OMG IT'S THE PINNED COMMENT. Hi everyone, its been a minute, i missed my comment last week. But hey! Thanks for 70,000 subscribers! That's incredible, we're on the train for 100k, i honestly cant believe it. Im glad to have you all on board! Anyway, Ninja Scroll am i right? There's so many more movies i want to get into after doing this one, i love it so much. Its great to be able to cover the things i love the most so thank you for alowing us to do that. Ive been extremely tired lately personally, ive been on this youtube grind for four years now and it does take it's toll after a while, but releasing videos like this makes it worth it. As of right now i have no idea what we're covering next but i guarentee it'll make you happy. Thanks for reading, check out our patreon (please) and I'll see you next week!
My uncle is one of those dudes who aren't really anti-anime but kinda missed the boat on liking/enjoying anime. That being said Ninja Scroll is one of his favorite movies ever and we have a tradition of watching it at least once a year, so this movie holds a special place for me.
*"Gemma! Burn in your golden hell!"* Ninja Scroll is just the shit. Amazing visuals and animation, badass fight scenes that capture that distinct 90s ultraviolence so well, and a plot that never gets too elaborate or ridiculous and reaches a satisfying conclusion. As a protagonist, I find Jubei very likable, very irreverent and quick to make light of a life-or-death situation, but not to the point that it becomes grating, and ready to get serious when the situation calls for it. Dakuan is a delightfully mischievous old schemer, and Kagero being both a tragic character and one who can hold her own alongside Jubei makes her far more than just a helpless love interest. The 8 Devils all have very memorable designs and abilities, and make for very interesting antagonists with their infighting between each other (Zakuro, Yurimaru, Benisato, and Gemma in their bizarre love parallelogram) and how that directly aids in their downfall. Just a fantastic, badass movie that I would recommend to anyone.
yeah I saw a lot of these movies as kid. We had a dope VHS store where one of the workers was an anime fan and had a personalized section for it. It consisted of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Street Fighter II, Ninja Scroll, Princess Mononoke and quite few other films that didn't quite catch my eye. I also feel like I'm missing one. Also Dragon Ball aired at nights like 12 am or something. I loved watching it on weekends.
I was around 14-15 when my brother-in-law showed me this. I was not allowed to watch even pokemon growing up before this. So needless to say this was a shock.
Just watched it in the theater and it still holds up. Fast but evenly paced. Slows down for you to catch your breath and exposition and then back into the action. Forever a classic in anime cinema.
I'm an older anime fan. This movie was a rite of passage for most of us. This, Ghost in the Shell and Akira were the big three in our little group back in the day. Great video man. Grats on 70k! I'm sure you'll pass 100k soon. This is an exceptional channel.
I'm on the younger side but those 3 movies are high up on my reccomendations for people who haven't gotten into anime, especially people who are passionate about movies. They're so approachable and enjoyable for people who are put off by modern otaku culture. Millenium Actress, Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, Perfect Blue and Redline are some other good anime like that.
:::holds up his signed copy of the original VHD novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi, WITH a sketch of D inside as well from freaking Yoshitaka Amano::::: Oh, that was a GOOD DAY back in 2008.
Well...technically kill Bill stemmed from kill chiba, which came much earlier. Even borrowed the same cover. Sonny chiba (the title character of kill chiba obviously) worked with Quentin Tarantino on true romance and I think kill Bill too. Definitely true romance. Which was an awesome movie.
Came across this when I was going down my own anime rabbit hole thanks to InuYasha and Adult Swim’s Saturday night anime block(god I’m so old but amazing memories) Was probably about 8 years old and I started reading anime magazines that would discuss the biggest new series, OVA’s, movies, manga and so on; I always kept seeing images of Ninja Scroll in them so finally I checked it out at my local library and could not get enough(same with Spirited Away which became my favorite movie of all time) So found another rabbit hole of Yoshiaki Kawajiri which then took me down to Berserk 97 and so many more amazing anime from that era of gritty MANLY and badass anime from the 80’s and 90’s I do miss this kind of style of anime but I know it’ll make a return for the new generation to grow some hair on their chest; plus it’s awesome that Kawajiri is still working in the anime industry on another GOAT anime series Demon Slayer though would love to see him make a comeback and make a new badass action movie like Ninja Scroll or Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust or even a OVA like Cyber City Oedo 808; but who knows what lies ahead with anime becoming even more popular than ever before especially in the states
Yep same here id rent movies from blockbuster, didnt even know what anime was and my first was Princess Mononoke.. when i saw him shoot a guys head off with an arrow i was looking over my shoulder like wtf did i just see my mom had no idea lol ninja scroll wasn't to far after.
