortunately didn’t fare well at the box office and seems to have vanished from screens. The unfortunate incident involving its director, Haruki Kadokawa, being arrested for suspected cocaine smuggling, cast a long shadow over the film. This came about when an employee was allegedly tasked with bringing the illicit substance back from the USA.
Is ‘Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story’ Worth Watching?
It’s no surprise that the film “Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story” faced criticism in its home country Japan and received negative reviews. However, if we were to reject all entertainment produced under the influence of unscrupulous corporate figures, we would miss out on a significant portion of our entertainment. Despite its questionable origins and the film appearing as a hurried money-making scheme, it does not necessarily mean that it lacks the qualities needed for heartwarming holiday content.
As a devoted cinephile, I must say that the duo of Chie and the animated dinosaur is simply heartwarming. This movie delves into poignant themes, such as a young girl finding solace in her unique friendship during her parents’ separation. The film also offers an intriguing glimpse into Christmas celebrations in ’90s Japan, where even Colonel Sanders makes an appearance, given KFC’s enduring tradition as a festive favorite in the country. Notably, this production showcases the masterful work of Carlo Rambaldi, the magic-wielder behind practical effects, who also breathed life into E.T. for Steven Spielberg’s iconic film, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial.
To appreciate “Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story,” you should be open to some overt sentimentality, occasional product promotions (dinosaurs loving Coke, an amusing detail considering Kadokawa’s later issues), and a strong dependence on familiar storylines. Simultaneously, the film veers towards the campy charm of holiday movies, especially considering its era and the dinosaur fever sparked by Jurassic Park. In essence, “Rex: A Dinosaur’s Story” is an intriguing curiosity in both narrative style and presentation, but it’s a quirky gem worth discovering. Finding the movie might be tricky; it’s not on streaming platforms, but you can find it on the Internet Archive.
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2024-12-18 04:31