Ninja Scroll (1993)

Ninja Scroll (1993)

Dir. Yoshiaki Kawajiri

I don't understand why Ninja Scroll is so named. It has a ninja — actually, it has lots of ninjas — but what's the scroll part about? Fuctifino. But what I know for certain is that when it comes to 90s era anime movies, NS is a classic. I've watched it a dozen times over the years and it impresses me every time. It isn't packed with plot like, for example, Akira (1988) or Ghost in the Shell (1995) are, but it has a visceral quality that many of its genre imitators failed to capture. [1]

Somehow, the historical setting enhances the fantastical elements, even though logic says they ought to be at odds with each other. A similar kind of complementary contrariety surrounds the two main characters: a skilled swordsman named Jubei, and a female Kōga ninja named Kagero, who has a special, hidden, devastating talent.

The villains, known as the Eight Devils of Kimon, are a peculiar bunch of freaks with unusual powers, and are all the more memorable for it.

On paper it's a simple story about the quintessential anime samurai as he advances toward a singular goal, but before he can reach that goal he must win a series of battles against the aforementioned bizarre enemies. Between bouts there's some characterisation, but it also allows the viewer to project their own thoughts upon, and give depth to, the adaptable swordsman.

There's a third character involved in that journey, an old man with an ambiguous edge who tries to direct and manipulate events. He plays a pivotal role, while staying mostly in the background.

The violence and sexual content means NS has a mature rating, but it's also worth noting that it has some flashing imagery that people sensitive to that sort of thing may want to be wary of.

[1] That goes double for Ninja Resurrection, the OVA that ADV Films marketed as a sequel to Ninja Scroll, even though it isn't. Deceiving customers to maximise profit. FU ADV.

- A story of hard-won battles and tragic life lessons in feudal Japan. -