In Kyoufu Densetsu Kaiki! Frankenstein, mad scientist Victor Frankenstein (Nachi Nozawa) becomes obsessed with unlocking the mystery of life and death. Working in secret with his loyal assistant Skeel (Kei Tomiyama), Victor assembles a human body from the remains of the dead. On a stormy night, he channels lightning into his creation—and succeeds. But when the monster, Franken (Maseo Komatsu), opens its eyes, Victor recoils in horror at what he has done. Unable to face the consequences, he abandons the creature and collapses from exhaustion, leaving his assistant to suffer the monster’s wrath.
Meanwhile, Victor, wracked by guilt and fear, tries to hide what he’s done from his wife Elizabeth (Mami Koyama). The guilt causes nightmares that the monster will come for him, Elizabeth, and their daughter, Emily (Mami Koyama). Skeel, on the other hand, angry after being abandoned by Victor, blackmails him, threatening to tell everyone that Victor created the monster.
Fleeing the laboratory, the frightened creature wanders through forests and villages, discovering the beauty of the world around him and the cruelty of humanity. It encounters kindness from a blind man, Victor’s father-in-law, and his daughter, who show kindness to Franken. But that isn’t enough, as Victor is determined to destroy the monster by spreading fear among the townsfolk and police.
“Victor is determined to destroy the monster by spreading fear among the townsfolk and police.”
Kyoufu Densetsu Kaiki! Frankenstein was created in 1981 by the Japanese animation studio Toei Animation. Under the direction of Yûgo Serikawa, he delivers a Japanese take on Mary Shelley’s classic novel, featuring the gorgeous 2D animation of the time. The animation style is very much akin to the limited animation of the 80s, but here, Frankenstein delivers all the dark tones and chills expected from the classic monster story.
Sadly, I’m reviewing Kyoufu Densetsu Kaiki! Frankenstein, almost 45 years later. The film feels very much like a comic book. It hits on all the themes of Frankenstein, with the doctor trying to overcome death and going mad in his attempt to destroy what he feels is a mistake. He is overcome by his hubris and guilt. There’s also the town that judges Franken, calling him a monster. He’s ugly, so he’s dangerous. In contrast, there is Victor’s father-in-law, who cannot judge by appearance, and the innocence of his daughter.
Twelve-year-old me might have liked Kyoufu Densetsu Kaiki! Frankenstein in 1981. Today, anime has advanced so much that simply telling a traditional Frankenstein story feels dated. What wins out in the end is nostalgia.
"…delivers all the dark tones and chills expected from the classic monster story."
