The INFRAMAN

The Super Inframan (Chinese: is a Hong Kong tokusatsu-style superhero movie produced by Shaw Brothers Studio in 1975. Based upon the huge success of the Japanese tokusatsu shows, Ultraman and Kamen Rider, in Hong Kong, this film features the same type of "henshin" action and costumed derring-do, coupled with Chinese kung fu action.

This film also has some historical importance:

* The first superhero movie in China
* The first movie promotion in Hong Kong using a hot air balloon
* The first Shaw Brothers production using a storyboard

The film was directed by Hua Shan, written by science fiction writer Ni Kuang, produced by Runme Shaw and the cinematography was by Tadashi Nishimoto (as Lan Shan Ho). There was a little help from Japan, also; Music from Ultra Seven (1967) and Mirrorman (1971) (both composed by Toru Fuyuki) is used here. And the Inframan/Science Headquarters/monster costumes were provided by Ekisu Productions, which had done costumes for many Toei Superhero shows of the same period. The film also starred Danny Lee as the superhero himself, and Bruceploitation star Bruce Le in a supporting role (He still got to display some of his martial art skills in one scene of the film).

The following year, Joseph Brenner brought this film to the US, and retitled it simply Infra-Man (or Inframan), upon Ultraman's success on American syndicated television at the time.

TRAILER GRINGO:


TRAILER CHINO:

I don't believe my eyes! I don't believe my ears! I don't believe my mind!