Released in April 1966, soft pacing was the only particular issue holding back the blend of fantasy and horror that was 'Daimajin.' I quite enjoyed it, and I've been looking forward to finishing Daiei's trilogy. While notably bearing a similar broad plot structure - a forlorn people appeal to Daimajin to save them from the cruel warlords who run roughshod over their land - this is no inherent mark against this sequel of a few months later. Thankfully, moreover, I think 'The return of Daimajin' does not struggle with the same pacing that hampered its predecessor, and the plot moves steadily within the diminutive runtime of seventy-nine minutes. With all this in mind we get more of that fantasy we want in a rich period setting, over top of an unexpectedly engrossing story, and the result is a really great time!
Alongside some beautiful filming locations, every element of the picture is filled with outstanding detail: gorgeous sets, terrific costume design, and lovely hair and makeup; smart and enticing lighting, vivid cinematography, and impeccable sound design; superb stunts, practical effects, and action sequences. Special effects are very judiciously and mindfully employed, and therefore look better than they have any right to. Writer Yoshida Tetsuro gives us a screenplay of a splendidly compelling plot and earnestly gripping, flavorful scenes; Misumi Kenji's direction sustains undeniable vibrant energy and tension as the minutes tick by. The cast give strong performances of able nuance and emotional depth befitting the substantial drama that underlies the jidaigeki roots and the fantasy overtones. Composer Ifukube Akira provides a robust, stirring score, in some measure recalling the thunderous chords of his most famous work in the Godzilla franchise, that deftly complements the proceedings at any time.
From top to bottom, the movie is far more skillfully made than one might suppose of something that lacks the same visibility as some other contemporary fare - and really, maybe altogether more skillfully made than some such fare. And with all this well in mind, it doesn't even matter that the titular being has a fairly small presence in his own film. While very sparingly playing a part in the saga throughout, we don't specifically see Daimajin until we're within the last twenty minutes. Be that as it may, the action is so exciting, and the drama so raptly absorbing - and decidedly dark - that it was almost unnecessary for the entity to be involved at all. If that doesn't speak to how marvelously solid 'The return of Daimajin' is, then I don't know what does, and in all honesty I think this sequel actually happens to be superior to its forebear. Free of the same single shortcoming, and just as carefully crafted in every regard if not more so, this is genuinely fantastic!
The practical effects of yesteryear will always be preferable and almost always look better than the most state-of-the-art computer generated imagery, and so this flick holds up astonishingly well. I assumed I'd enjoy it, but I'm positively thrilled with just how good it turned out to be, with nice little touches all throughout even to the end. As a matter of personal preferences it won't appeal to all, but I very much like 'The return of Daimajin' and I'm pleased to give it my very high recommendation!
