If you’re a fan of anime with intense action, dark stories, and epic fight scenes, Ninja Scroll (1993) is a film you’ve probably heard about. Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, this movie became very popular in the ’90s, especially for adults who liked anime. It mixes violence, supernatural powers, and historical Japan, making it stand out at the time and still a favorite for many today.
Story and Characters
The story is set in ancient Japan and follows Jubei Kibagami, a wandering swordsman who gets involved in a big conflict with a dangerous group of ninjas called the Eight Devils of Kimon. Each of these enemies has strange and deadly powers, giving Jubei tough battles to fight.
Jubei is a quiet but strong hero. He’s driven by a desire to right past wrongs, but he doesn’t want to be anyone’s puppet. He’s dragged into this battle partly because he has a strong sense of justice and partly because a clever government spy named Dakuan tricks him into it.
There’s also Kagero, a female ninja whose body is poisonous—anyone who touches her dies. This makes her strong but also lonely, as she can’t connect with others. Her sad situation leads to an emotional, but tragic, relationship with Jubei. It’s not a typical love story, but their bond is deep, especially with danger always surrounding them.
Action and Setting
The thing Ninja Scroll is most famous for is its incredible action scenes. The sword fights are fast, smooth, and really creative. Jubei’s battles with the Eight Devils are intense, with enemies who have wild powers like a woman made of snakes or a giant with skin as hard as stone. Each fight is different, so you never know what’s coming next.
The world of Ninja Scroll adds to the excitement. It’s dark and eerie, full of spooky forests, old ruins, and shadowy villages. The hand-drawn animation gives the movie a gritty, raw look that fits perfectly with the dangerous and supernatural feel of the story. The setting feels just as important as the characters, making everything more intense.
Violence and Mature Themes
Ninja Scroll is definitely not for kids. It’s a very violent movie, with lots of blood and gore. Some scenes can be pretty disturbing, especially with the enemies’ gruesome powers. There are also some mature themes, like sexual violence, which can be uncomfortable to watch. For some viewers, the violence might feel over-the-top and unnecessary.
My Opinion
For me, watching Ninja Scroll was a thrilling experience. What stood out the most was how bold and intense it was. The fight scenes are some of the best I’ve seen in older anime, and the way the battles were choreographed still feels impressive today. Jubei is a character I really liked—he’s tough but has a softer side, which makes him more relatable. His connection with Kagero also brought more emotion to the story, adding depth beyond the action.
However, I did feel like some of the violence, especially against women, went too far. It felt like they included certain scenes just for shock value, which didn’t sit well with me. But the creative battles and unique enemies made up for it. Every fight kept me on edge, wondering how Jubei would win against such strange and powerful foes.
Overall, I Think Ninja Scroll is an iconic anime known for its intense action and dark themes. If you like gritty, fast-paced stories with supernatural elements, it’s worth watching. Just be aware that it’s a very violent and mature film, so it’s not for everyone. But for those who enjoy darker, more intense anime, it’s a film that’s hard to forget.
