In many ways, The Great Yokai War is a Japanese version of The Neverending Story. Both push the limits of fantasy as a genre and create a dynamic world in which a young boy becomes the hero of an epic. But Yokai stays true to its folk roots by crowding the plot with all sorts of creatures drawn straight from the very repertoire of Japanese lore. There are kappas, objects turned spirits, snow women, river sprites, gozu, tengu and the list becomes endless as the story progresses. But the movie is much more than an homage to traditions. It is also self-conscious in its parade of monsters as is made evident when a flying fortress is mistaken for Gamera.
Miike, known for his hyper violence, manages to create something that will appeal to children without being limited to that target audience. There are hints of the dark material for which he is known but they are harmonized by good humored moments and by the colorful imagery. The acting is also very competent with a child actor that is believable. Amidst the chaos there is also a family drama that is not stressed too much so that it does not overpower the impression of fun. The ludic element is indeed the main ingredient in this cauldron of insanity.
Unlike so many of Miike's movies, this one to be enjoyed without any qualms. Even the hints of a coming of age narrative are subordinated to the ideal of splurging in fanciful fantasy. And that it achieves beautifully. While some deeper considerations are hinted that, such as the critic view on a society that produces too much waste, what the movie excels at is the manipulation and employment of archetypes to propel a flawlessly entertaining adventure.
Miike, known for his hyper violence, manages to create something that will appeal to children without being limited to that target audience. There are hints of the dark material for which he is known but they are harmonized by good humored moments and by the colorful imagery. The acting is also very competent with a child actor that is believable. Amidst the chaos there is also a family drama that is not stressed too much so that it does not overpower the impression of fun. The ludic element is indeed the main ingredient in this cauldron of insanity.
Unlike so many of Miike's movies, this one to be enjoyed without any qualms. Even the hints of a coming of age narrative are subordinated to the ideal of splurging in fanciful fantasy. And that it achieves beautifully. While some deeper considerations are hinted that, such as the critic view on a society that produces too much waste, what the movie excels at is the manipulation and employment of archetypes to propel a flawlessly entertaining adventure.