Though it sounds like Romeo and Juliet meet the ninjas, Shinobi is actually a case of both style and substance and is actually a very good movie.
In 1614, two rival clans of Shinobis (think ninjas), the Iga and Kouga, live in hidden villages deep in the hills. They’ve been practicing their art of combat for centuries. Each clan trains their members in a number of magical and mystical fighting techniques. The tribes have been in a self imposed stalemate. There’s a new emperor and peace has come to the land, so the shinobi’s skills are more of a danger. He asks the head of the clans to his palace to demonstrate their techniques.
Gennosuke
He realizes the dangers that their powers pose to peace in the land. So the emperor decrees that the stalemate has ended and that five representatives will make their way to the royal palace and the clan’s representative that makes it there alive will win. The problem is that the leaders of the two groups are Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri) and Oboro (Yukie Nakama). Unknown to the leaders of either clans these two have fallen in love with one another and now find themselves on the opposite sides. They find that they might have to put their love aside and fight on another to the death.
One of the other Japanese films I reviewed lately I called a matter of style over substance and that the script was not fleshed out in lieu of fight scenes and visuals, but Shinobi offers both style and substance. It’s full of interesting and rich characters even though the plot description does sound a bit like Romeo and Juliet.
Some fans of these films will be most disappointed that there’s not wall to wall fighting in the film, the action scenes are few and far between. However, the scenes do have a stylish quality to them. The story is the thing and Shinobi has it in spades.
It’s based on the best selling Japanese novel Kouga Ninja Scrolls, which in turn was adapted into the anime series Basilisk. I cannot claim a familiarity with either of those adaptations but I can say that I was most impressed with the film.
Shinobi combines both style and substance
Shinobi is presented in anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) and enhanced for 16x9 televisions on disc one. Disc two contains the special features. “Shinobi Action – Sumpu Castle Fight” covers the creation of the titular battle sequence. “VFX Behind the Scenes” covers the visual effects that went into the making of the film.
There’s also a collection of storyboards, a featurette about the weapons used in the film, TV spots and trailers, and a featurette on the creation of Manidani Mountain for the film.
Shinobi is an excellent film and the DVD provides a collection of special features that compliment the movie. Shinobi actually combines style and substance - much better than one of the other Japanese films that I reviewed recently (The Promise for those keeping score). However, actions fans might be disappointed that it’s not wall to wall fight scenes, but those wanting a story will be happy.
Oboro
Shinobi - Heart Under Blade is now available at Amazon . It is available for pre-order at AmazonUK for a March 31st release. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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