1966's "Majin, the Monster of Terror" (Daimajin or Great Demon God) kicked off the brief trilogy of Majin films produced by Daiei in the wake of their success with the debut of Gamera, all three scripted by Tetsuro Yoshida and filmed back to back by three different directors, failing to achieve the box office results expected and eventually leading to the company's bankruptcy after completion of the 7th Gamera title in 1971. Using medieval Japan as the backdrop, and mixing samurai swordsmanship with a giant monster, the series is unique for presenting a god that is worshipped as such by its people who actually comes to life in human form, unlike the Toho examples of Godzilla or Mothra. Sporting the samurai look in appearance and fixed, angry grimace, this is a god deservedly feared by all, though his revival is for a just and noble cause. The Tanba Province has remained safe and prosperous accepting outsiders such as the orphaned Odate, who repays his Lord Hanabusa by taking the throne by force, murdering the Lord and his wife but unable to prevent their children from escaping with a protector. 10 years pass and the citizenry continue their slave labor for Odate's profit, only now the Prince is 19 and yearning to free his people from oppression, both his protector and himself unable to prevent being captured for eventual execution. The elderly priestess makes one more plea to the current ruler, risking the wrath of Majin from his mountain prison, in response she is cruelly slaughtered. The stone statue of Majin is attacked by Odate's guards, a spike embedded in its forehead, bringing down an earthquake to swallow them beneath the earth, but Majin only comes to life through the tears of the surviving Princess (at the 68 minute mark), the mountain crumbling away as it arrives in the village by a bolt of lightning. The Great Demon God is indeed a magnificent creation, setting its narrowed sights on destroying the usurper's fortress, easily pulled down by the chains meant to hold it back, finally grasping Odate for a final stroll that will end with the very spike from its skull. It's a giant Japanese take on The Golem with a twist, not only an avenging spirit but one that guarantees safety for no one during its deadly rampage, and in saving it for the climax the effects work is more impressive with its man in a suit shot from lower angles to increase depth and magnitude. Immediate sequel "Return of Giant Majin" also made the rounds on the small screen, second sequel "Wrath of Majin" unissued in the US until 2005.
Review of Daimajin
