Ninja Scroll: The Series

3 more reviews

1. ›Retro Anime - Ninja Scroll (1993) Movie Review. [ENG-ESP]@fixie449d

   

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   Hello friends, how are you? It's been a long time since I've shared anime-related content, and I've barely had time to explore new stories. That's why I want to share a brief review of a film that marked a historic moment in the history of anime. In my opinion, Ninja Scroll holds a place of honor in the pantheon of anime films that transcended borders and defined an aesthetic for a generation. Released in 1993, this masterpiece directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri not only dazzled with its stylized animation and frenetic action, but also cemented a niche for adult-themed anime, filled with violence, complex characters, and a narrative that borrows heavily from Japanese folklore as well as elements of samurai cinema.

   Hola amigos que tal? tengo muchísimo tiempo sin compartir contenido referente al anime, y es que casi no me quedaba tiempo para explorar nuevas historias. Es por eso que quiero compartir una breve reseña de una película que marcó un momento histórico en la historia del ánime. A mi parecer, en el panteón de las películas de anime que trascendieron fronteras y definieron una estética para una generación, Ninja Scroll, ocupa un lugar de honor. Lanzada en 1993, esta obra maestra dirigida por Yoshiaki Kawajiri no solo deslumbró por su animación estilizada y su acción frenética, sino que también consolidó un nicho para el anime de temática adulta, repleto de violencia, personajes complejos y una narrativa que toma mucho del folclore japonés así como también elementos del cine de samuráis.

   

   

   First of all, I want to talk a little about the animation and style. The style of this film bears the hallmark of Madhouse and Yoshiaki Kawajiri: Produced by the renowned Madhouse studio, it is a work of art in terms of detail and fluidity of movement. Kawajiri's style is characterized by characters with distinctive, angular features; the colors, I can see as colors, emphasize the dark and dangerous atmosphere of feudal Japan. Each combat scene represents movement very well, where blood splatters with an almost artistic aesthetic and ninja skills are observed with great quality. The attention to detail in the backgrounds, costume designs (something I really liked), and special effects, although made with the traditional animation techniques of the time, remain impressive to this day. I can say that the animation has aged very well.

   Antes que nada quiero hablar un poco acerca de la animación y estilo. El Estilo de esta película tiene el sello de Madhouse y Yoshiaki Kawajiri: Producida por el renombrado estudio Madhouse, es una obra de arte en cuanto al detalle y a la fluidez del movimiento. El estilo de Kawajiri se caracteriza por personajes con rasgos distintivos y angulosos, los colores puedo observar como colores enfatiza la atmósfera sombría y peligrosa del Japón feudal. Cada escena de combate representa muy bien el movimiento, donde la sangre salpica con una estética casi artística y las habilidades ninja se observan con muchísima calidad. La atención al detalle en los fondos, los diseños de vestuario (Algo que me gustó mucho) y los efectos especiales, aunque realizados con las técnicas de animación tradicional de la época, siguen siendo impresionantes hasta el día de hoy, puedo decir en cuanto a la animación que ha envejecido muy bien.

   

   

   

   Now, speaking of the plot of Ninja Scroll, it is set in feudal Japan, plagued by political intrigue and supernatural threats. The story follows Jubei Kibagami, a skilled ninja mercenary with no fixed loyalties, whose life is irrevocably altered when he crosses paths with Kagero, a kunoichi (female ninja) whose breath is lethal. The film begins with Kagero and her clan being brutally ambushed by a group of demons with superhuman abilities, known as the Eight Demons of Kimon. Kagero is the only survivor, but she is about to be killed by one of the demons, Tessai, a man with the ability to solidify his skin until he becomes invulnerable.

   Ahora, hablando de la trama de Ninja Scroll esta se desarrolla en el Japón feudal, azotado por intrigas políticas y amenazas sobrenaturales. La historia sigue a Jubei Kibagami, un habilidoso y mercenario ninja sin lealtades fijas, cuya vida se ve irrevocablemente alterada al cruzarse con Kagero, una kunoichi (mujer ninja) cuyo aliento es letal. La película comienza con Kagero y su clan siendo brutalmente emboscados por un grupo de demonios con habilidades sobrehumanas, conocidos como los Ocho Demonios de Kimon. Kagero es la única sobreviviente, pero está a punto de ser asesinada por uno de los demonios, Tessai, un hombre con la capacidad de solidificar su piel hasta volverse invulnerable.