This movie is savage with a frantic pacing full of explicit violence and sex but also beautifully crafted and executed, a masterpiece and a one of a kind classic.
This was one of the first anime dvds I purchased as a teenager. I watched this movie on repeat alongside such based classics as Ghost in the Shell 95, Jin Roh, X the Movie, Princess Mononoke, and Castle in the Sky. I loved this movie for its action, dark fantasy, and martial arts it was so mesmerizing to me growing up
I’ve never gotten bored or didn’t use Ninja Scroll as a go to if I didn’t know what else to watch. This is just s perfect classic and love when I get to show someone this movie. Great video as usual, love this channel 🖤
Same here brother, my dad showed me this in 99 when i was 8 and sadly after my mother owned the VHS her ex departed with all her VHS movies so i forever lost this masterpiece, i mean i could order it someday on VHS but it gotta be expensive having it good looking case
So good! My experience with the film was similar,and is one of those classic anime that really set the bar for the genre. I love how it unashamedly tells a story about magical ninjas, yet tonally builds a serious and compelling world that makes it work. One of the best of all time
You forgot to mention from Kawajiri San his HIGHLANDER OVA. HIGHLANDE The Quest for Vengeance, the release version and the extended one, the are both so good.
i love how this channel manages to cover shows and movies that haven't been trending in over 20 years and not only make the content amazing but get people to watch to. so cool, ninja scroll is the best! do demon city shinjuku!
Awesome video! Ninja scroll was my first anime video in the USA in 1996 on vhs. I grew watching anime in Dominican Republic as a young kid but moved to the US in 89 & was very disappointed that there was no anime on tv here. So I started collecting videos from a local mall in the 90’s. Akira, ninja scroll, angel cop, wicked city. Watching this video bought me back to those days.
It has still stuck with me all these years later enough that I HAD to watch every episode of the series they recently released. I haven't seen it in years but will always love Ninja Scroll!
I had the same experience... I was 12 back then, (I am 38 now) and my friend Jason's older brother had a nice anime collection... I grew up in a church environment and there was a bit of a Culture shock... but I was kind of drawn to it... Same with the Pot I would smoke with them a year later... I liked it!
Saw this around age 21 then and I remember I would be in a random bar in conversation and asked if anyone saw this movie. People must have thought I was such a spazz
I don’t know how I forgot about Ninja Scroll, but it was definitely the anime that made me obsessed with the medium. It wasn’t my first, but it was my catalyst to finding more like it.
So glad I found this channel. We have like the exact same taste in anime... I've been a Kawajiri fan for a few years now and it's so awesome to find another Kawajiri lover.
Ninja Scroll was a formative experience for everyone into anime during that period of time. It was shocking and even traumatic in ways. Grave of the Fire Flies and Perfect Blue were other examples of similar shock/trauma.
This was actually the first anime I also watched and once I did I was hooked. While you were talking I was astounded because this is exactly the way my introduction happened. My brothers friend brought Ninja Scroll, Devil man, and some other movie but those 2 opened my mind as well as my world view at the age of 8 or so. Also thank you for being open with having fears and the complex you explained in the Akira video. Watching these videos makes me feel like I am not alone in this world and that is a feeling I haven't had in a long time, so seriously thank you again.
I saw it when I was in 4th or 5th grade and it was (still is) one of the coolest most violent and visceral things I'd ever seen. The only thing I've ever seen like it are maybe the Lone Wolf & Cub movies, though I've been chasing movie's with Ninja Scroll's level of exploitation/polish/style ever since I was a kid haha. Looking forward to seeing upcoming videos on similar anime you'd mentioned on this channel. Also I always appreciate any recommendations on anime to watch.
I must have watched this about 500 times since 95. The 90s were one of the strongest decades in anime. Small problem with background info. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was never a shogun and Sekigahara happened not long after his death so Tokugawa Ieyasu became the first shogun in generations after the time period that Ninja Scrolls takes place. Hideyoshi was Taiko. A created position that in effect had the power of a shogun, but Hideyoshi was born a peasant and could not hold the title of shogun. I was also 10 when I saw this for the first time.
