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...( read more  read more... )). 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

Flixster Users

86% liked it

12,440 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

5 critics

Unrated, 90 min.

Directed by: Kevin Seymour, Yoshiaki Kawajiri

Release Date: June 1, 1995

Invite friends to see

DVD Release Date: May 19, 1998

Stats: 2,441 reviews

Get movie widget Recommend it Add to Favorites

Your Rating



clear rating
Share on: Facebook Twitter

Flixster Reviews (2,441)


  • February 3, 2008
    Pending Review...

    Photobucket
  • July 14, 2007
    Lightening fast samurai action. Blood, pain, rage, brutal fighting, nudity, destruction and political ideologies. Perfect mix
  • April 12, 2007
    This movie rocks!
  • April 5, 2007
    The Most Disturbing, Most...I don't know what to say, but its fucking incredible. Incredible Action sequences and top of the line story. Loved every minute of it, hoped it would've lasted longer...Oh Yeah, its real smart aswell.
  • March 22, 2007
    If there is a word that resumes quite well this film is action, NS is all about the action. The plot is "101 Action/epic fiction" and curious enough is what makes it work. Kawajiri knows that there is no point in trying to re-invent the genre, so instead he works in crafting a ri...( read more)ch and excentric visual background.

    Cult classic indeed, and what makes me love japanese animation even more. There hardly is any other country that have such an understanding of the endless possiblities of animation as Japan (and some European countries) You have a story of human nature from Miyazaki and at the same time you can have a fun as hell ninja bloodbath as this one.
  • November 7, 2009
    Insane Manga movie with a very strange a twisted storyline.
    Amazing manga art shown is this one of a kind film. Lighting quick fight scences that make you not want it to end.
    A must see for all fans of Jap Manga films!!
  • October 27, 2009
    This film was fantastic. I couldn't get over how cool this film was! It makes me want to watch more Japanese anime!
  • October 5, 2009
    Sorry, too immature for me.
  • September 25, 2009
    This is easily one of the best anime movies ever. Blood, violence, ninjas, star-crossed love....this is a good combo. Very action oriented but also very touching. Classic.
  • September 22, 2009
    This movie started my thirst for ANIME !!!

Critic Reviews


Comments


  • edz101
    November 23, 2006
    i watched Ninja Scroll a few weeks ago not realy knowing what 2 expect, i an new to the anime/manga genre and well this movie is awsome! perverse in places, sometimes sickening but i loved it. its a must see!

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Official Trailer

Cast


No information available.

More Like This


Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

  • Cars
    Cars (20%)
  • The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the King
    The Lord of the Rings - The Return of the Kin... (56%)
  • Akira
    Akira (74%)
  • Wicked City (Yôjû toshi)
    Wicked City (Yôjû toshi) (71%)

Theater Showtimes & TV Listings


Ninja Scroll Trivia


  • Which movie had a travling ninja named Jubai  Answer »

Most Popular Skin