   

   

   

   Jubei is forced to collaborate with Kagero and Dakuan, an annoying old man working for the government to stop the Eight Demons' plans. Initially, their relationship is strained due to the lethal nature of Kagero's breath and the distrust between samurai and ninja. As they progress in their mission, Jubei, Kagero, and Dakuan face each of the Eight Demons, each with unique and grotesque abilities. These confrontations are the high points of the film, showcasing the brutality and inventiveness of ninja combat against a supernatural backdrop. One of the interesting and intriguing demons is Benisato, a woman who controls poisonous snakes and possesses manipulative cunning. Her encounter with the group reveals the complexity of motivations within the Eight Demons.

   Jubei se ve obligado a colaborar con Kagero y Dakuan, un molesto anciano que trabaja para el gobierno para detener los planes de los Ocho Demonios. Inicialmente, su relación es tensa debido a la naturaleza letal del aliento de Kagero y la desconfianza entre samurais y ninjas. A medida que avanzan en su misión, Jubei, Kagero y Dakuan se enfrentan a cada uno de los Ocho Demonios, cada uno con habilidades únicas y grotescas. Estos enfrentamientos son los puntos álgidos de la película, mostrando la brutalidad y la inventiva de los combates ninja en un contexto sobrenatural. Uno de los demonios interesantes e intrigantes es Benisato, una mujer que controla serpientes venenosas y posee una astucia manipuladora. Su encuentro con el grupo revela la complejidad de las motivaciones dentro de los Ocho Demonios.

   

   

   

   The adventure continues, and so do the battles. Each Demon surpasses the last in skill and cruelty, but the characters outmaneuver them, losing things along the way. Eventually, the leader of the Eight Demons is revealed to be Himuro Gemma, a former comrade of Jubei's who was thought to be dead. Gemma possesses astonishing regenerative abilities, making him a near-immortal enemy. His betrayal and dark motives are at the heart of the final conflict. The film's climax is an epic showdown between Jubei and Gemma on a burning ship. The battle is brutal, pushing both to the limits of their abilities. Jubei must overcome Gemma's immortality to stop her plans.

   La aventua continúa y las batallas también, cada demonio supera al anterior en habilidades y crueldad pero los personajes los van superando mientgras pierden cosas en el camino. Finalmente, se revela que el líder de los Ocho Demonios es Himuro Gemma, un antiguo camarada de Jubei que se creía muerto. Gemma posee habilidades regenerativas asombrosas, lo que lo convierte en un enemigo casi inmortal. Su traición y sus motivos oscuros son el núcleo del conflicto final. El clímax de la película es un enfrentamiento épico entre Jubei y Gemma en un barco en llamas. La batalla es brutal, llevando a ambos al límite de sus habilidades. Jubei debe superar la inmortalidad de Gemma para detener sus planes.

   

   

   It's undoubtedly an excellent film that captivates you from start to finish. I've only mentioned the things I found most striking, without giving away too many spoilers, so you're curious enough to see it. If you're a fan of action anime, samurai stories with a supernatural touch, and aren't afraid of stylized violence, Ninja Scroll is a must-see. Its impact on the genre is undeniable, and its animation quality remains impressive. I recommend it to everyone; you'll have a great experience you won't forget. You won't regret it! This has been my review and recommendation. I hope to come back more often to share more about anime and learn from those who know more stories. See you soon!

   Sin duda es una cinta exclente, que te atrapa desde el inicio hasta el fin, solo he comentado las cosas que me parecieron más llamativa sin decir muchos spoilers para que tengan la curiosidad de poder verla. Si eres fan del anime de acción, las historias de samuráis con un toque sobrenatural y no te asusta la violencia estilizada, Ninja Scroll es una película que debes ver. Su impacto en el género es innegable y su calidad de animación sigue siendo de una calidad impresionante. Se las recomiendo a todos, vivirán una gran experiencia que no olvidarán, no te arrepentirás! Esta ha sido mi reseña y recomendación, espero volver más seguido para compartir más sobre el ánime y aprender de quienes conocen más historias, hasta pronto!

   All images used except the cover were taken directly from the MP4 file I have.

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2. ›(ENG/SPA) Ninja Scroll El Arte de La Adrenalina hecho Anime@promete0sz625d

   

   In the nature of man I think is to battle, to be in a constant conflict to improve and get the best of ourselves, many events such as sports are an example of these battles that I mention and that manage to raise our adrenaline, our attention, our concentration to be the best, this kind of feeling or emotion can also transmit good stories.