I first saw Ninja Scroll as little shorts that MTV use to show before and after their commercial breaks. During their late night cartoon showings. I thought to myself I must see this. Five months later I got that chance. It was one of the most outstanding cartoons that I've ever seen. I always have a copy in my library.
Literally the first anime I ever saw all the way back in 1999! I just made a new friend who had moved to our town from out of state and one day when we were hanging out he had me watch ninja scroll and Akira back to back. It was one of the few moments I've experienced that I would call life-changing.
Thanks for this! Ninja Scroll was probably the first 'real' anime I ever watched, too. I knew someone who had a VHS of it in like, '96? Back then, especially where I lived, you'd have to go to a specialty store in the biggest city around, and maybe you'd stumble across something like that. But if you were like me, and didn't even really know that stuff existed, seeing Ninja Scroll for the first time was quite a shock. I never became a big fan of anime afterward, but Ninja Scroll gave me a real appreciation of the art form - while also being one of the craziest things I'd ever seen on a screen up to that point. It's been a favorite of mine ever since, and most definitely comes up in any conversation I have about anime. It's always me going, "So you've seen 'Ninja Scroll', then, right?" Of course they have.
This anime along with all mentioned remind me of my uncle who passed away last year. When I was 8 I remember watching this and being in awe of all things anime. I vibe with pretty much all your reviews of these classics 🙌🏻😭 thanks for these
Sad that they couldn't make this kind of perfection even as our technology became better. I wish he could make more animes like this. So crisp that you can taste the crunch.
Yoshiaki Kawajiri is one of my favorite anime directors. I love his work - nice shout-out. Demon City Shinjuku was one of the first anime films I ever watched - a rental at Blockbuster Video, lol. I didn't watch Ninja Scroll until much later, but it might be my favorite film he's done. Even his short films and OVAs are pretty great, like Cyber City Oedo 808. It's a close call between Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, if I had to choose.
Ya, I'm 36. Ninja scroll I admit as a teen I copied from the rental store so I could watch it more. You just don't get that kind of anime much anymore. Ah the 90s
Ninja Scroll is a classic. I hardly hear about how the 8 devils seem to have influenced the bosses in the metal gear games. The 8 devils themselves seem similar to the fiend corp from vampire hunter D.
Dude THANK YOU for making me remember to watch Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D, I'm from that generation but didn't actually watch them and completely forgot about it until now, damn memory, I regret so much not watching those...
Further proof that technology is always listening in on us! I literally had a conversation with someone whose never heard of Ninja Scroll, earlier today. RUclips: So here's a video on Ninja Scroll Time to bust out the tinfoil hats!
Dude, I haven't clicked a video so fast. I remember seeing this when I was a young kiddo too. I think my older sister and her bf or something let me watch it with them, and when the tiddies came up they stopped it and skipped forward a bit. But I caught the tiddies and was like :O. I ultimately ended up loving how cool and awesome it was but, now that I'm thinking of it or whenever it comes back up in my mind from a conversation, I feel like I never watched it in its FULL entirety.. I should do that now as an adult.
Ninja scroll is thee anime movie along with fist of the North Star if you haven't watched any of those then you aren't a true anime fan 😁 when people tell me that they like anime I ask have u watched ninja scroll lol
First time catching one of your vids, nice work man. I actually haven't watched Ninja Scroll in years, yet still one of my all time favorites; I had no idea that so many other favorites came from the same guy.
Honestly, I also 1st saw ninja scroll at a really young age and I was both entranced and disgusted by the level of violence on display. It is one of those movies that I would have NEVER recommended to someone as a 1st watch or even a 100th watch, but.... you've convinced me to go back and give it another try. I mostly like anime because I love the process of teaching, and I think the Japanese have it down to a science with how well they incorporate subtle life lessons into animated stories, such as Zenitsu's grandfather in Kimetsu no Yaiba telling him that even if he can only do 1 thing well all he needs to is master that 1 thing to be alright in life. That is a fucking awesome life lesson, and imo very true to real life (think a socially inept engineer, or a musician who can't do anything else but play amazing guitar. There is a lot they cannot do, but they're still gonna be just fine in life if they play their cards right) I'm still not a huge fan of violence and gore in media. I think the vast majority of media should be positive examples of things we want to see emulated in the world, not necessarily an outlet for suppressed emotions. Imo that is what exercise, gaming, and the creative process are for, and the less media that glorifies violence and war the better. But I do love to see historical mythology presented in unusual ways, and that is one aspect of the show I had never considered before. Here's hoping when I rewatch it with adult eyes I'll find some of the value in its expression of the values of the era and historical context that you did.
