Daimajin (1966) Review

Everyone knows Godzilla and King Kong, many people have heard of Mothra and Ultraman but unless you really like giant monster movies the name Daimajin probably doesn’t ring any bells.

Although the film has been released in dubbed and subtitled form under many English alternative titles from Majin, the Monster of Terror, The Vengeance of the Monster and hilariously The Devil Got Angry it is largely unknown outside of Asia.

Thankfully that is set to change as Arrow Video unleashes The Daimajin Trilogy on Blu-ray feature all three of the short-lived movie series that seamlessly transforms the Golem legend of Jewish folklore to late 16th century Japan making a whole new iconic monster in the process.

Interestingly Daiei Film’s made the trilogy that includes Daimajin, Return of Daimajin and Daimajin Strikes Again at the same time using the same producer, editor, director of photography, writer and composer who just happened to be the spectacular Akira Ifukube the man behind all of the most famous music of the Godzilla franchise.

The films did however have three different directors and Daimajin is helmed by Kimiyoshi Yasuda who was best known for the many Zatoichi films he made. Offering up a rich origin story we are taken to feudal Japan where the lord of the land lives in harmony with his people all of whom fear the wrath of a spirit trapped within the mountain.

When earthquakes strike the peasants begin a prayer festival full or dance and chants to ward off any malevolent menace all lead by the priestess Shinobu (Kwaidan’s Otome Tsukimiya) who communes directly with the gods to try to sooth them.

As the people worryingly worship they are unaware a coup is in progress at the palace led by the treacherous Odate (Ryûtarô Gomi) who has gathered an army to usurp their loving lord. As a battle rages the loyal samurai Kogenta (Jun Fujimaki) manages to flee with the young prince and princess in tow hiding them, with the help of Shinobu, in the very mountain shrine the people pray too.

Ten years later the land is a darker place as Odate has enslaved the villagers making them perform back breaking work upgrading his defenses, demanding total obedience while beating anyone that complains and murdering anyone still loyal to the old lord.

Growing up in the shadow of the ancient statue that keeps the demonic mountain spirit under control the real heir to the thrown Tadafumi (Yoshihiko Aoyama) and his sister Kozasa (Miwa Takada) finally learn of the hardship and oppression their people live under and are deeply troubled.

Determined to do something Tadafumi and his loyal guardian Kogenta decide to go back and claim the thrown however when things go terribly wrong it is down to his determined sibling Kozasa to summon the Daimajin who will reap revenge on everyone.

Moving slowly Daimajin is reminiscent of the original Godzilla which was more concerned with character building and story over the carnage and destruction which it also contained. Themes of faith and belief sit alongside a clash of old and new ideas with the story strongly siding with the ways of the past by displaying that ignoring them can only lead to death and destruction.

Unlike Godzilla who is a creature born from science Daimajin belongs to the supernatural realm and represents not only ancient beliefs but the unrelenting and uncaring force of nature Japan often struggled against seeing as the island nation has been devastated several times by earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

For disaster fans the movie definitely delivers on the monster mayhem front and the last 20 minutes features some fantastic action as the chaotic spirit stomps through the town, smashing buildings, throwing around peasants and impaling evil doers.

Haunting and beautiful at times there are many amazing shots and the lavish sets are brought wonderfully to life in the High Definition Blu-ray presentation. Nature constantly encroaches on the characters and the lighting is especially interesting predominantly in the eerie confrontation between the priestess and evil warlord where the sudden surge of shadow greatly enhances her position as an instrument of the unknown.

Packed with excellent extras for all three films The Daimajin Trilogy is the perfect purchase for fans of Japanese cinema, samurai epics and giant monster movies alike and with Daimajin set to show up in horror auteur Takashi Miike’s upcoming The Great Yokai War: Guardians now is the perfect time to discover this tragically overlooked character.

Movie Rating:★★★★☆ 

Trailer:

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Alex Humphrey

Alex studied film at the University of Kent and went on to work for Universal Pictures in their Post Room gaining an inside look at the movie industry from the very bottom. Constantly writing reviews in everything from local magazines to Hip Hop sites Alex honed his critical skills even spending a brief period as a restaurant critic. Read more

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