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Daimajin


Daimajin -


I'm not sure if I want kaijus to exist - at least not how movies depict them - but if I were forced to bring one into our world, it would probably be Daimajin. The movie is an enjoyable fantasy that hopes, like I do, that if one comes along, it will punish the wicked. First of all, talk about beautiful! The color photography has an enhanced, otherworldly quality that is reminiscent of Kwaidan's. It is easy to accept that our exiled sibling heroes could spend so much time in their forest enclave because the movie makes it seem like a slice of heaven. As for the villain who forced their exile, Ryūzō Shimada not only does a great job at making him easy to hate, but I also like that the character believes it is foolish to have faith in Daimajin. Luckily, the movie manages to do the latter without offending believers or non-believers. As for the grand finale, it worthily pays off the buildup thanks to special effects that make determining where the actual buildings end and their models begin impossible.

I hesitate to talk more about the finale; after all, it's hard not to when it's the main draw for movies like this one. It's so satisfying that it does make more than one scene preceding it seem trite and/or dull in retrospect. Other than that, I highly recommend it for kaiju lovers, especially ones who tire of seeing ones set in big cities. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going back to hoping Daimajin actually exists because seriously, watch the news lately.