Ninja Scroll

Publisher
Manga Entertainment
Director
Yoshiaki Kawajiri
Production
Madhouse, Toho
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Film
Running time
93 mins
Year
1993

Ninja Scroll

By John Huxley
20th May 04

Ninja Scroll comes from the infamous director of Wicked City and Monster City, two films with which this title shares a lot in common. Based around feudal Japan (I think you could have guessed that one) the legendary Jubei seeks to destroy the eight devils of Kimon (partly against his own will) with aid of Kagero, a female ninja and the only survivor of a vicious attack on her clan. The plot draws out with a nice pace, partly due to the fact that Yoshiaki Kawajiri doesn't introduce the demons to Jubei in order of rank or difficulty, they just appear when required for the plot. The demons themselves are well designed and mostly based around legends and myths such as the shadow demon who can grab his enemies down to the underworld with him. Unlike Kawajiri's other films Ninja Scroll shows us the background and character of these demons Jubei is waging war against - this adds much needed depth to the film and saves it from being nothing more than a nicely animated blood and sex feast. Which brings me to the good stuff!

Kawajiri is no shrimp when it comes to adult content, and believe me, Ninja Scroll has it in abundance. Now, I'm not saying that blood, guts and sex equal a good film, but it sure does help. The animation quality is excellent (the director got a much larger budget for this film) which means the blood flows smoothly, expressions are excellent and the effects are way above par. The violence isn't particularly highlighted or over exposed in anyway, it merely serves to improve the film's atmosphere and show the demons for the foul bunch that they really are. As with all Kawajiri films the art is a particular style - quite smooth, not very cute and could fit into 'new wave' anime and 'old skool' with equal pleasure. Put simply, the art is inoffensive and should appeal to all tastes.

Trying to tie Ninja Scroll down and describe it is very hard. It has a unique appeal, like battered Mars Bars or Britney Spears - something you can't quite put your finger on, but you love all the same. And like those two products, Ninja Scroll is best kept to limited viewings when you'll most appreciate and savor it's qualities. Watching it 24/7 will probably burn a hole in your brain. It might not have the deepest characters, the best animation or even the biggest death toll, but it's certainly greater than the sum of it's parts and pushes it's way to be one of my favorite anime in my small (but growing) collection.

-- John Huxley 20th May 04

Ninja Scroll Images