Customer Reviews
Fantastic Action, Idiotic Storyline 
2008-09-13
Ninja Scroll
Have you ever seen a car crash on television? Most of the time they look fairly awesome. This anime puts you on the side of the highway watching cars pass with the occasional car crash. The action sequences are brilliantly put together, but everything else is a giant mess. If you are an action junkie, I can suggest this one. If you enjoy a compelling story that is important, keep moving.
Jubei is an independent ninja who will do almost anything for some spare gold. He is an impressive contender for any one who may challenge him. He is forced into a mission Dakuwon, who is a government spy. Dakuwon poisons Jubei and will only give him the antidote if he helps him. Gemma, a thought-dead rival of Jubei, has plans on taking over Japan. He is using the help of the 8 Devils. The 8 Devils are extremely powerful beings that are often very interesting.
Jubei joins up with Kagero later in the film. Kagero is a female ninja with an immunity to poison. However, if she becomes intimate with anyone, she will kill them with her body's excess poison. As you might expect, there is some sexual tension between Kagero and Jubei throughout the film.
We see Jubei, Kagero, and Dakuwon fighting the 8 Devils on their journey to stop Gemma. The fight sequences are some of the best I've ever seen. Animation is good and the detail of gore is breath taking. Blood squirts all over the place when someone is sliced open. Arms and legs are ripped off at times. The movie is sick in a good way.
However, the problem comes in the ridiculous story. The 8 Devils really only serve as kill joy. They really serve no purpose to the story. Gemma has an entire army on his side, he does not even need the Devils. Gemma himself only appears near the end of the movie. The rest of the movie's story is about the relationship between Kagero and Jubei. Kagero feels to need to keep saving Jubei's life...because she loves him. The English voice acting is terrible and can not pull this off well. The entire acting comes off too generic for such a personal storyline.
Not only is the story filled with a bunch of lame rambling until the next action sequence, but it just isn't that interesting of a story to start with. There is tons of nudity and sex in this one to mask this horrible movie. I am not falling for it though. This is pure garbage. Only action junkies and perverts should purchase this one.
One of my all time favorite anime films 
2008-09-09
This is one of very first full length anime movies i ever saw, and it left a big impression on me. I recently watched it again and thought it would be fun to make a review on here for it.
The story is interesting, and contains some political intrigue, where there are some twists as to who works for who and who IS who. So it makes you think a little bit.
The characters are intersting as well, from Jubei, the central hero, and the old man he meets, too the 8 devils which are confronted with, all having their own fantastic skills and techniques, each using their unique power to try and stop Jubei, a kind of mercenary ninja that isnt exactly all about the money.
Even though the film is over 15 years old, its some of the very best animation i have ever seen in an animated movie. I think it looks even better than a lot of the newer anime films out now that mix A LOT of CGI in the drawing, sense all drawing is practically done totally with the computer now for nearly all films in anime, with the exception of some.
The attention to detail is impressive, and how it flows so well, its just beautiful. This is a true piece of animation. A classic.
Now, i was introduced to the English voice dubbing version of the movie, and always loved the voice actors in this movie. But after viewing it recently ,i noticed how out of place some of the language used was, especially for a film based in feudal japan, between the 12th and 19th century. Expressions like "...piss off! " , for example, though humorous, just isnt the correct terms in this era.
And that is like my biggest dislike, is the dialog used for the english dubbing. Even though i like their voices and their personalities are likable...it just comes across as bit silly and ridiculous, citing that as the films weakness. BUT, fortunatly, this DVD is bilingual, coming with the ORIGINAL JAPANESE LANGUAGE DUB (with english subtitles)
Trust me, the English dub is fun, but the orginal japanese dub with english subtitles is superior. I could take the film more seriously now, and in turn it made the whole experience a lot better. It was like almost watching a entirely new movie. And i usually prefer English Dub over Subs, so i never thought id prefer subs instead.
If the english dub was the actual way the original voice cast and script went, i would of gave this movie 4 stars for the 1990's styled american street talking dialog. And though it isnt that painfully bad lol, its still a weak dubbing, in terms of historically correct speech for that time. I wouldnt of been suprised to hear someone in the movie say "blow me" or "how bout a nuckle sandwhich , wise guy!!!!!???" something retarded like that. Thankfully it isnt that bad. But again, the Subtitled version you can choose from with the orginal japanese voice actors is superior and makes this movie more timeless.
