Watch The Human Vapor

The Human Vapor is a 1960 Japanese science-fiction film directed by Ishirō Honda, known for his work on Gojira and other kaiju films. It tells the story of a lonely scientist named Fujita, played by Tatsuya Mihashi, who invents a device to transform himself into a gas-like form. Unbeknownst to him, he is being observed by a criminal gang who want to use his invention for their own nefarious purposes.

The film opens with Fujita working in his laboratory, tinkering with tubes and beakers as he tries to perfect his invention. He is a quiet and serious man, who spends most of his time alone with his work. One day, he finally succeeds in creating a solution that can turn him into a vapor. Excited by his discovery, Fujita decides to test his invention by walking through the streets of Tokyo in his gas form.

However, things take a dark turn when a criminal gang led by a ruthless boss named Mizuno, played by Yoshio Tsuchiya, kidnaps Fujita and forces him to work for them. They want to use his invention to rob banks and commit other crimes without leaving any evidence behind. Fujita is horrified by the gang's plans but he is powerless to resist. He is forced to comply with their demands and transform into a gas whenever they need him.

Fujita's life becomes a nightmare as he becomes more and more entangled in the gang's criminal enterprise. He is constantly on the run from the police, who mistakenly believe him to be a criminal mastermind. The only person who believes in his innocence is a young nightclub singer named Chikako, played by Kaoru Yachigusa. She is drawn to Fujita's vulnerability and tries to help him escape from the gang's clutches.

As the film progresses, the tension between Fujita and the criminals grows. Fujita begins to realize the true implications of his invention and the terrible danger it poses to himself and others. Meanwhile, the gang members become increasingly unstable and paranoid as they struggle to maintain their grip on Fujita and their criminal operations.

The Human Vapor is an atmospheric and suspenseful film that draws heavily on themes of loneliness, identity, and the dangers of scientific advancement. It is also noteworthy for its special effects, which are impressive for their time. The scenes in which Fujita transforms into a gas and travels through Tokyo are particularly striking, as are the scenes of the gang members' hideouts and lairs.

Overall, The Human Vapor is a compelling and engaging film that is well worth watching for fans of classic science-fiction and Japanese cinema. It is a testament to the enduring power of Ishirō Honda's vision and his ability to craft captivating stories that are both thought-provoking and entertaining.

The Human Vapor is a 1968 science fiction movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.