Ninja Scroll is memorable in that, for its intended audience, it's got a lot of very well animated violent sequences, some rough but sharply defined characterizations, and a journey/story that is not too hard to figure out. It's got that samurai edge of 17th century lore from Japan, but it's also kinetic in its style, and abrasive at times in what it reaches to accomplish. It's also fun, most of the time, which is hard to be said for some very finely animated but incoherent samurai anime flicks or shows. After a village is destroyed by some weird plague, a samurai goes on a quest to find a dangerous foe who's seeking to overthrow the government. In the meantime, however, this quest involves facing off against deranged, fantastical demons set up by this head-foe. Of course a female counterpart (after being recovered by a near-vicious rape) accompanies him on the journey as well. It's an anime film that more than anything gives some individually memorable sequences, where style is really the key. The director, Yoshiaki Kawajiri, understands the importance of giving the scenes of daring-do a quick (but not too quick) power and splash of violence this level of dark, mature anime requires. But there are also some scenes of just plain dialog that work well too. Like my favorite 'cult' anime film, Fist of the North Star, Ninja Scroll has a story that needs a little paying attention to, but not by a lot. It's more concerned with the fates of the major players, and the side characters that come in and out (including a mysterious old-man character, as almost every anime film has one) are meant more for comic relief or moments of subtle intrigue. With an overwhelming climax, and some very solid swordplay throughout, Ninja Scroll is a must see for genre fans, and it might appeal to non-anime animation fans as well. It's got the thrills of regular samurai films, and the imagination, often over-the-top but sometimes darkly funny, that can only come from 90's era anime.
Review of Ninja Scroll
