[DerMensch24]

Juubee Ninpuuchou (Ninja Scroll)

Synopsis (Courtesy of MAL):
Spoiler (Click to View)Jubei Kibagami wanders feudal Japan as an itinerant swordsman-for-hire. After a past betrayal left him masterless, he has no more patience for warring political factions and their schemes. Unfortunately, both past and political intrigue collide when he meets and saves a female ninja named Kagero from a man with the ability to make his body as hard as stone.

The sole survivor of a ninja clan, Kagero continues her team's last mission: investigate a mysterious plague that wiped out an entire village. Jubei wants nothing to do with this, but the stone-like man's allies, a group of ninja with supernatural powers known as the Devils of Kimon, make that option difficult. To make matters worse, a government spy poisons Jubei, promising him an antidote if he can unravel the true intentions of the Devils of Kimon and their connection to the plague. The trail leads to shadow leaders, a plot to overthrow the government, and a man that Jubei thought he would never see again.

Studio: Madhouse
Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Historical, Horror, Romance, (Shounen?), Supernatural
Aired: Jun 5, 1993
Source: https://myanimelist.net/anime/617/Juubee_Ninpuuchou
Sub/Dub: Both exist and are decent

Film Trailer:
Spoiler (Click to View)

While an amazing work of art, this film does create mixed impressions. For its time, it is another wonderful work from Madhouse. Fluid motions and colorful visuals, as well as appealing to the darker tone of the anime, keep you entertained throughout. The sound is also decent with a nice blend of traditional music with the occasional quickened pace situational to the fighting.

However, the story and the characters are where on closer examination one might lose enjoyment. This film is very much intended to be enjoyed for what it is rather than convey too many messages. The story itself essentially begins in medias res, as well as many instances of events occurring with no explanation. Character development was also lacking, there is only that from Juubee and a little bit from the other secondary characters.

Yet, despite that, what lacks in the story and characters is made up with the interactions, with intense action scenes being the driving force with this film. It is also still recognized as one of the more popular ninja films of the decade. Overall it is an enjoyable movie, and I would still recommend that you all try to watch it ;)