When talking about early Kamen Riders, many might think of No. 1, 2, or V3, but there is another Rider equally outstanding: Kamen Rider Amazon, first aired in 1974. This series takes viewers into a world where Amazon monsters escape from the Noso Company, and a hired hit squad hunts them down. The protagonist is Daisuke Yamamoto, a young man raised in the jungles of South America. He gains power from an ancient necklace of the Amazon civilization, becoming Kamen Rider Amazon, an invincible fighter using animal strength and savagery to battle demons.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins when Daisuke Yamamoto, a boy raised by an archaeologist in the Amazon jungle, receives an ancient necklace from a mysterious tribe, transforming him into Kamen Rider Amazon. He returns to Japan to uncover the truth about his origins. Meanwhile, the Noso Company faces a crisis when Amazon monsters created for research escape and cause chaos. The company hires a professional hit squad to hunt and eliminate these monsters, but Daisuke chooses to protect them, feeling a bond with them. The intense battle between Daisuke and the hit squad, along with uncovering the secrets of the Noso Company, unfolds over 24 episodes.
Acting and Characters
Tōru Okazaki as Daisuke Yamamoto / Kamen Rider Amazon convincingly portrays a jungle boy with innocence, ferocity, and hidden power. He communicates emotions through gestures and facial expressions well, despite limited dialogue. Akiji Kobayashi as Tobe Tachibana effectively bridges the jungle and human worlds. Additionally, Yoji Matsuda as Masahiko Okamura and Mariko Matsuoka as Ritsuko Okamura add depth to the story. Although the acting can be over-the-top in 70s style, it fits the series' atmosphere.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Kamen Rider Amazon is directed by skilled directors of the era, giving the series a fast-paced and fierce storytelling style. Fight scenes utilize Amazon's special abilities like claws, digging, and strong limbs. Despite technological limitations in 1974, the visuals capture the jungle atmosphere and the mystery of the Amazon necklace charmingly. The music, especially the powerful and upbeat opening theme, enhances the mood of battles and adventures. Though special effects are retro, they are beloved by old-school fans.
Editorial Analysis
In an era when previous Kamen Riders emphasized heroic elegance, Kamen Rider Amazon highlights savagery and animal instincts. The protagonist is not just a human who transforms into a Rider but a human raised in the jungle, blending gentleness and brutality. The series also touches on unethical scientific experiments and the relationship between humans and nature. Amazon monsters are not always portrayed as villains but as victims of a selfish company, making viewers question who the real villain is. The fast-paced storytelling and intense action scenes make this series stand out among its peers and remain memorable to fans today.
Verdict
Kamen Rider Amazon is a classic series that true Kamen Rider fans shouldn't miss. With a unique protagonist, intense story, and fierce action scenes, despite dated effects, its charm remains. Suitable for fans of early Kamen Riders and collectors wanting to see the prototype of later Riders.
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👍 Pros
- +Unique protagonist unlike other Riders
- +Fierce and creative fight scenes
- +Intense story with social issues
- +Distinctive Rider suit design
- +Fun and exciting music
👎 Cons
- −Special effects look dated
- −Some acting may be over-the-top
- −Fewer episodes compared to other Riders
Top Cast
FAQ
Amazon is a Rider raised in the jungle, with power from an ancient necklace, emphasizing savagery and animal instincts, unlike tech-based Riders.
The original 1974 series has 24 episodes.
Yes, there is a 2014 remake called Kamen Rider Amazons, which is more mature and intense.
Although a children's series, it has fairly violent fight scenes. Parents should consider appropriateness.