Yeah, I still have this anime in it's old school VHS format! In fact it was part of my first fifteen anime collection that I started up back when I was living in Redding CA.
I first watched Ninja Scroll around 30 years ago and it blew my mind apart for the same reasons described here. I just pre-ordered the Blu-ray and I'm excited to watch it again since I haven't seen it in a while.
Great video. I'm not really an anime guy but I love the big ones: NS, Akira, Vampire Hunter D. A friend intro.d. me to Ninja Scroll and I was blown away. I'll have to revisit it soon because I realize after watching this video how much I miss it.
Well as far as the fights. Tessai - I think Jubei would have defeated him even without the help of Kagero, it just would have taken longer. In their 1-on-1 confrontation, on the first attack, Tessai threw his double bladed sword slightly high to get Jubei to jump and possibly chop off his legs or set up his next move. Jubei didn’t flinch and made a swift attack to Tessai’s gut to test the strength of his stoned skin. He praises Jubei for the skillful move. Benisato - Caught in her spell, she would have defeated Jubei had Dakuan not intervened with a shuriken to the arm which broke Benisato's spell. She seems to excel in quiet one-on-one confrontation, but she has a huge weakness in groups. Twice Benisato is unprepared or caught off guard by a 3rd party. Shijima - Although he’s one of my favorites, Jubei completely out-skilled this guy. Whether it was using Kagero as a decoy to get the first attack on Shijima’s leg in the open field, or not succumbing to what looked like a perfect trap where Kagero is mind controlled. Shijima unleashed his claw at the best time when Jubei was bleeding from the poison, yet still couldn’t kill him. Shijima definitely let his guard down for a short period of time hoping Kagero would kill Jubei and that's when he got caught. Zakuro - They never had a traditional fight as she needs a skilled target to be distracted or misdirected to defeat them. Other than that I don’t think it would be a contest. Jealousy and the shame from failure to kill Jubei reside over her. Mushizo - Getting an advantage on your opponent is strategy but this is one of the few fights against a devil that Jubei fought on (mostly) equal ground. Unlike Benisato, Mushizo scouted them, kept the group busy and kited Jubei away. It was clever, in the end Jubei dodged all his attacks, stalled for time when necessary and forced Mushizo into an unfavorable position, near water. Mushizo’s desire to kill Jubei clouded his judgment. This is eluded to by Mujuro Utsutsu and foreshadowed by Yurimaru earlier. Tessei’s rage undid him to a degree, not being focused on the mission and instead on the individual who cock blocked him. Once Jubei killed Tessai and the devils learned of his history with the Yamashiro Ninja team Jubei became a threat to the mission but also a Worthy Opponent, something the Devil's of Kimon probably haven’t had in a long time. Yurimaru says “Anyone who kills Tessai must not be underestimated.” Yurimaru electrifies the water near Jubei’s location, but half the devils are happy to see “only dead fish” because they want a 1-on-1 fight with him. So, unaware of Jubei’s location and his ability to extend the length of his blade Mushizo is disabled and defeated. Mujuro Utsutsu - The more honorable member of the Devil’s of Kimon Utsutsu is completely focused. He has a lot of respect for Jubei , but views himself vastly superior. It shows in their sword play. Utsutsu wins this fight 100% if Kagero’s blade didn’t happen to be stuck in the exact same bamboo he left Jubei impaired. Utsutsu died not knowing how Jubei could block and attack at the same time. Yurimaru - Probably came the closest to actually killing Jubei. Though Yurimaru's need to make Jubei suffer played a role in his demise. He’s unique in that he’s extremely quite until it’s time to kill, where sometimes, he wants to hear his opponent scream. He appears to swiftly leave a silhouette or copy of himself as he gets in position to kill his opponent. Through jealousy Zakuro intervenes, which buys Jubei the time to escape the explosion. Himuro Genma - A lot of passion went into their fight because of their history, but you’ll notice a common theme “I won’t kill you till I make you suffer.” Benisato, Shijima & Utsutsu were the only devils who tried to kill Jubei quickly with no emotion. You could argue Pride played a small role in how Benisato & Utsutsu approached Jubei. Either way, Genma had his opportunity but Jubei’s determination lead to victory.
