The great calamity once faced by humanity threatens to return as Tega Sword is defeated by Pestis, a remnant of the Abyssal Calamity Cladis. In order to retrieve his core ring the Gozyugers travel inside of the giant god, where Pestis confronts them with a series of challenges.
Journeying through Tega Sword's body, the five Gozyugers must put their differences aside to work together and become a real Sentai team. As they confront Pestis, they learn the truth behind the Universe War, the birth of Tega Sword and the power he holds to grant wishes.
15 years ago Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger raised the bar on how tokusatsu anniversaries should be celebrated, and a big part of that was its crossover film Gokaiger Goseiger Super Sentai 199 Hero Battle. First recapping the Legendary War that set the scene for the series, it then went on a tell a story that celebrated the history of Super Sentai before once again culminating in every prior hero appearing onscreen to defeat original Gorenger villain Black Cross King. Not only was it undoubtedly the biggest Super Sentai movie at the time, but even since remains very difficult to top without outright copying. Both Zyuohger and even Zenkaiger's anniversary aspects felt smaller in comparison. So even though No.1 Sentai Gozyuger celebrates a much bigger landmark than Gokaiger, it arguably has a far more difficult task of doing so. But while there are obvious similarities between the two, what makes Gozyuger stand out by celebrating the history of Super Sentai within its own unique story, rather than making said history the framework of its story. This is especially true of Resurrection of Tega Sword, which celebrates the spirit of Super Sentai more than any other aspect.
While the events of the film are set up by the events of the "Universe War" that preceded the series (briefly depicted in both the short preview and episode at varying points in the show), it doesn't dSwell too much or these events nor how they line up with the previous Super Sentai series. In fact the film even works as a loose introduction to Gozyuger itself in some ways - not only outlining the Universe War but providing brief character introductions during the opening battle. A key theme of the film is how the Gozyugers are different from previous Sentai in that they aren't strictly a team, but the same time celebrates the fact that deep down they really aren't all that different.
Another aspect to the film that feels uniquely Gozyuger is tone. Resurrection of Tega Sword starts off on a particularly serious note, as the mighty god is "killed" by a villain representing the evil that once wiped out all of the previous Super Sentai mecha. With even Tega June and the Bridan assisting the heroes for fear of the Calamity returning, the situation all feels quite dire. However once the Gozyugers begin their journey inside of Tega Sword, it doesn't take long for the film to emerge as a light-hearted romp where our heroes' "challenges" are things like a volleyball match or skipping competition against various henchmen from past series. Even the big bad Pestis quickly proves himself to be a bit of a goofball by setting them these challenges in the first place. But while it may suddenly make the stakes seem a lot lower than they initially were, it's true to the spirit of Gozyuger. Super Sentai has had plenty of epic and dramatic moments over the years, but that sense of big dumb fun and childish wonder has been a crucial part of its DNA since the very beginning. Something perfectly emphasised by the use of the Gorenger Hurricane in the film, an attack where the team kick a colourful football to each other before it transforms into a random item to attack the monster. It's even sillier now than probably was in 1976, and its all the better for it.
What also makes Resurrection of Tega Sword work is that it doesn't really focus on one specific character. True to the franchise Hoeru gets the most emotional/motivational lines simply by token of being red, but bringing them together better as an actual team is a big part of the film. From its beginning the series has established the Gozyugers as five lone warriors that were brought together, and the film's placement in the show's timeline (between episodes 26 and 27) puts it comfortably at a point where those bonds are beginning to properly develop. Having the steps they take to becoming a team happening in a movie that also celebrates the franchise feels fitting. The film also delves more in Tega Sword as a character, alluding to his creation and how it ties into his role in the series itself. Pestis also poses some interesting questions about the part wishes play in the show, not getting too bogged down by the philosophy of it all but enough that it makes an interesting counterargument for the villain to have.
And even though it doesn't have past Super Sentai characters making regular appearances, Gozyuger is definitely celebrating the history of the franchise in its own unique way. Over the course of the series we've seen a number of Japanese celebrities and tokusatsu alumni (be it Sentai or otherwise) appear as Universe Warrior versions of past heroes, and that continues here with cameo appearances from actress/singer Shoko Nakagawa, comedians Gorgeous and Sunshine Ikezaki, YouTuber Tetsuya and even Junsei Motojima (Hotaro Ichinose in Kamen Rider Gotchard) as Universe Warriors. While most of these names probably don't mean anything to a Western audience, it's quite a selection of cameos for Japanese fans. The roster of Universe Warriors only continues to grow, as the finale sees them, along with both the Bridan and previous Universe Warrior Don Momotaro Tokonatsu Atami, join the rest of the world in becoming the various red warriors of Super Sentai's past. Many of the links between the chosen reds and their respective actors are really clever - Cafe Half Century owner Saori becoming Time Red for example, as her acrtress Noriko Nakagoshi is married to real Time Red actor Masaru Nagai. Shoko Nakagawa previously cosplayed Denzi Red, while Motojima calls out Hotaro's catchphrase of "Gotcha" whilst transformed in Gosei Red. Most of all though the idea that anyone of any age can play hero is just about the perfect climax for Gozyuger's style of celebration, focusing less on the characters themselves and instead the sheer joy the franchise brings.
However that all said Resurrection of Tega Sword is still a Super Sentai Summer movie, which means it's also subject to all the same issues they usually are. Both as an anniversary celebration and a movie it deserves to be longer than half an hour, so that certain moments (such as Tega Sword's transformation into Tega Sword Origin) can be allowed to play out to more satisfying effect. As tends to be the case with these films the sixth ranger is also criminally underserved, with Kumade only briefly appearing and completely apart from the main story. That said, never does the film just feel like an extended episode of the series, nor does it really feel all that rushed. In fact of the two Resurrection of Tega Sword feels like a far more "complete" story than the Kamen Rider Gavv half of the cinematic double-bill, despite only being half the runtime. And that's all down to the sheer amount of energy it exudes, never missing a beat and never letting up on the fun.
While there's no denying that both Gozyuger and Super Sentai in general deserved something bigger than this to celebrate its 50th anniversary on the big screen (especially as this may be one of the last Super Sentai films in some time), No.1 Sentai Gozyuger: Resurrection of Tega Sword is a fantastic example of making the very most of what you do have. What the film lacks in depth it makes up for in sheer enjoyment factor, celebrating the legacy of the franchise in a uniquely Gozyuger way. Colourfully chaotic and wondrously silly, it's the kind of fist-pumping feel-good movie that reminds you of everything you love about Super Sentai in the first place. A fitting tribute to 50 years' worth of smiles.
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