Not all monsters are mutated beasts or ancient relics awakened by nuclear war. Some are mystical spirits that animate monumental statues - particularly in this trio from Toho rival studio, Daiei. Here, a treacherous retainer usurps the position of his master and only a loyal samurai saves the feudal lord’s children from slaughter. Fast-forward a few years and the bad guy in charge attempts to kill the now-grown kids and a faithful priestess and destroy a local monument. Bad idea. The giant samurai statue creaks to life and lays the smackdown on all and sundry, before being stopped by the tears of an innocent. More of a throwback to Japanese legend than a meditation on its present or future, Daimajin and its two sequels (released in the same year) weren’t nearly as profitable as Godzilla and co., but this is worth a look for the humanoid, robot-like figures.