"The Magic Serpent" is a popular Japanese fantasy film that was released in 1966. Directed by Toshio Matsumoto and starring Hiroki Matsukata, the film tells the story of a young man named Susano who must battle various mythical creatures and demons using his magical sword to save a princess and bring peace to the land. The movie is set in feudal Japan and combines elements of folklore, legend, and fantasy to create a captivating adventure. The plot centers around Susano's journey as he encounters a wide range of mystical creatures, including a giant snake, a bat monster, and a fire-breathing dragon. Each encounter presents a new challenge for Susano, testing his skills, wit, and courage. One of the standout aspects of "The Magic Serpent" is its special effects, particularly the creature design and fight scenes.
Ikazuchi-Maru grows up to be an exceptional ninja wizard. We know this because Dojin Hiki explicitly states it: “In ten years I taught you all I know. Now there is nothing left to teach you.” I guess that means the old man’s going to be killed off since he serves no further purpose to the story. Hiki, the master of ninja magic and plot exposition further informs his student (and the audience), “You will do good things. Not like my first student…” It’s blatantly obvious that George Lucas watched this movie.
On the other hand, at least they use their dated special effects to always have something visually interesting on screen probably the best of the human action scene has Ikazuchimaru assaulted by a bunch of screen doors that seem to move on their own, spinning around and flying at him, and all of it reminds of some of the more interesting and unbelievable scenes in Hong Kong martial arts movies. AITV s version of the film is uncut, save for the opening credits in Toei s version, the credits play over a montage of Jiraiya s training throughout his adolescence, while AITV editors Emil and Eli Haviv shortened the credits and used a montage of still shots of the Giant Dragon as a backdrop.
One of the standout aspects of "The Magic Serpent" is its special effects, particularly the creature design and fight scenes. The imaginative and unique creatures bring the story to life, immersing the audience in a fantastical world of magic and danger. The fight scenes are well choreographed and visually impressive, showcasing the skills and abilities of both Susano and his adversaries.
A Scrapbook of Infinite Noise
Aside from its action and visual effects, the film explores themes of bravery, honor, and sacrifice. Susano's quest is not just about defeating monsters but also about finding his true purpose and facing his fears. Throughout his journey, Susano learns important life lessons about courage, loyalty, and the power of love. "The Magic Serpent" remains a fan-favorite film within the fantasy genre, appreciated for its captivating storytelling, stunning visuals, and memorable characters. It serves as a testament to the creativity and imagination of Japanese cinema, as well as its ability to transport audiences to fantastical worlds filled with magic and wonder..
Reviews for "The Fascinating History of the Magic Serpent"
1. John - 1 star
"The Magic Serpent was a complete disappointment for me. The storyline was confusing and poorly developed, jumping from one scene to another without any clear direction. The special effects were also subpar and often looked cheesy and outdated. The acting was mediocre at best, with wooden performances and lack of chemistry between the characters. Overall, I found the film to be a waste of time and would not recommend it to anyone."
2. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for The Magic Serpent, but I was left feeling underwhelmed. While the visuals and creature designs were interesting, the plot felt convoluted and difficult to follow. It seemed like there were too many characters and storylines crammed into one film, causing a lack of depth and development. Additionally, the fight scenes, which should have been the highlight of the movie, were poorly choreographed and lacked excitement. Overall, The Magic Serpent failed to meet my expectations and left me wanting more.
3. Michael - 2 stars
The Magic Serpent had potential, but it fell flat for me. The film seemed to borrow heavily from other fantasy classics without bringing anything new or innovative to the table. The dialogue was often cliché and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Furthermore, the pacing was inconsistent, with slow moments followed by rushed action sequences. Overall, I found The Magic Serpent to be a forgettable and generic fantasy film that failed to leave a lasting impression.
(4. Laura - 3 stars)
The Magic Serpent had its moments, but overall, it left me wanting more. The special effects and creature designs were visually appealing, and there were a few thrilling action scenes. However, the plot was predictable and lacked originality. The characters felt one-dimensional and lacked depth, making it difficult to invest in their journey. I think it would be enjoyable for younger audiences or those looking for a light, mindless fantasy flick, but for me, it didn't quite hit the mark.
(5. Robert - 2 stars)
I found The Magic Serpent to be quite dull and uninspiring. The story lacked coherence and often left me confused about what was happening. The acting was wooden and unconvincing, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The special effects, while decent for its time, felt outdated and failed to create an immersive world. Overall, The Magic Serpent failed to engage me and I would not recommend it to others.