When it comes to legendary tokusatsu series, Kamen Rider Amazon is one that fans must remember. With a clear departure from its predecessors, from its savage design to its intense and emotional story, our editorial team takes you back to 1974 to discover why this series remains beloved by fans forever.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Our world is in danger when the Nozowa Corporation creates genetically modified creatures called 'Amazon monsters.' But these creatures break free and go on a rampage. The company hires a hit squad to hunt them down. Amidst this chaos, Daisuke Yamamoto, a young man raised in the Amazon jungle by wild animals, gains power from an ancient civilization's belt, becoming Kamen Rider Amazon to fight the monsters and protect the world.
The series unfolds with confrontations between humans and created beings, questioning human identity and the meaning of coexistence in a society filled with fear and prejudice. The story is intense and unafraid to tackle complex issues, even within a children's show framework.
Acting and Characters
Toru Okazaki as Daisuke Yamamoto, or Amazon, does an excellent job conveying the savagery and innocence of a wild man. His facial expressions and body language make the audience believe he truly grew up in the jungle. Meanwhile, Akiji Kobayashi as Tobei Tachibana adds strength to the story as a mentor who helps Amazon.
Supporting characters like Masahiko and Ritsuko Okamura (played by Yoji Matsuda and Mariko Matsuoka) add a human dimension, while the monster voices by Ryuji Saikachi and Ritsuo Sawa create fear and power for the villains.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
The series is directed by a skilled team from the 70s, impressively capturing the Amazon jungle atmosphere and fierce battles. Action scenes use solid stunt techniques and simple but powerful special effects. Amazon's costume design, with tiger stripes and claws, is uniquely ferocious.
The music by Shunsuke Kikuchi has an exciting rhythm fitting the series' theme. The opening song 'Amazon Rider' remains memorable to fans to this day.
Editorial Analysis
Kamen Rider Amazon is not just a simple justice-fighting series; it also incorporates deep social issues such as racial discrimination, fear of the different, and the impact of unethical science. Daisuke, as a 'wild man,' is seen as an outsider by society, yet he is the one who understands and protects the world best.
The series also reflects the conflict between nature and technology, as Amazon uses the power of an ancient belt to fight monsters born from scientific experiments, making viewers reconsider the balance between development and conservation. With its intense content and willingness to show a certain level of violence, this series is more suitable for older audiences than young children.
Verdict
Kamen Rider Amazon is a series that tokusatsu fans should not miss. With its intense story, memorable characters, and social issues that remain relevant, even if the special effects are a bit dated, if you enjoy unique heroes and deep stories, this series is a perfect choice.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Unique and memorable protagonist
- +Intense story reflecting society
- +Fierce and unique Kamen Rider design
- +Exciting music
- +Excellent lead actor performance
👎 Cons
- −Special effects may look dated to modern viewers
- −Some violent scenes may not be suitable for young children
Top Cast
FAQ
The series has 24 episodes, completed in one season.
It first aired in 1974 in Japan.
Currently, it can be found on some streaming platforms that offer classic tokusatsu series, or purchased on DVD/Blu-ray.
Amazon has a beast-like, fierce design; the story focuses on the conflict between nature and technology; and the protagonist is a wild man raised by animals.
