When talking about a hero in a red spider-man suit riding a bicycle with a signature Rider Kick, many will think of 'Kamen Rider', a series that has been famous for over 50 years. And the beginning of it all came from 1971. This is a review from the editorial team on the original series that laid the foundation for the great franchise.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Kamen Rider tells the story of Takeshi Hongo, a young scientist kidnapped by a mysterious evil organization and turned into a cyborg. But before his brain could be washed, he escaped and used his newfound powers to fight that organization as Kamen Rider No. 1. Later, he meets Hayato Ichimonji, another cyborg who becomes Kamen Rider No. 2. Together, they protect the world from the evil plans of Shocker and its bizarre monsters.
Acting and Characters
Hiroshi Fujioka as Takeshi Hongo conveys anger and determination powerfully. Despite some stiff movements in certain scenes, it becomes his unique charm. Takeshi Sasaki as Hayato Ichimonji has a brighter personality, balancing the team. Supporting characters like Tobei Tachibana (Akiji Kobayashi) represent ordinary people who help the Riders, adding warmth and humor.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
With limited budget and technology in 1971, the series uses simple filming techniques but creates unique charm, especially in fight scenes using real stunts and handmade visual effects. The opening theme 'Let's Go!! Rider Kick' is catchy and became iconic for the franchise. However, the visuals and effects may seem dated to modern viewers.
Editorial Analysis
Kamen Rider 1971 is not just a monster-fighting series; it reflects the concept of 'modified humans' and fighting for ideals. Although the plot can be repetitive in some episodes, the simplicity and sincerity of the characters make it easy to connect. This series laid the foundation for later Kamen Rider generations in terms of concepts and symbols, such as the Rider bike and signature kick. For new fans, watching this series may require adjusting to the traditional storytelling style, but it is an experience worth having.
Verdict
Kamen Rider 1971 is a series that hardcore fans of the franchise should not miss. Despite being dated and repetitive in some aspects, it is an important foundation of the cyclist hero legend. Suitable for those interested in the history of tokusatsu or wanting to experience the beginning of Kamen Rider.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +It's the beginning of a legendary franchise
- +Lead actors are charming and memorable
- +Real stunt fight scenes provide a sense of realism
👎 Cons
- −Visuals and effects are outdated for modern viewers
- −Some episodes have repetitive and predictable plots
Top Cast
FAQ
It may be difficult for those unfamiliar with older series, as the visuals and storytelling techniques differ from today. But hardcore fans of the franchise should watch it to understand the origins.
The original 1971 series has a total of 98 episodes.
No. 1 is Takeshi Hongo, with a serious personality. No. 2 is Hayato Ichimonji, with a brighter personality. But both have similar powers and finishing moves.
