In japan, one of the most successful live-action franchises, other than Sentai, has been Kamen Rider. Since the 1970’s, the unusual concept of a hero with an insect’s face has spawned multiple TV series and movies in its native country.
Unfortunately, most likely due to cultural differences, Kamen Rider has never really had a successful American translation. From Saban’s Masked Rider in the mid-90’s, to last year’s Kamen Rider Dragon Knight, these shows were written off as being Power Ranger ripoffs.
I find it a little frustrating that in a country where Anime is gaining more and more acceptance, it’s still the general accepted opinion that shows like Kamen Rider, even in their original Japanese form, are nothing more than power rangers. Even when I’ve tried to make the case for Japanese live action in the past here, it’s mostly fallen on deaf ears.
So, I must make it my case to keep speaking louder. 
With that, I bring you Shin Kamen Rider. This was an attempt by the creators to make a much more dark and graphic version of Kamen Rider. The movie itself is fairly slow and dull at parts, but there are a couple of great moments that show what this franchise can be capable of.
I shall bring you the highlights now:
