Close Menu
  • Login
  • Support Us
  • Newsletter
  • News
  • Features
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
    • Video Games
      • Previews
      • PC
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X/S
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Xbox One
      • PS4
      • Tabletop
    • Film
    • TV
    • Anime
    • Comics
      • BOOM! Studios
      • Dark Horse Comics
      • DC Comics
      • IDW Publishing
      • Image Comics
      • Indie Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • Oni-Lion Forge
      • Valiant Comics
      • Vault Comics
  • Podcast
  • More
    • Event Coverage
    • BWT Recommends
    • RSS Feeds
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Support Us
But Why Tho?
RSS Facebook X (Twitter) YouTube
Trending:
  • Features
    Cosmic Spider-Man card details

    [EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW] The Spider-Man Set Gets A 5-Color Legendary Spider

    09/02/2025
    Lee Corso from College Football GameDay in EA Sports games

    EA Sports Always Understood Lee Corso’s Legacy

    09/01/2025
    Peacemaker Season 2 Episode 2 But Why Tho 10

    Spider-Man Is Coming To Magic And It’s Just Like The Comics

    08/29/2025
    Star Wars Visions Volume 3 Black

    ‘Black’ Sets The Tone For A Bold New Mixtape In ‘Star Wars Visions: Volume 3’

    08/28/2025
    Olivia Colman in The Roses

    ‘The Roses’ Is A Reimagining, Not A Remake, And That’s Why It Works So Well

    08/27/2025
  • Indie Games
  • K-Dramas
  • Netflix
  • Apple TV+
But Why Tho?
Home » Film » JAPAN CUTS 2021: ‘The Great Yokai War – Guardians’ Is a Wondrous Family Fantasy Epic

JAPAN CUTS 2021: ‘The Great Yokai War – Guardians’ Is a Wondrous Family Fantasy Epic

Ricardo GallegosBy Ricardo Gallegos08/21/20214 Mins Read
The Great Yokai War - Guardians - But Why Tho
Share
Facebook Twitter Pinterest Reddit WhatsApp Email

The Great Yokai War - Guardians - But Why Tho

Sixteen years after directing his first yōkai adventure, Takashi Miike brings us a fresh tale of family-friendly fantasy in The Great Yokai War – Guardians, a film full of mythology that will bring joy and hordes of entertainment to kids and adults alike.

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here

Yokaiju, a giant demonic collection of resentment made up of trapped ancient creatures, is threatening to destroy Tokyo and break a barrier that protects the world from unspeakable danger. To stop Yokaiju, a group of friendly yōkai recruit fifth-grader Kei Watanabe (Kokodo Tereda), a descendant of legendary evil yōkai slayer Watanabe no Tsuna. Little Kei will have to show true bravery to save Tokyo and his brother Dai (Rei Inomata), who is dragged to the adventure after a misunderstanding.

For those unfamiliar with them, the yōkai are Japanese folklore, supernatural creatures. Throughout this film you’ll see them in many forms and sizes: a raccoon army-leading warrior, a weather-controlling woman, a medusa, and even a clown are just a few examples of the variety on display. Most of them are brought to life thanks to standout costume design, makeup, and hairstyling; CGI is used for a few of them, but the end-product is not nearly as satisfactory as their traditionally portrayed counterparts.

The world of The Great Yokai War – Guardians is one reminiscent of traditional fantasy RPG; imagination runs wild in each character design and pathos of the story. It has infectious, adventurous energy and just the right amount of innocence. Plus, there’s a light touch of horror. Miike doesn’t shy away from the spooky nature of the yōkai and constantly reinforces it in a playful manner. Their nightmarish introduction to a surprised Kei is delightfully scary.

Although traditional, Kei’s arc is executed with care and charm. He starts as a fearful boy who is overwhelmed by the task at hand and the disturbing appearance of the yōkai, but he progressively evolves into a brave warrior ready to sacrifice himself to save his brother. It’s a tricky role that could easily fall into frustrating crybaby territory, but Kokodo Tereda is always wonderful in it; energetic and lovable, he successfully pulls out both dramatic and action scenes with heart to spare. As his brother Dai, Rei Inomata is just as good; he provides tenderness and kindness, two qualities that are key to the story.

Another standout is Hana Sugisaki (Bleach: Burîchu, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop), who plays Ms. Fox, a badass Kitsune-mask-wearing warrior guiding Kei in his journey. Despite having her face hidden most of the time, her charisma comes through as she commands the screen in pretty much all of her scenes. Takao Osawa is also impressive as a fire-motorcycle driver and raccoon leader Gyobu Inugami, whose presence in the third act elevates the most memorable scene of the film.

