Kumatetsu The Boy and the Beast - BE@RBRICK
Mamoru Hosoda is one of Japan's premier animated film directors. His films are widely popular in Japan and often prove to be both critical and commercial successes. His 2015 film The Boy and The Beast featured a fantastical world with animal-inspired character designs. No character from the film suits the BE@BRICK line better than the secondary protagonist, Kumatetsu. The bear-beast's intimidating prowess still comes through in a smaller form as seen in the "BE@RBRICK Kumatetsu 100% & 400%" figure set.
Mamoru Hosoda and BE@RBRICK Collaboration Background
Of Mamoru Hosoda's seven feature films, only The Boy and the Beast has been represented in the BE@RBRICK line.
Collaboration Planning and Launch
Medicom Toy has created two merchandise items related to works by director Mamoru Hosoda. The first was in 2012 related to that year's Wolf Children, or Ookami Kodomo no Ame to Yuki. Medicom Toy created a replica of the plush toy Hana makes for her children in the movie. The second was the BE@RBRICK figure depicting Kumatetsu from 2015's The Boy and The Beast. As of 2021, this is the only BE@RBRICK figure related to a Hosoda film.
BE@RBRICK Kumatetsu 100% & 400%
This figure set from Medicom Toy captures the rough and cocky spirit of Kumatetsu from Mamoru Hosoda's film The Boy and The Beast. Kumatetsu's large and imposing form has been reduced to the cute, pudgy BE@RBRICK proportions. He wears his red jacket open to expose his white shirt underneath. A tuft of cream-colored fur pokes out of the top of his shirt neck. His side-slung black sash peeks out from under his jacket hem. Two black lines on each foot represent his traditional style sandals.
His facial expression is gruff. Two upper and two lower fangs adorn his confident smirk. His heavy black eyebrows furrow right above his eyes, giving him an intimidating appearance. Smaller ears are painted on top of the translucent, larger BE@RBRICK ears. His tuft of forehead fur obscures his right ear. The back of the figure includes the large sun symbol found on Kumatetsu's jacket.
- Product Name: BE@RBRICK Kumatetsu 100% & 400%
- Manufacturer: Medicom Toy
- Specifications: Set of 2 painted and articulated plastic figures
- Height (Approx.):
100%: 70mm | 2.8"
400%: 280mm | 11"
About The Boy and The Beast
The Boy and The Beast, also known as Bakemono no Ko, is a 2015 Japanese animated film by director Mamoru Hosoda. The film follows a child, Ren, who discovers a new world after running away from home. In this world, the Beast Kingdom, he encounters a bear-like beast named Kumatetsu. Kumatetsu takes Ren in as his apprentice as he trains to become the next Grandmaster of the Beast Kingdom. The film opened at #1 in the box office in Japan. In addition to commercial success, the film also received praise from Critics. It won Animation of the Year at the 37th Japan Academy Film Prize. The film has since received both a light novel and manga adaptation.
About Kumatetsu
Kumatetsu is a large, bear-like beast and the film's deuteragonist. His greatest wish is to prove his strength and become the next Grandmaster of the Beast Kingdom. Kumatetsu relies on his size and brute force to get ahead rather than planning or skill. After encountering Ren, Kumatetsu reluctantly takes him in and starts to train the boy as well. His arrogant, brash, and immature behavior gives way to a more protective side as he starts to care for Ren. The two continue to clash, but overtime Kumatetsu becomes more disciplined and responsible through his role as a caretaker.
Other Important The Boy and The Beast Characters
Kumatetu's main relationship in the film is with the protagonist, Ren. He also interacts with the oppositional forces in his quest to become the Grandmaster.
Ren
Ren is a nine-year-old boy and the film's main protagonist. Unsatisfied with his new guardians after his mother dies, Ren runs away from home and discovers a new world. After meeting Kumatetsu, Ren adopts a new name, Kyuta, and begins training as Kumatetsu's apprentice. Eight years pass and Kyuta has become a skilled kendo practitioner under Kumatetsu's training. He accidentally rediscovers the human world he threw away and struggles with a crisis of identity and belonging. He struggles to reconcile the resentment and detachment of his double life, culminating in the film's climax.
Iouzan
Iouzan is a well-mannered boar-like beast and Kumatetsu's main rival for succession as the new Grandmaster. He serves as a narrative foil to Kumatetsu. He is calm, respectful, disciplined, and well-liked by the other beasts in the kingdom. Iouzan also has two sons, Ichirohiko and Jiromaru. Iouzan's protective and well-meaning personality eventually backfires when Ichirohiko discovers he is actually an adopted human-like Kyuta. Eventually, Iouzan loses the bid for Grandmaster to Kumatetsu and triggers Ichirohiko's inner void of detachment.
The Grandmaster
The Grandmaster is an almighty ruler position within the Beast Kingdom. After becoming Grandmaster, Beasts can decide to ascend and become a god. For most of the film, the current Grandmaster is a rabbit-like beast. He recurs throughout the story indirectly guiding Kumatetsu along his path of development. While aloof and all-knowing, the Grandmaster also possesses a goofy side. After nine years of indecision, the Grandmaster decides he will become a god of decision-making.
Links
BE@RBRICK Kumatetsu 100% & 400%
BE@RBRICK Series
BE@BRICK Label
The Boy and the Beast Label