Featured Audience Ratings

• Phil H

  
  Not based on a manga comic this time amazingly, but based upon a fantasy novel by the name of 'The Kouga Ninja Scrolls'. Personally I haven't heard of this so I cannot compare to the film adaptation but after some research the period in which this film is set… More
  Not based on a manga comic this time amazingly, but based upon a fantasy novel by the name of 'The Kouga Ninja Scrolls'. Personally I haven't heard of this so I cannot compare to the film adaptation but after some research the period in which this film is set ('Sengoku period') is actually a real Japanese period. The ruler at this time in the film is also based on a real person, Tokugawa Ieyasu of the 'Tokugawa Shogunate'. Also the two ninja clans in the film are also based on two real historical schools of Ninjutsu, 'Iga' and 'Kouga'. This all really adds to the film as it takes it from a basic ninja action film into the realms of epic historical. So yes its another Japanese film based around ninjas and its period set with hints of fantasy, fable and myth, fear not. Much better in quality than most, the plot is pretty much 'Romeo and Juliet' set in Japan, the two main characters are lovers who belong to warring ninja clans and you know what that means. This concept is actually really cool as it invites some typically awesome Eastern action sequences with some equally strong emotional scenes boasting nice performances. The main crux of the plot (and the best part) is the fact that each ninja clan must choose five of their best warriors to battle each other to the death to see which clan dominates basically. Little do they know that the Japanese ruler of the time has done this on purpose so they wipe each other out and he can reign without threat from either clan...crafty. Yes its highly unoriginal both in terms of the Shakespearean play side of things and the fact Japan must churn out tonnes of Samurai/ninja period flicks every year but it all looks splendidly gorgeous. I've said this before with these type of films (I really am trying not to say 'Japan' so much but its hard) but the costumes, characters, scenery, weapons, action and camera work is all so visually stunning, I dunno how they do it but its just a work of art at times. Big characters, natural subtle colour schemes and beautiful locations, a standard formula for Japanese period flicks. The film is slow at times but the action is superbly created mixing traditional arts with the much loved and over used fantasy elements (resorting in the usual average looking cgi I'm afraid). Of course the five ninja from each clan have their own fighting skills and weapons so it becomes almost like a videogame of sorts (no surprise there really) but its bloody good to watch. In the end good performances prevail as the lovers (who were part of the best five warriors on each side to fight if you hadn't guessed) must face each other in a whirlwind of emotion and slow motion action which brings the doomed couples tragedy to a conclusion, yep its pretty obvious really. On a final note I must give kudos to the cast who all make the film as good as it is. The two leads really do look beautiful together (just see the films main poster, so gentle and warm yet also striking) and make you feel the love and hurt throughout, Yukie Nakama is stunning. As for the rest I'm not sure who they all are but they all look wise, respectful and serious, just what you need really. And yes old Tak Sakaguchi is in there again, the man is in everything!

• Cynthia S

  
  This movie was pretty good. As with most films in this genre, the scenery was absolutely beautiful..... the colors were nice and rich. The acting was really good. You (obviously) need to suspend your belief in some of the fight scenes, and remember that this is a fantasy movie.… More
  This movie was pretty good. As with most films in this genre, the scenery was absolutely beautiful..... the colors were nice and rich. The acting was really good. You (obviously) need to suspend your belief in some of the fight scenes, and remember that this is a fantasy movie. However, if you do, your efforts will be rewarded.

• EightThirty .

  
  18/03/2010 (DVD) Tragical Romance, Magical Powers, Super Natural Combats, this is "Romeo and Juliet" Ninja style! A discomforting alliance, a forbidden love and a twist of fate. They have Faith in love and yet they are destined to kill. It's mysterious, dark and… More
  18/03/2010 (DVD) Tragical Romance, Magical Powers, Super Natural Combats, this is "Romeo and Juliet" Ninja style! A discomforting alliance, a forbidden love and a twist of fate. They have Faith in love and yet they are destined to kill. It's mysterious, dark and mystical, a terrific movie to watch and both sexes will get a kick out of it. Awesome cinematic themes through out the film. There is a Anime to this called "Basilisk" and its just as cool, 5 volumes that equals 24 episodes cool!

• Jens S

  
  The idea of mixing X-Men with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is actually pretty fantastic and the first hour is full of beautiful landscapes, great fights and interesting hero characters. Sadly, the ending and solution is somewhat disappointing. This had the potential to be a lot… More
  The idea of mixing X-Men with Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is actually pretty fantastic and the first hour is full of beautiful landscapes, great fights and interesting hero characters. Sadly, the ending and solution is somewhat disappointing. This had the potential to be a lot better, but the fun fights and the gorgeous cinematography still make this worth seeing for fans of the genre.

• JY S

  
  You may have heard or read that this movie is a cross between <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> and the <i>X-Men</i>. Actually, that is a pretty good description of this flick.<p>The main plot of this movie is a love story between two members of two different… More
  You may have heard or read that this movie is a cross between <i>Romeo and Juliet</i> and the <i>X-Men</i>. Actually, that is a pretty good description of this flick.<p>The main plot of this movie is a love story between two members of two different villages, which are at ends with each other. Does the concept sound familiar? Anyway this plot is quickly overshadowed by a subplot in which the two villages must select their 5 best shinobi to do battle with each other.</p><p>What will make the action fans happy is the fact that each of the ten shinobi specialize in a certain skill or art if you will. These skills can be comparable to powers from <i>X-Men</i> and the TV series <i>Heroes</i>. It is because of these skills that action fans may also be disappointed. Instead of shinobi clashing each other with swords and well choreographed martial arts fighting we get them facing each other with their respective skills. In fact the closest hand-to-hand type combat scenes are the few that include Tak Sakaguchi, which is what he is known for.</p><p>The cinematography as well as the CG effects in this film are pretty spectacular and this is what really enhances the fights and the scenery. Although the story is interesting, it did seem a little rushed. This movie actually comes in at just over 90 minutes and it left me wanting more back story and better character development.</p><p>In the end this film can be classified as a drama with a dash of action. If you're in the mood for a nice love story with a moderate amount of CG effected battles then this movie is for you.

• Lesley N

  
  Japanese film about two feuding villages with Ninja super-powers and a Romeo and Juliet theme as Gennosuke and Oboro lead their two tribes into attle. Beautiful action scenes, fantastical fighting talents, swooping scenery, ninjas!! .... but all the bits don't gell into a… More
  Japanese film about two feuding villages with Ninja super-powers and a Romeo and Juliet theme as Gennosuke and Oboro lead their two tribes into attle. Beautiful action scenes, fantastical fighting talents, swooping scenery, ninjas!! .... but all the bits don't gell into a satisfying whole .

• Anthony V

  
  Romeo and Juliet, Ninja style!

• Christopher B

  
  Excellent film. Ninjas with superpowers, do you really need more reasons to see it?

Read all 8 featured audience ratings