The first appearance of the legendary Orochi since 1963's Wanpaku Oji No Orochi Taiji is not typical Toho monster-movie fare, telling an involved tale of princes, magicians, and samurai rather than sticking to the usual guy-in-a-suit stomping around and crushing buildings. That's not to say it isn't entertaining, because it is (director Takao Okawara made three of the best '90s Godzilla films), but anyone expecting the usual brainless monster-wrestling may be in for a surprise, particularly since the monster scenes are largely confined to the last 20 minutes. Instead, the film is firmly in the province of magical fantasy, and is quite a good example of the form. This is a really fun picture, and although it has some admittedly silly moments, it is marvelously entertaining, at times reminiscent of the old Heroic Odyssey movies in its epic sweep and ominous grandeur. But what makes this film really stand out is its wide-eyed innocence. Many films attempt to capture the look and feel of 1960s fantasy, but most fall prey to '90s cynicism and can't quite pull off the necessarily naïve belief in heroism and the power of goodness and purity to save mankind, or even that the belief that mankind is worth saving. This film does, and that alone makes it a refreshing throwback, and a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.