Directed by Ishiro Honda, Half Human (known in Japan as Monster Snowman) was the first creature film from Toho after Godzilla (1954) and Godzilla Raids Again (1955). It reunited Godzilla stars Akira Takarada, Momoko Kochi and even Sachio Sakai in another supporting role right beside the duo who are acting as a couple once more. It sounds like a really exciting concept headed by a great crew and dependable cast, though it was plagued by controversy regarding its portrayal of the mountain people as backwards in a very stereotyped manner to its then mountainous region inhabits. This was the reason it was never released on video, only seen by theatrical, bootleg or TV syndication. The heavily altered American version, which we’ll be reviewing today, ultimately became the most widely seen edition of the film through its video releases. (more…)

Perhaps a subtle anti war movie, Desperado Outpost is clearly ahead of its time for character development and story of flawed corruption and distinct honor. This would be the first of several similar themed war themed films directed by one of my all time favorite directors, Kihachi Okamoto. His experience in the Japanese Air Force during World War II would have lasting impact on his life as shown through his career with his anti-war stance while portraying the absurdity of it, as demonstrated through some of the outrageous situations that play out between Desperado Outpost and future films.
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