My family used to have a booth at a flea market in Dallas. There was a video store that sold VHS tapes without the box. There was an Asian guy who worked at this video store inside the flea market who introduced my brother and native ninja scroll. We purchased the VHS tape for one dollar and our lives were changed. I was similar to you and Aj but we were like your neighbor, we were allowed to watch whatever we wanted. This movie is what got me into animation one of the greats.
Great summation of a fantastic and important film. One of the many things I loved and still love about Ninja Scroll is that the animation was heads and shoulders above many animes I had seen, particularly at that time. It was smooth, detailed, lifelike, and fully alive, especially the action sequences which were 80% of the movie. The voice acting of the Japanese actors was also excellent. I’ll never forget the first time I saw it and the scene when Jubei slices off Genma’s arm and Gemma nonchalantly reattaches it and says in this chilling voice, “You can’t kill me. I am immortal.”
DUDE! I freakin' love Ninja Scroll! I must've been 15 or 16 when I first saw it. I arrived at it at a time when I was hungry for anime, the edgier the better, but found the depths of humanity and history, however romanticized and fantasized, equally compelling. I immediately knew I'd seen something incredible, and special. Violence and fantasy aside, it's got a real heart to it, and is not content to coast along on a reputation for gore and body horror. Sad that the western anime fan who's watched it is a dying breed nowadays. I'm glad you made this video! Have a subscription, and enjoy Retroworld! Had I not had house repairs to supervise, I might've been glad to meet you there!
I remember at ten, sneaking out of my room to watch my brother playing this in the living room. I was immediately hooked & I never will forget the love of getting into anime/manga because of my cool bro (gone, never forgotten).
What got me into anime as a 12yr ninja scroll, ghost in the shell, akira, and nasica!! Great vid. Lol watched to end and you showed all 4 i named xD good man.
Ninja Scroll was that bloodbuster tape I stared at before I officially got into anime and is one of the movies along with Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust that has shaped my love of anime ever since.
OMG IT'S THE PINNED COMMENT.
Hi everyone, its been a minute, i missed my comment last week. But hey! Thanks for 70,000 subscribers! That's incredible, we're on the train for 100k, i honestly cant believe it. Im glad to have you all on board! Anyway, Ninja Scroll am i right? There's so many more movies i want to get into after doing this one, i love it so much. Its great to be able to cover the things i love the most so thank you for alowing us to do that. Ive been extremely tired lately personally, ive been on this youtube grind for four years now and it does take it's toll after a while, but releasing videos like this makes it worth it. As of right now i have no idea what we're covering next but i guarentee it'll make you happy. Thanks for reading, check out our patreon (please) and I'll see you next week!
You're great dude.love your Videos
A lot of people look Akira!...but this one was the one that woke me to manga!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS ONE!
What was your favourite part???
talk about "a tree of palme" "spriggan" or "big fish and begonia"
Nothing beats ninja scroll i own it all ,the series and ninja resurrection 🤘😜🤘
Ninja Scroll: One of the greatest anime movies of all time!
Yes sir!!!!!!
Hell yeah This movie is the GOAT.
Ninja Scroll is part of the golden age of Anime.
aserabus you know what’s sad, I have two dvds of this movie and because we’re so advanced I haven’t owned a DVD player in over four years. 😭
Oh and Ninja Scroll two was the worst
Watched this ages ago as a teenager. Bought a dog. Named him Jubei. He lived for 20 years. 10/10
@Marlon Quintana-Nieto sorry for your loss. Truly. Dogs are such a gift. 🤗
May he rest in perfect peace.
That's the very best story I've ever heard!
My dogs name is Gatsu (Guts) from Berserk :)
@@cameroncantu633 I wanted to name my puppy Guts, the wife was having none of it. So, I named him Kentaro instead 😂
My uncle is one of those dudes who aren't really anti-anime but kinda missed the boat on liking/enjoying anime. That being said Ninja Scroll is one of his favorite movies ever and we have a tradition of watching it at least once a year, so this movie holds a special place for me.