One of the most hyped elements of The Great Yokai War – Guardians was the appearance of kaiju figure Daimajin (here called Lord Bujin). And he does not disappoint. Daimajin kicks ass during an outstanding third act and is easily the best CGI character of the entire film; a contrast to other creatures whose spotty execution threatens to take you out of the story.

And beyond cool yōkai, adventure, and action scenes, the film succeeds thanks to its wonderful message. The Yokaiju menace is a manifestation of nature fighting back against the greed of humanity that displaced it. Some yōkai are hesitant to stop this creature because that would mean saving the rapacious human race. However, Kei and Dai step up to the plate using kindness and empathy instead of violence; their values are what our planet needs urgently right now. They represent the new generations: our best hope to nurture Earth and fight against its exploitation.

The Great Yokai War – Guardians is a wondrous fantasy that Takashi Miike directs with intelligence and skill. It’s a movie with comedy, adventure, action, and memorable characters that use rich Japanese mythology to communicate a message of peace and healing of nature.

The Great Yokai War – Guardians is part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film 2021. It will have In-Person screenings on Saturday, August 28, 7 PM, and Wednesday, September 1, 4 PM. 

The Great Yokai War - Guardians
  • 8.5/10
    Rating - 8.5/10
8.5/10

TL;DR

The Great Yokai War – Guardians is a wondrous fantasy that Takashi Miike directs with intelligence and skill. It’s a movie with comedy, adventure, action, and memorable characters that use rich Japanese mythology to communicate a message of peace and healing of nature.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit Email
Previous ArticleFANTASIA FEST 2021: ‘The Sadness’ Is Sick
Next Article REVIEW: ‘The Loud House Movie’ Is a Laugh-Out-Loud Family Bonanza
Ricardo Gallegos

Ricardo is a Mexico City-based bilingual writer, Certified Rotten Tomatoes film critic and Digital Animation graduate. He loves cats, Mass Effect, Paddington and is the founder of the film website “La Estatuilla.

Related Posts

Choi Gyu-ri, Shin Eun-Soo in Love Untangled
7.5

REVIEW: ‘Love Untangled’ Is Just Adorable

08/31/2025
Austin Butler in Caught Stealing
8.5

REVIEW: ‘Caught Stealing’ Marks An Exciting Pivot for Darren Aronofsky

08/27/2025
Margaret Qualley stars as Honey O' Donahue in the film Honey Don't
8.5

REVIEW: ‘Honey Don’t!’ Is A Genius Work Of Subversion And Fantasy Fulfillment

08/25/2025
Benedict Cumberbatch in The Roses But Why Tho
5.0

 REVIEW: ‘The Roses’ Lacks A Thorny Edge

08/25/2025
Mert Ramazan Demir in Abandoned Man
6.5

REVIEW: ‘Abandoned Man’ Lacks Depth In Its Take On Betrayal

08/22/2025
Ne Zha 2 promotional still from a24
10.0

REVIEW: ‘Ne Zha 2’ Is One Of The Most Epic Feats Of Animation

08/21/2025

Get BWT in your inbox!

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get the latest and greated in entertainment coverage.
Click Here
TRENDING POSTS
Cosmic Spider-Man card details Features

[EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW] The Spider-Man Set Gets A 5-Color Legendary Spider

By Kate Sánchez09/02/2025Updated:09/02/2025

An exclusive look at a new 5-Color Spider entering Magic: The Gathering’s Spider-Man set, and Cosmic Spider-Man is going to be a tough one to take on.

Hololive EN at Radio City Music Hall Events

Hololive EN At Radio City Music Hall Was A Pure Expression Of Fandom

By Adrian Ruiz08/31/2025Updated:09/03/2025

Hololive EN turned Radio City in New York City into the pure expression of fandom: chants, penlights, and community in perfect sync.

Karl Anthony Towns in NBA 2k26 But Why Tho
8.5
PS5

REVIEW: ‘NBA 2K26’ Brings Basketball To Life

By Kyle Foley09/03/2025

NBA 2K26 combines improved visuals with some important tweaks to keep the series feeling fresh in the latest yearly release.

Cronos: The New Dawn Nest
8.0
PC

REVIEW: ‘Cronos: The New Dawn’ Does Post-Apocalyptic Psychological Horror Right

By Mick Abrahamson09/03/2025Updated:09/03/2025

While not particularly sacry, Cronos: The New Dawn is a lot of fun as a survival horror that puts you in the futuristic armor of the Traveler.

But Why Tho?
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest RSS YouTube Twitch
  • CONTACT US
  • ABOUT US
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
  • Review Score Guide
Sometimes we include links to online retail stores. If you click on one and make a purchase we may receive a small contribution.
Written Content is Copyright © 2025 But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

But Why Tho Logo

Support Us!

We're able to keep making content thanks to readers like YOU!
Support independent media today with
Click Here