The musical score in this film is great, with a marching main theme thats memorable. And also other parts of the films music is haunting and uses japanese instruments and traditional style. I liked it. Set the mood for something evil and that things werent what they seemed.
The guy who put this film together by the way, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, was the one who brought us Wicked City. And we see similar touches of bizarre horror carried on into this film, the likes of which were in Wicked City. At times Ninja Scroll could very well be taken as a horror film, becouse of the intense depiction of various mutilation and bodily disfiguration and other violence, but it all paints a perfect picture of how it probubly would of been in feudal japan with demons walking the earth. Its quite a dark film, in that respect. But it also has a sense of humor, and even a bit of romance.
All and all, its a classic anime film. And the dvd itself, though others pointed out issues with lack of a true widescreen (which sucks), the special edition version offers an interview with the english voice actors, Dean Elliot (who voiced Jubei) and Wendee Lee (who voices Kagero, the strong willed ninja girl)
Plus theres a image gallery and even an interview with the director, Yoshiaki Kawajiri. Which is a real treat.
The film itself , aside from the bonus features, is worth owning in itself, but the bonus features give this special edition some perks for the viewer. And now you can get this edition very cheap. So if you loved this film, id buy it. Just NEVER pay list price for it. Those days of 30 dollar anime films need to be over and done with.
But ya, Ninja Scroll is a great classic, and thats why its one of my all time favorite anime movies.
An Amazing Movie 2008-08-23
A fantastic movie, I've seen it over a dozen times and have not gotten tired of seeing it. Jubei Kibagami FTW.
Beautiful Animation for early 90's 
2008-05-28
This movie doesnt leave the wathcer just stranded trying to figure out what is going on. I do say that there is 2 or 3 cheesy parts but other than that a very good anime. Good Story Plot about ninjas, love and daeth. Cant beat that. Since it is from the early 90's the animation is not going to be a beautiful as Air, or Basalisk but is over-all very good.
This movie soes contain nudity and inappropiate situations but I have seen alot worse. Very surprised at the story-line really thought it wasnt going to be all that good.
Superb anime!. 2008-04-22
Ninja Scroll was quite an impressive anime/manga film, I think its one of the best animes I've ever seen and I'll be honest I haven't seen that much other than Vampire Hunter D and Ghost In The Shell among others. The film was set in Feudal Japan and the story involves a lone ninja warrior called Jubie traveling from town to town with a hidden past and there seems to be a plague spreading through out a small village called Shimoda and most of the people are found dead. While on their way to investigate the koga ninja team are slaughtered by a huge sword wielding monster with a body of stone, the huge monster uses his sword to decapitate and hack off the Koga ninjas limbs and rips them apart leaving a rain of blood in what has got to be the goriest scene in the film leaving the only surviving member of the team a female ninja named Kagera.
She soon warns the Koga clan and returns back to the village only to be kidnapped and raped by the monster. Kagera is later saved by Jubei as they continue on their journey, Jubie is also blackmailed by a small old man named Daukuns? using a poison dart he tells Jubei that he will give him the antidote but only if he helps him defeat the shogun of the dark he also has suspicions that Jubie was the ninja who killed the retainers of the Yashimoto Clan and that Lord Gemma who was previously decapitated is still alive and is the leader of the devils of Kimon and is also working for the shogun of the dark. Ninja Scroll is definitely not kids stuff as some of the fight scenes were quite bloody and it also has some rape scenes, Ninja Scroll is one of those supernatural shogun/ninja period films, the film had some amazing artwork with an emphasis on characters, plot and thrilling action scenes with lots of blood, gore and nudity, Jubie was a very cool character and a bit of a cynic but still likes to help people out kind of like a Character in a spaghetti western. The great thing about this film is that its not complicated like Ghost In The Shell so its perfect for those who haven't seen that much anime (like myself) here is some of the highlights you get to see in the film.
- Jubie continuesly head butting Lord Gemma until his face caves in.
- Kagera has poison for blood so whoever sleeps with her dies.
- A weird demon who has a wasp's nest for a back (don't ask).
- A huge monster who drinks blood from a severed limb then has his head split in half and brains fall off (yes very nice!).
- A deadly female demon who casts of her skin like a snake (this particular scene was weird and hilarious.
