Onigamiden - Legend of the Millennium Dragon (2011) User Reviews (10)

Before Watching: Onigamiden (2011)

[josephrygaard · 6/10 · 27 June 2019]

"Onigamiden" (2006), or "Legend of the Millenium Dragon", is an alright movie that has some slight issues, however, if you want to get as much out of it as possible, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before watching:

Onigamiden is currently rated 5,8 on IMDb. Even though the movie isn't perhaps one of the better animes out there, I do believe that this one is somewhat underrated. There are some fresh ideas and imagery used which, even though it doesn't save the movie, should justify a rating around 6,5 or so. Don't see this one with your mind made up it will be bad, but don't expect a masterpiece either.

The more knowledge you have about Japanese culture, the better. References are being made early to the beings known as "Oni", and characters recall and comments on different eras in the Japanese history, as well as old cities and villages. There are some points to gain here if one has a basic knowledge on those things.

Finally, the movie's plot is somewhat of a mess, and this is where its main problem lies. Objects which we understand have a big importance to the ongoing events are introduced to left and right without proper introduction, characters often do things while their intentions or motivations remains undisclosed, and the main protagonist has basically no character arc for the first 60-70 minutes. Some major loopholes can leave the viewer confused as well. I do not list this to discourage viewers, but rather to give you realistic expectations. It feels as though the movie was intended to be about two and a half hours, but an hour was edited out.

Overall, Onigamiden is an okay, care-free watch, but it needs not be prioritized too high on any's watchlist.

My personal grade: a puzzled 6/10. If you found this helpful, check my profile for more reviews.

Fine I guess

[WeAreLive · 6/10 · 29 May 2023]

A 15-year-old boy goes 1200 years back in time to find his unlikely destiny as the savior to end the war between humans and demons.

The movie's plot was fairly decent for what it's worth. The art style and ost was good as well. The voice acting was decent especially since it has names like Bryce Papenbrook, Lex Lang, Stephanie Sheh, Liam O'Brien, etc.

Jun was an alright protagonist though I have seen way better ones from other films etc. Though at least Mizuha was decent looking. Raiko the only interesting character in the film I found very mistreated however.

Also the pacing of the film can make it seem like it is longer then what it actually is.

Passable if you have nothing better to watch

[lilianwrites · 5/10 · 1 January 2024]

The premise is interesting (although over-used in this day and age) - boy is taken back in time to the Heian period because he has been designated 'savior' and is now tasked to destroy a group of 'oni' who have been wrecking rampage in the capital. On the surface, it seems straightforward. Destroy the 'monsters' and save humankind, yay. But nothing is what it seems and that is when the boy is thrust into a political dilemma of sorts and must now make a stand. The story sounds uncomplicated, but the loops it takes to get to the ending is unnecessarily complicated and confusing. No one bothers to explain to the main lead just what he is doing in a different period and everyone expects him to know everything from the get-go. There are several questionable twists that don't make sense and feels like several chapters have been skipped to get there. It is beautifully hand painted, but honestly I think the plot could do a serious revamp and recalibration so it all actually makes sense.

An Anime for The Younger Set

[alisonc-1 · 17 July 2011]

Jun is an ordinary middle-school boy, except for his unusual birthmark which takes the form of a dragon on his chest. Because of that birthmark, he is abruptly whisked back in time, to the medieval Heian era. That era is remembered for being a peaceful time, but in fact humans, led by sorcerer Gen'un and warrior Raiko, are battling demons called the Oni, and Jun has been summoned back to awaken and control the legendary dragon, Orochi, in the fight. But the humans and the Oni are not quite what they seem, and both sides are desperate to enlist Jun, and Orochi, to their cause in this long-running conflict. Jun, however, is uncertain where the truth lies amid all the contradictory information he receives from each side, and he thinks maybe the best thing to do is simply to stop the fighting....