   Ninja Scroll is a piece of the past with a high dose of good adrenaline, a movie that has a dynamic of battles which I have rarely seen, at this point in my life I consider that I have seen many products with ninja theme and in terms of confrontation and coherence, the solidity and purity in this anime is of the highest quality I have seen.

   En la naturaleza del hombre pienso está el batallar, el estar como en un conflicto constante para mejorar y sacar lo mejor de nosotros mismos, muchos eventos como el deporte son ejemplo de esas batallas que nombro y que logran elevar nuestra adrenalina, nuestra atención, nuestra concentración para ser el mejor, este tipo de sensación o emoción lo pueden llegar a transmitir también las buenas historias.

   Ninja Scroll es una pieza del pasado con dosis alta de buena adrenalina, película que tiene una dinámica de batallas la cual pocas veces he visto, a esta altura de mi vida considero que he visto muchos productos con temática ninja y en términos de enfrentamiento y coherencia, la solidez y pureza en este anime es de las de mayor calidad que he visto.

   

   

   If you have never seen this film and you are a fan of the ninja cliché and violence, this product is definitely for you because it will destroy your stomach of high expectations with its solid fist. I will leave raised the most striking aspects of the film along with an element to criticize.

   • The violence, the gore and the cruelty of its characters:

   This element will be accompanied by a storytelling, a long time ago youtube was already booming and I could see through those videos scenes of this film that caught my attention enormously by the battles, then I could see the movie and I was with the Adrenaline to the maximum, it was an IMPACT in my brain of which even today I still pleasantly do not recover because there are several scenes that I remember precisely because of its lethality.

   In my mind it is as if it were a very real film, it leaves me with tense muscles, as if my brain was preparing to fight but I want to emphasize that it is not a bad feeling, it is like adolescence and take the opposite because yes, the above is precisely what transmits me the unleashed and uncontrolled violence that is in this film that leaves me wanting to see more.

   Si nunca has visto este film y eres fan del tópico ninja y la violencia, este producto definitivamente es para ti porque destruirá con su sólido puño tu estomago de expectativas altas. Dejare planteados los aspectos más llamativos del film junto un elemento a criticar.

   • La Violencia, El Gore y La Crueldad de sus personajes:

   Este elemento lo acompañare de un storytelling, hace mucho tiempo ya estaba youtube en auge y pude ver a través de esos videos escenas de este film que llamaron mi atención enormemente por las batallas, luego pude ver la película y quede con la Adrenalina al máximo, fue un IMPACTO en mi cerebro del cual aún hoy gratamente no me recupero porque son variadas las escenas que recuerdo justamente por su letalidad.

   En mi mente es como si fuera un film muy real, me deja con los músculos tensos, como si mi cerebro se estuviera preparando para pelear pero quiero hacer énfasis que no es una sensación mala, es como la adolescencia y llevar la contraria a porque sí, lo anterior es justamente lo que me transmite la violencia desatada y sin control que hay en esta película que me deja con ganas de ver más.

   

   

   • Thanks to Yoshiaki Kawajiri and all his team:

   As I mentioned at the beginning, I consider this film an artifact of the past that only gets better with the years and with the more viewings, I still watch it and it still impacts me in several of its battles, all this means that those who left their energy and part of their soul in this product did it well.

   We always mention the importance of the stories but the execution of those letters and words that make it into an audio-visual medium is a titanic task that many times is not mentioned or is not highlighted regardless of our opinions of the story.

   It is there where that leading and guiding brain that articulates all the necessary tools for a product to be conceived with the highest quality, can become a hero or a villain for that story that is to be represented. Fortunately in this film what I see is perfection, a good gear between technical aspects, direction, voices and animation thus respecting the presence of the characters.

   • Creative Freedom:

   I think this should be highlighted and is connected to all that work of director and crew since representing violence, gore and even the abuse of a character in the way it was done during this film, are things that I think very hardly we will see again in the way I see in this product, my thought is further consolidated when I think that the 90's were good years for creative freedom because you could carry out projects without as many forced elements as those that are added today while maintaining good technical aspects because I even dare to say that in animation is much better than many products of today.

   • Gracias a Yoshiaki Kawajiri y todo su Equipo de Trabajo:

   Como mencione al principio, considero esta película un artefacto del pasado que solo mejora con los años y con la mayor cantidad de visionados, sigo viéndola y aun me impacta en variadas de sus batallas, todo esto significa que quienes dejaron su energía y parte de su alma en este producto lo hicieron bien.

