Ninja Scroll (1993)

 

'Ninja Scroll' is considered by many to be one of the pivotal anime that not only introduced Western audiences en masse to the art form, but also picqued interest and led to the (fortunate) proliferation of Japanese animation. There is little denying this film looks extremely slick and that it is wall-to-wall action.

But somehow, it falls flat in comparison to let's say 'Akira' or 'Ghost in the Shell' because the action is the only thing that makes it work. Lack of story, zero character development (neither heroes or villains get anything resembling an arc. Well, the female ninja Kagero sort of, but not really) and maybe the worst of all: the ease with which this film is always forgotten. 

No really: I have seen if over five times and every time I rewatch it, I can't remember a single thing that happens as if I'm watching it for the first time. 

Anyway...

In feudal Japan (sort of), a lone ronin is persuaded (well, more coerced by poisoning) into aiding an elderly government spy to find out about a cache of gold that has gone missing and is supposedly heading for someone called the Shogun of the Dark, an evil lord who also has a band of 8 supernatural ninja at his disposal. The spy himself also might be a supernatural being, but this is never really explored, just hinted at in two scenes. Our ronin (Jubei) is a noble character and he also saves a female ninja by the name of Kagero, who now feels she has a debt to pay. 

You can tell they will fall in love because she is always dismissive and angry at Jubei. Classic.

Oh, and Kagero can never truly love someone, as her entire body has been steeped in poison, so everyone that kisses her or attempts to make love to her will die. 

Guess how Jubei's poisoning will be solved near the end. No really. Guess.

Turns out the leader of the band of evildoers is actually a ninja Jubei thought he killed in the past. As in: he did kill him by decapitation, but apprently this man can re-attach any limb or overcome every injury, making him seemingly immortal. 

There are ways to kill such a man, though. 

Look, the animation is pretty spotless and this film looks extremely impressive. It also moves at a brisk pace and the main focus is on the fights, which are glorious. Well choreographed, blood and guts flying everywhere and excellent sound design make the fight scenes a joy to behold. 

But that truly is the only thing worth watching. If you came looking for an immersive plot, forget it. Or even something akin to exploring characters. The evil ninja each have cool abilities, but they are introduced, a fight ensues, Jubei wins, move on. This gets really tiresome after the third one (and there are eight in total). This film is really just set-up after set-up for a fight and if that is exactly what you want, then you will enjoy this a lot more than me. If you came looking for a story somewhere, then you'd better search elsewhere.

'Ninja Scroll' isn't bad and its legacy is clear, it just feels like this film gets way more praise than it actually deserves. But do judge for yourself.