I'm not going to say anymore since I don't want to ruin it, if you enjoy adult anime that has some great action with very smooth and fluid animation then I highly recommend this.
Not bad 
2008-04-20
A peak achievement of Japanese anime,
Ninja Scroll is a propulsive mix of samurai action adventure and supernatural fantasy from writer-director Yoshiaki Kawajiri (
Supernatural Best City). This is defiantly animation for grown-ups, complete with fountains of blood, plenty of naked flesh, and (in both the subtitled and dubbed versions) some decidedly strong language. (Students of Japanese language could pick up some useful expressions.) The plot sounds like a 16th century variation on the
X-Files: An entire village has been wiped out by a mysterious plague and an anti-government conspiracy of invulnerable demons seems to be responsible. A wandering ninja, Jubei, and his female counterpart, Kagero, team up to defeat the plotters. Jubei is a classic reluctant hero, agreeing to participate in the mission only after being fed a slow-acting poison; the antidote will be supplied after he cooperates. And Kagero, a looker whose embrace is lethal, is a femme fatale with a difference that seems distinctively Japanese: sexual contact itself is poisonous, especially for a warrior with a pure soul.
--David Chute
Ninja vs ninja vs ninja... 2008-04-16
The Good Things
*Great fight scenes. Loads of bloody action. Never dull.
*Strong, memorable imagery. Excellent art design and details. The characters look smashing.
*Intruiging, straightforward storyline.
*Characters are awesome. They are very well-developed, very deep, and very immersive.
*The bad guys are awesome too. They have a lot of interesting powers/traits.
The Bad Things
*Very shocking (at least for the first viewing). The violence is extreme (on the same level as "Kill Bill"), and there are a few graphic sex scenes. Definately not for the squeamish.
Definately one of the best ninja/samurai films ever made (in anime or otherwise). It is a simple story that leaves lots of room for some very deep characters and a lot of awesome fight scenes. The extreme violence and sex may drive some people away, but for those who can stand it, it is quite awesome.
The 10th anniversary edition includes one 30 minute interview session and some information to read. It is in both fullscreen and widescreen (although I think somebody said that the widescreen side is a "fake" widescreen, with the top and bottom of the frame cut off). Still, the video and sound quality on this disc is excellent. Earlier editions of this film don't appear to have any features.
One Of The Crown Jewels Of Anime 2008-04-07
I viewed this back during my college days in the mid-90's and let me say that this is one of the crowning achievements in japanamation!
The story centers on a masterless samari named Jubei who is (more or less) forced into service by Dakuwon, an agent of the Tokengowa goverment of Japan. Along the way, they battle the 8 Devils of Kimone, led by Jubei's old enemy Himiro Gemma and gain an ally in Kegero. A ninja woman who is blessed with an immunity to poisons but cursed because she can't enjoy any physical intimacy with anyone without killing them. Together, the three must prevent the 8 Devils and their masters, The Shogun Of The Dark from overtaking the government of Japan via a civil war.
Great action, great animation and a lot of plot twists along the way to the firey conclusion at the end. Great viewing but IT IS FOR ADULTS! In other words parents, DO NOT BUY THIS FOR YOUR KIDS!
Mom packed a sweet little lunch 2008-03-01
Hungry? Well kids, open up the box and see what Mom made for you today. Oh! It's all of your favorite snacks--action, blood, nudity, and foul language. She packed all the great stuff you love. Chomp down on some decapitations. Slurp up those severed limbs. Drink some extra helpings of blood. And for desert, there's some boobies. Hip Hip Hooray!
Ninja Scroll is a well-balanced meal that won't give you any cavities. Come take a bite boys and girls.
(Thanks Main Man)
I like action 2008-02-04
Reviews are opinionated. If you are unsure of my opinions validity, read my other reviews (mostly anime) to see what I normally like.
That being said, this is probably my favorite anime. 1st one I saw, really raised the bar.
A traveling samuri/ninja accidentally gets caught up with 8 half human/half demon characters when rescuing a ninja girl.
The animation is not of the highest quality, nor is the choreography anything complex. This doesn't count against the creativity and pace of any of the fight scenes.
The gore is moderate and there are a few scenes too sexual for suggested minor viewing.
the story is not incredibly deep, but far from shallow.