This anime film reminded me a good bit of YA fantasy novels, or perhaps novels for a slightly younger (say, 9-12) set, in that Jun is a typical Everyboy who must fight his insecurities and doubts to become the hero (indeed, Gen'un constantly calls him "Saviour") he is meant to be in a fantasy realm before he can return to his own time, having grown stronger and wiser in the process. Each frame of this film is hand-drawn, and some of the imagery is quite beautiful, while the supernatural battle scenes are quite epic in scope. Not a film to think about very hard after viewing, but an eye-pleasing spectacle to watch.

Formulaic and with terrible artwork.

[matte160 · 3/10 · 29 September 2011]

Even if a anime misses the mark story wise, they usually can make up for it by painting up a beautiful world. This film however does not. The character designs are cheap and crude and while the backgrounds are usually pretty good, they're also at time very simplistic. For example, when the protagonist goes back in time to the city in the beginning and the city is attacked by demons, keep an eye on the background stick figures in one of the scenes where people are panicking. Look at the guy who falls into the river. Sheesh.

This anime is for kids who are used to cheap, mass produced Saturday cartoons. If you value quality then look elsewhere.

Bland entertainment that looks nice

[ytube1993 · 4/10 · 27 June 2012]

The movie is bland entertainment, but I gave this a 4 because of the nice animation. I didn't care about any of the characters which includes the main character. All of the characters are so uninteresting. They just exist to move the story along, but not to give viewers emotions as well.

The dragon of the movie's title is weak for most of the film. He (or she) is probably weak throughout the film. During the ending battle, it was a water dragon against a fire monster. It should be obvious who wins which makes this film even more boring. Normally films can get the ending correct at least, but that isn't the case with this one. Water vs fire means that the winner of obvious. Even though it is usually obvious that the main character wins, this is the worst example of it and it doesn't work.

Just a basic anime movie

[Snootz · 5/10 · 4 May 2022]

If you're looking for action / adventure, good guy vs evil guy, basic story nothing-special anime, this will fill the bill. The animation is so-so, the story very basic, the characters very 2-dimensional, the ending lackluster. It's okay to watch if you're bored on a rainy afternoon. If you don't go in expecting much you might enjoy it.

Outstanding Story

[Avid-Watcher · 8/10 · 27 March 2013]

This movie was another example of excellent story telling. It reveals the struggles of two opposing groups, each vying for the power of a "Savior", the main boy character. But he comes to understand that war is not one-sided, but often disguised by deception and fears. It was especially satisfying watching the child change from a fearful, fragile person, to a strong and powerful young man, though not necessarily in a way one would totally expect.

The one drawback I experienced was that with so many characters put into the story, it was hard to tell them apart, and who signified what. Of course, there is a lot of back story that is not presented and, without some research would be difficult to understand. However, I cam e away from it with a renewed appreciation for this type of story telling.

Dora The Explorer epic?

[Cdwatt83 · 26 September 2011]

What can I say about this film? It could have been brilliant, the story line is OK, the setting imagery is very nice, and a lot of detail has been put into it. However, the human characters have a annoying 'Dora The Explorer' nature to them, both crudely drawn in comparison to the settings, and unbelievable in ratio the story line. It turn's a possible classic into a cartoon movie for the under 12's.

Personally, I don't understand why use inferior character depiction when they clearly went to so much effort in the setting and story.

Its the eyes...

Don't bother with the English dub; it will only make you more angry.

nice

[Kirpianuscus · 20 May 2018]

The recipe is simple and that did the film decent. a middle - school boy as arbiter in a conflict, appearences, impressive fight scenes and the importance of values. sure, not remarkable animation. but one of many respecting conventions of genre, proposing a reasonable story for young public, remembering pieces from ~Neverending Story~ and other classic tales. in first part, the animation seems not brilliant. in the second, the story has more coherent. but not exactly convincing. because the fight of man against nature, theoretically noble, is not served by a story who seems a fruits basket. and Jun is so bizarre in the status of great hero , than something seems missing in profound sense. so, a nice film. but far to be memorable.