   Siempre mencionamos la importancia de las historias pero La Ejecución de esas letras y palabras que la arman hacia un medio audio-visual es una labor titánica que muchas veces no se menciona o no se destaca independientemente de nuestra opiniones de la historia.

   Es allí donde ese cerebro líder y guía que articula todas las herramientas necesarias para que un producto sea concebido con la mayor calidad, se pueda convertir en un héroe o un villano para esa historia que se quiere representar. Afortunadamente en este film lo que veo es perfección, un buen engranaje entre aspectos técnicos, dirección, voces y animación respetando así la presencia de los personajes.

   • Libertad Creativa:

   Pienso esto se debe destacar y está conectado con toda esa labor de director y equipo de trabajo ya que representar la violencia, el gore e inclusive el abuso de un personaje en el modo que se hizo durante esta película, son cosas que pienso muy difícilmente volveremos a ver en la forma que veo en este producto, mi pensamiento se consolida aún más al pensar que la década de los 90 fueron buenos años para la libertad creativa porque podías llevar a cabo proyectos sin tantos elementos forzados como los que se agregan en la actualidad manteniendo buenos aspectos técnicos porque inclusive me atrevo a decir que en animación está mucho mejor que muchos productos de la actualidad.

   

   • The Detail to Criticize:

   I think that for many people and anime connoisseurs, this film could be considered high class, in my case I consider it so and the only thing I leave as a criticism is that the base design of the women's faces is too masculine for my taste.

   Regardless of the above, the aesthetics is overwhelming, you can see the seal of the production house because their way of drawing, visual style of the characters is very particular and at the same time real, they do not look at all tender and at the same time they are very strong in their drawing.

   I want to emphasize that I love the visual of the film and I would only change or make softer the faces of the women because they are very strong and straight lines, in fact facially I do not see much facial difference between men and women in the film, a very personal critical detail because I am sure that for many it looks very good, you can see the trailer and judge the visual of the characters.

   Fully recommended film, the depth of the story is not going to leave reflections in your mind because the strong point is the action, the battles, the techniques executed by the characters plus all the cruelty that will leave your adrenaline to the maximum after watching it, I hope with all that I have mentioned you are encouraged to have it at least in list and for those who have already seen it, could tell me if you liked it as much as me.

   • El Detalle a Criticar:

   Pienso que para muchas personas y conocedores del anime, este film pudiera ser considerado de alta categoría, en mi caso lo considero así y lo único que dejo como critica es que el diseño base del rostro de las mujeres es demasiado masculino para mi gusto.

   Independientemente de lo anterior, la estética es abrumadora, se ve el sello de la casa productora porque su forma de dibujo, estilo visual de los personajes es muy particular y a la vez real, no se ven para nada tiernos y a la vez son muy fuertes en su dibujo.

   Quiero hacer énfasis que la visual del film me encanta a mas no poder y que yo solo cambiaria o haría más suave los rostros de sus mujeres porque son trazos muy fuertes y rectos, de hecho facialmente no veo mucha diferencia facial entre los hombres y mujeres del film, un detalle critico muy personal porque estoy seguro que para muchos se ve muy bien, pueden ver el trailer y ya con eso juzgar la visual de los personajes.

   Película totalmente recomendable, la profundidad de su historia no es que va a dejar reflexiones en tu mente ya que el punto fuerte es la acción, las batallas, las técnicas que ejecutan los personajes más toda la crueldad que dejara tu adrenalina al máximo luego de verla, espero con todo lo que he nombrado se animen a tenerla al menos en lista y para aquellos que ya la vieron, pudieran decirme si les agrado tanto como a mí.

   I dedicate each and every one of my posts and videos to my little dog named princess, we called her chiquito, she is no longer with us but from heaven she will see that her existence was valuable and the most beautiful thing that will exist in my heart and soul.

   

   

   

   Resources used in this post in sequence:

   Thumbnail Edited with Paint

   Gif of Tenor Source

   Source of Image 1

   Trailer

   Source of Image 2

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3. ›Ninja Scroll || A Movie Review@ridgette655d

   

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   These past few days I've been relentlessly busy with a lot of stuff—from stressing laboratory tests, follow-up checkups, school reports, activities, and nerve-wracking quizzes—there is almost no break except for evenings. Evenings are usually the time where I relax, and part of my relaxation is watching anime. I was about to download another episode when my phone complained about its storage. To let my storage breath, I deleted files and pictures, and that's where I encountered this another dark anime recommendation and yeah—I sidetracked again (lol). So join me as I share with you a bit of the story of a wandering swordsman in this 1993 anime movie, Ninja Scroll. 

