Rewind: ‘Ninja Scroll’ Review
Written and Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri
For anybody who grew up with an interest in anime, Ninja Scroll was a film whose reputation preceded it. Alongside the likes of Akira and Ghost in the Shell, these works showed those outside of Japan how far adult-oriented anime could go. In the case of Ninja Scroll, it was through gratuitous violence.
In feudal Japan, mercenary swordsman Jubei travels the land alone, lending his services to those who have either a worthy cause or gold. As he discovers a plot to overthrow the government by a band of superpowered ninjas, Jubei intends to stop this by uniting with the crafty Dakuan, an elderly spy, and Kagero, a ninja whose body is infused with toxins.
From writer/director Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, the Program segment of The Animatrix), the feature once again shows how exceptional Madhouse are at animation. A large part of this action-centric work are the exciting fights, especially when such gruesome kills are part of it, and it is easily the highlight of the ensuing 94-minute feature.
When it comes to the characters, Jubei is a familiar protagonist who remains compelling throughout the journey he undertakes. His manipulative mentor is also fascinating, as he takes dishonourable routes to achieve what he thinks is right. As for the antagonists, it feels refreshingly retro to have them feel like video-game bosses that the heroes must level up through by defeating one at a time. Despite some interesting designs, the slim runtime leaves few of the Eight Devils of Kimon to leave an impression, including their underwhelming boss.
Watching this film over thirty years since its release, it is also rather notable how insultingly the female protagonist is treated. The potential arises when Kagero is introduced, shown as somebody who will defy orders out of a drive to protect her clan. Yet that potential is never fulfilled, as the character fails to even kill one of the eight antagonists, and is quickly reduced to the victim role. It also leaves a bad taste how she is repeatedly sexually assault so that the film can show off her Poison Pussy Powers.
The most surprising thing is the sweet tune which plays over the credits. It admittedly feels out of place with the previous feature, but Somewhere, Faraway, Everyone is Listening to a Ballad is a heartfelt tune that deserves to be listened to multiple times. That is more of a response than the film delivered, as Ninja Scroll may be an influential work, yet it is let down by regressive elements.
