Today’s quick review: Ninja Scroll. After saving Kagero, a female ninja and the sole survivor of her scouting party, from a supernatural assailant, Jubei, a traveling swordsman, finds himself tangled up in the deadly plans of Genma, a shadowy man who has a history with Jubei. Forcibly recruited by Dakuan, an old man sent by the Japanese government to investigate, Jubei must fight his way through the Eight Devils of Kimon to stop Genma and secure Kagero’s safety.
Ninja Scroll is a Japanese animated action film with fantasy elements and plenty of violence. Set in feudal Japan, Ninja Scroll pits ninja against ninja in a battle of wits, swordsmanship, and superpowers. The plot is given a touch of depth by the film’s large cast and their conflicting objectives, but at its core, it remains a straightforward, action-oriented affair. The animation is detailed and energetic, although the style shows the film’s age.
What Ninja Scroll mainly offers is fast-paced, brutal action with a fantasy twist. Nearly every character has a trick up his or her sleeve, from a rock-skinned brute with a massive blade to a deadly assassin who can control snakes. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and unpredictable, while the steady stream of dangerous enemies lets Ninja Scroll pack a lot of action into its 90-some minutes.
The violence and other mature content limit the appeal of the film to anime fans who are not squeamish. For those who like animated action and are not averse to some darker elements, Ninja Scroll makes for a solid, standalone watch with very strong action. For those who are sensitive to gore or sex, look elsewhere.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for great action, interesting ninja powers, and a nicely self-contained storyline.