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   About the Anime

   

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   Ninja Scroll (Jubee Ninpuuchou) is an action fantasy anime movie that aired June 5, 1993. This movie was produced by Animate Film, Movic, and Toho and was animated by Madhouse. It's genre is action, adventure, fantasy, with a bit of both romance and horror. It's a more than an hour movie that was set in feudal Japan, where ninjas, samurai, and feudal factions exist. This movie isn't really suitable for all viewers because not only does it have a lot of gore, but there's also explicit portrayal of sexual scenes that may disturb some viewers. 

   

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   A swordsman who does jobs for gold, Jubei wanders alone with only his sword as his companion. Since he's a mercenary swordsman, it's inevitable that he'll make enemies while doing his job. Because of an unexpected betrayal, he had been masterless since then and decided to live a life away from chaotic feudal power struggles. However, after saving a female ninja from getting raped by a hideous stone man, he unconsciously steps into those chaotic feuds again. 

   

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   Dangerous and troublesome enemies sought him, and after being saved and tricked by an old ninja man, he was left with no choice but to join him in uncovering the truth behind the chaos that's been happening to them. Being the sole survivor of her ninja clan, Kagero—the woman whom Jubei had saved—joined him. She said that she's indebted to him, so she'll want to repay that by joining them while also continuing her clan's last mission. They delved into dark schemes and plots that will soon bring back the past that Jubei has already buried. With his formidable foe back, he's more than determined to slay him again, no matter what it costs.

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   I can't say that the ending satisfied me because it's more like an ending of a sole anime arc rather than a denouement of a whole movie. It isn't really hanging, but for me, it's kinda promising another story after that, and it indeed did. This movie is a prequel of a later series, and I'm glad that I watched this first because usually I end up watching the sequel first rather than the prequel. The story was really dark and is riddled with gores and occasionally sexual scenes that might make you uncomfortable—however, for me, some of it were necessary to highlight details that we thought were unnecessary but will hold meaning in the later parts of the movie. So if you're sensitive and uncomfortable with those kinds of scenes, scram now and steer clear because this isn't for you. 

   

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   It's pacing was quick, and its major battles can attest to that. Those battles were really enjoyable, but they ended abruptly. The action scenes were pretty straight to the point, which was understandable since it's just a movie. If it's an anime series, battling with a single or couple of enemies would have last an entire arc. Anyway, even if it felt sometimes off-putting and rushly executed, it's way much better than dragging fight scenes with exaggerated fighting drama.

   

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   As for its art style, I'm not really fond of it, but it's not bad for me either. It's not a great art style, but it just fits well with the mood of the movie. The colors that were used were mostly dark, which matches right with the sinister feel of the story, and for its animation—it was definitely amazing! The action scenes were really gripping and entertaining to watch because they were animated smoothly. The movements were so fluid, and the angles and composition were pretty dramatic. For me, this dramatic execution added depth and impact to the emotions and message that they wanted to impart—and its utilization was really effective. 

   

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   The soundtrack was the usual 90s music, and it really suits the feudal theme. I had no qualms for the sound effects and the background because it just fit right with the vibes of the movie. The ending song really captured me because it's so nostalgic. It really made me stay until the last few seconds of the movie, and although the meaning behind its lyrics was not that relatable with the movie, its tune was definitely giving. It gives off melancholic vibes, which really made me feel sadder about its ending.

   

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   My personal rating for this anime is 8.9/10. It has entertaining fighting scenes that I really enjoyed much, and personally, I think its animation was on par with the fluidity of the new animes. It's really amazing that this anime was made in the 90's, and I was quite baffled why it wasn't that famous, but I do have an inkling why. I think it's because of its sexual scenes, especially the rape depiction which was portrayed explicitly. I know that a lot of viewers were turned off because of these details, but yeah—it's from the 90s, and I think animes from that era were more bold in depicting those kinds of themes. Nevertheless, putting aside the ninjutsus, this movie was a pretty realistic and credible portrayal of the Japanese feudal era. So if you're up for an action anime with a great mc and awesome fighting scenes—then you've stumbled on a good one, for surely you'll enjoy Ninja Scroll.    Before I end this review, I gladly share with you its trailer, so—

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   Have you already watched this movie? Or is this your first time encountering it? Feel free to leave a comment if this movie piques your interest. That's all for now, minna-san! I hoped you enjoyed reading my review. 

   

   Arigatou and tanoshinde ne~

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   _{The last picture that didn't have source was edited in Canva.}

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