Jinzo Ningen Hakaider (1995)
Production: Toei Productions
Released by: Media Blasters
By Trevor Monaghan

Introduction

Mechanical Violator Hakaider is quite possibly one of the most simplistic Tokusatsu films available today. A group of treasure hunters makes their way through an old building looking for riches, but what they find is a man chained down in a heavily fortified room. After being killed in a particularly gruesome fashion, we are treated to a view of Hakaider as the smoke clears. No longer his rubber suit wearing self from the 1970’s Kikaida, this Hakaider is clad in thick black armor, toting a shotgun and a Harley. For unexplained reasons Hakaider then makes a beeline for the place of his creation, Jesus Town. There he faces off against an entire Army commanded by the cities ruthlessly insane dictator and lead by the white armored android Michael.

Review

I was really interested in seeing this title, which was released by Media Blasters and having never heard of it, the thought of seeing Hakaider in his own film was intriguing, however, let me say this to anyone who might have preconceived notions. This film is NOT part of the Kikaida storyline. It is in fact its own universe that begins and ends with this film. Although fans with a careful eye will be able to catch a very blatant “nod” to Kikaider, towards the film's climax.

The Film also holds the rather dubious honor of being one of the most violent Tokusatsu I have ever beheld. The body count soars as Hakaider charges his way through countless numbers of foot soldiers on his bike, on foot or by utilizing the occasional beat down with his shotgun, either way by the end of a scene the floor is littered with corpses. Even the films antagonist Michael joins in the fun by occasionally killing rebels and even some of his own men for “Failing to die” in the fight against Hakaider.

By the end of the film, you are left asking yourself just what Hakaider is. Is he good? Is he evil? The film reveals that he was a “failed” attempt to create a guardian for Jesus town before Michael was built, yet it is clear by the end of the film that Hakaider has become something more than the mere killing machine that he was as he begins showing concern for humans.

Critics of the film will also take note I’m sure of several parallels to other famous movies such as, Terminator, Alien and the Road Warrior. But by the end of the film you have learned to set these concerns aside and enjoy the ride. The Ladies will enjoy the fact that Hakaider in his human form is one of the most beautiful men ever to grace the screen of a Tokusatsu.

Conclusion

Hakaider is not one of those “Standout re-defines the Genre” films. What it is, is an hour and a half of enjoyable fun as the hero doles out justice against legions of inferior minions only to end the film with an epic battle that combines live action, stop motion and CGI to bring the story to a perfect conclusion & and at the end of the day, isn’t that one of those most cherished aspects that lends Tokusatsu its flavor?

Trevor Monaghan