Return of Giant Majin (1966)

Such a frustrating disappointment

As Good As It Gets

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

"Return of Giant Majin" (pronounced 'Mah-jeen') was a sequel to "Majin, the Monster of Terror," both TV staples from decades past, followed by a third that wouldn't see release in the US for nearly 40 years (all three completed in 1966). The plots are very similar, and the God Majin doesn't walk until an hour into each feature, but the spectacle of his presence beats Godzilla all to hell. This Japanese version of The Golem, who aided the Jews against their oppressors, was a creation of Daiei Studios, but produced far fewer films than their best known monster, Gamera. Despite his rubbery appearance, Majin truly lives up to his majesty, and the villains are so evil and despicable that one cannot help but cheer their defeat. Pittsburgh's Chiller Theater aired each film only once: "Majin, the Monster of Terror" on Aug 16 1969 (followed by 1957's "The Disembodied"), "Return of Giant Majin" on May 11 1974 (following 1965's "The Navy vs. the Night Monsters").

Not much different from the first film except that Majin now resides on the top of a mountain instead of the side. Great art direction, nature photography and overall excellent special effects elevated what is essentially the same story as the first film. Evil warlord enslaves and kills innocent townspeople and Majin rises up and kills all the samurai. The warlord even dies the same way as in the warlord in the first film. The middle of the film is beautifully photographed but really boring as the children travel over Majin's mountain to rescue their fathers from the warlord. Akira Ikufube's score is really good too but you can't help but notice it's almost an exact copy of his work for the Toho monster films at the same time.

Better in the first in that there is a fun adventure story included and the writers aren't afraid to make a few sacrifices along the way to give the story some extra weight. The Majin's vengeance is better thought out than it was in the first film, and He is much more of a hero to the villagers this time out.

Basically this is the "Daimajin" plot done with a few subtle differences. There are some interesting Christian motifs here; parting of the Red Sea, crucifixion... that I wasn't expecting being that Majin is a "kami". Visually it is very satisfying. Misumi went on to direct the incredible "Kozure Okami" or "Lone Wolf with Cub" movies. Daimajin has some interesting parallels with "King Kong". It's always a woman who ultimately commands the Majin with her prayers and tears.