I also had an uncle i used to watch stuff like this with too, i feel ya! Good memories
Jubei headbutting Gemma into the floor >
*"Gemma! Burn in your golden hell!"*
Ninja Scroll is just the shit. Amazing visuals and animation, badass fight scenes that capture that distinct 90s ultraviolence so well, and a plot that never gets too elaborate or ridiculous and reaches a satisfying conclusion. As a protagonist, I find Jubei very likable, very irreverent and quick to make light of a life-or-death situation, but not to the point that it becomes grating, and ready to get serious when the situation calls for it. Dakuan is a delightfully mischievous old schemer, and Kagero being both a tragic character and one who can hold her own alongside Jubei makes her far more than just a helpless love interest. The 8 Devils all have very memorable designs and abilities, and make for very interesting antagonists with their infighting between each other (Zakuro, Yurimaru, Benisato, and Gemma in their bizarre love parallelogram) and how that directly aids in their downfall. Just a fantastic, badass movie that I would recommend to anyone.
Agreed verbatim.
My brother nicknamed himself, "Gamma" (as pronounced in the dub) because of this film.
"I DON'T CARE HOW MANY TIMES I GOT TO SEND YOU BACK TO HELL!"
im 33, saw ninja scrolls when i was twelve, it was not pokemon.
Brad Lancaster so you’re saying you were a badass 12 y/o and it resulted in in possibly the best taste in anime
yeah I saw a lot of these movies as kid. We had a dope VHS store where one of the workers was an anime fan and had a personalized section for it. It consisted of Ghost in the Shell, Akira, Street Fighter II, Ninja Scroll, Princess Mononoke and quite few other films that didn't quite catch my eye. I also feel like I'm missing one.
Also Dragon Ball aired at nights like 12 am or something. I loved watching it on weekends.
I was around 14-15 when my brother-in-law showed me this. I was not allowed to watch even pokemon growing up before this. So needless to say this was a shock.
Yeah I was around that age too. Third anime I'd ever seen after Vampire Hunter D and Akira. I was like, OMG they can do that in cartoons!?!?!? LOL
@@marcusburrell1906 agreed, it blew my mind and started a lifelong love of anime.
Just watched it in the theater and it still holds up. Fast but evenly paced. Slows down for you to catch your breath and exposition and then back into the action. Forever a classic in anime cinema.
Also one of the very most beautiful visuals for an anime ever, nothing beats the 70-00s eras
The quintessential anime film from a time when basically nobody knew what it was. I loved it
Golgo 13,pet shop of horrors,cockpit.
Even fewer knew these in that time as well.
Fast times then..
If anything embodied the essence of anime it is definitely Ninja Scroll.
Hellya
Embodied it so much that it flopped in Japan?
it won a film festival
@@khaimk4r4su guess the Japanese audience has a poor taste in anime lol
One of the first anime I ever bought. Amazing anime that is a classic!
I'm an older anime fan. This movie was a rite of passage for most of us. This, Ghost in the Shell and Akira were the big three in our little group back in the day. Great video man. Grats on 70k! I'm sure you'll pass 100k soon. This is an exceptional channel.
You forgot about wicked city
Same here but add Lupin the 3rd.
Nausica.
I'm on the younger side but those 3 movies are high up on my reccomendations for people who haven't gotten into anime, especially people who are passionate about movies. They're so approachable and enjoyable for people who are put off by modern otaku culture. Millenium Actress, Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, Perfect Blue and Redline are some other good anime like that.
Vampire Hunter D and this movie is what got me into anime as a child.
Who let you watch this shit as a child? Good film. But damn.
Same here!
Kawajiri has the best style
Dude, do a video on Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust
We will, we did a viewing party of it on patreon already!
:::holds up his signed copy of the original VHD novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi, WITH a sketch of D inside as well from freaking Yoshitaka Amano::::: Oh, that was a GOOD DAY back in 2008.
@@Bonsaipop Do the Highlander anime
A+++ absolute classic
@@JnEricsonx that flex only really works in person with your actual copy lol
I've seen it, it is criminally underrated.
... There is a reason Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill was a thing ... Ninja Scrolls did it first ...
Well...technically kill Bill stemmed from kill chiba, which came much earlier. Even borrowed the same cover.
Sonny chiba (the title character of kill chiba obviously) worked with Quentin Tarantino on true romance and I think kill Bill too. Definitely true romance. Which was an awesome movie.
I'm feeling more he got ideas from Lone wolf and Cub
A large portion of the classic Samurai Cinema
Ninja Scroll is part of the golden age of Anime. Such a masterpiece!
