Ed-from-HI This first 'Daimajin' film (starting the series of Japanese Daiei-Studio films circa1966) is actually quite well-made showcasing an abundance of authentic intensity, seriousness & scares with very little that could be classified as silly or childish (as compared with those kid-centric Giant flying-turtle 'Gamera' outings also produced by mid-1960's Daiei Film-Studios).  'Daimajin' features realistic samurai-action with a solid injection of intriguing Asian-mysticism and even 'morality-play' set during the unsympathetic Era in belligerent feudal-Japanese history when harsh arbitrary rules were meted-out by brutal Clan-Warlords.Thankfully, the humble + honest villagers have an unlikely Champion in the form of 'Daimajin' the gargantuan stone statue encasing-embodying a fierce ancient Asian-deity when at rest appears placid-meek-tranquil, like the amid-Buddha, but possesses the dual capacity to explosively-transform into a sword-wielding giant stone-cast samurai-Demon =  with extremely-fierce visage, and fiery phosphorous-red eyes whenever aroused by the sensing of overwhelming injustice perpetrated by the mercilessly-powerful preying upon the humble peaceful citizenry.Surprisingly, this first 'Daimajin' film (and sequels) features realistic acting, intriguing Story, and period costumes that all feel quite authentic to the hazardous time in Japan when merciless feudal warlords and rogue samurai could impose their will (usually by ruthless force) upon the meek rural citizens and farmers (with unarmed villagers desperately seeking and praying for an unlikely defender).This 'Daimajin' film (especially the first-installment originally released circa1966) holds-up well and the special-effects still appear extraordinarily eerie, especially the way Daimajin's red-glowing phosphorous eyes seem extremely enraged & lifelike.  The transformation scenes are quite riveting, going from completely calm-placid-serene to a blisteringly-furious unstoppable vengeful-spirit all accomplished long before CGI-effects.

Blueghost Alright, there isn't anything too deep about this film. We essentially have a period piece riding the coat tails of the Godzilla (Gojira) phenomenon sweeping Japan's cinema at the time. I don't have too much to add to the other reviews, other than I hadn't seen this movie since Bob Wilkins was hosting Creature Features in Sacramento. It's been that long. Okay, not entirely, I did catch snippets here and there over the years on daytime TV, but the thing hardly ever aired.So, through the magic of Amazon streaming, I've now seen the movie in its entirety. What to say.It's fun for what it is. We pretty much have here some old folklore brought to life via Japanese monster film making styles, including the use of "suitmation" (Japanese industry slang for a guy in a rubber monster suit running around a miniature set). And, believe it or not, as far as the effects go, this film actually delivered and did a bang up job by presenting to the viewer a couple of shots that should convince the most jaded eye that a large creature was attacking medieval Japan. Some of the shots weren't so convincing, but there were a handful where I found myself wondering; "Did they really build that thing?"Ah well. The movie is more B-movie material than anything else, but it has its moments here and there. If you're a classic monster film aficionado, or are really into the Kaiju or historical genres, then give Daimajin a chance.It's worth a night's rental for the monster fan in all of us. Check it out.

OllieSuave-007 This movie was made by Daiei Studios, known for its Gamera movies. It is about a samurai lord who was murdered by one of his own men. He claims his throne, forcing his predecessor's two children to flee into the woods, where they conceal themselves near a huge stone statue for 10 years. Years later, the samurai lord was proved to be very brutal and ruthless towards the villagers; therefore, they pray to the demon god to ask for his powers and spirit to save them from this treachery. It's a powerful story of survival and hope and good vs.evil - full of excitement and samurai action. I especially liked the part where the children struggles to remain in hiding as the evil warlord searching for them. A fast-paced film that will have you glued to the screen. Grade A

El_Rey_De_Movies Nice combination of the giant monster and samurai genres. The giant monster Majin, god of the mountain, is an aloof and forbidding figure that comes across very much like the Old-Testament God, raining destruction and punishment on those who desecrate his holy ground - but it's interesting to note that what finally awakens him is not the suffering of the people but a pointed and personal insult. It's beautifully photographed, with solid acting, great miniatures, and a wonderful score by the great Akira Ifukube. Majin is not a 400+ foot monster like Godzilla - he's 2 1/2 times normal size, so the evil samurai he stomps into the ground get a good look into his contemptuous eyes as he bears down on their fortress and smashes it to smithereens. Not much in terms of extras, but it's nice to see this forgotten minor classic rescued and restored to the digital format.