I used to have a copy of Ninja Scroll on VHS. One of my all time favourites.
Came across this when I was going down my own anime rabbit hole thanks to InuYasha and Adult Swim’s Saturday night anime block(god I’m so old but amazing memories)
Was probably about 8 years old and I started reading anime magazines that would discuss the biggest new series, OVA’s, movies, manga and so on; I always kept seeing images of Ninja Scroll in them so finally I checked it out at my local library and could not get enough(same with Spirited Away which became my favorite movie of all time)
So found another rabbit hole of Yoshiaki Kawajiri which then took me down to Berserk 97 and so many more amazing anime from that era of gritty MANLY and badass anime from the 80’s and 90’s
I do miss this kind of style of anime but I know it’ll make a return for the new generation to grow some hair on their chest; plus it’s awesome that Kawajiri is still working in the anime industry on another GOAT anime series Demon Slayer though would love to see him make a comeback and make a new badass action movie like Ninja Scroll or Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust or even a OVA like Cyber City Oedo 808; but who knows what lies ahead with anime becoming even more popular than ever before especially in the states
My favourite anime, will always stand the test of time.
The only anime that i liked , no cringe at all , just straight up messy action , love it
I was the kid who’s dad would let him get and “cartoon” from blockbuster, and I wonder how many friends I made watch this movie in the summer of 94
Yep same here id rent movies from blockbuster, didnt even know what anime was and my first was Princess Mononoke.. when i saw him shoot a guys head off with an arrow i was looking over my shoulder like wtf did i just see my mom had no idea lol ninja scroll wasn't to far after.
I was the kid that was overly shielded and saw it at your house! I salute you blockbuster bad ass neighbor kid!!
I just watched it through for the first time in a theater yesterday. You gotta catch it on the Big screen if ever the opportunity arrives.
great video!
ninja scroll is a classic, i find myself recommending this one to people myself.
Ninja Scroll is a must have in any anime fans collection.
Loved Ninja Scroll! Hoping you visit Record of Lodoss War too!!
Guarentee we will!
Bonsai Pop amen to that! you are quickly becoming one of my top five favorite RUclips channels!
@@Bonsaipop I once got to joke with Lisa Ortiz that Lina Inverse was what happened if you gave Deedlit WAY too much coffee.
This movie is savage with a frantic pacing full of explicit violence and sex but also beautifully crafted and executed, a masterpiece and a one of a kind classic.
Ninja scroll, fist of the north star, akira, vamp d, hellsing, demon city, wicked city, twilight of the dark master all must see classics
Same here! STILL my favorite anime movie of all time.
This was one of the first anime dvds I purchased as a teenager. I watched this movie on repeat alongside such based classics as Ghost in the Shell 95, Jin Roh, X the Movie, Princess Mononoke, and Castle in the Sky. I loved this movie for its action, dark fantasy, and martial arts it was so mesmerizing to me growing up
I’ve never gotten bored or didn’t use Ninja Scroll as a go to if I didn’t know what else to watch. This is just s perfect classic and love when I get to show someone this movie.
Great video as usual, love this channel 🖤
This movie was the movie that opened my eyes to anime as a kid. watching on a fixed cable box. Great video
This movie has been my favorite anime ever since I bought it as a kid on VHS.
Same here brother, my dad showed me this in 99 when i was 8 and sadly after my mother owned the VHS her ex departed with all her VHS movies so i forever lost this masterpiece, i mean i could order it someday on VHS but it gotta be expensive having it good looking case
@Berserk096-z6v yeah I loaned mine out and never got it back. Ended up buying it on DVD
4:30 “Mothers Basement tore it a new bootyhole”lol, funniest line of the whole video.
So good! My experience with the film was similar,and is one of those classic anime that really set the bar for the genre.
I love how it unashamedly tells a story about magical ninjas, yet tonally builds a serious and compelling world that makes it work. One of the best of all time
It must be stated how beautiful the artwork is. Kawajiri is a master.
You forgot to mention from Kawajiri San his HIGHLANDER OVA. HIGHLANDE The Quest for Vengeance, the release version and the extended one, the are both so good.
i love how this channel manages to cover shows and movies that haven't been trending in over 20 years and not only make the content amazing but get people to watch to. so cool, ninja scroll is the best! do demon city shinjuku!
Same director too.
Dont say treading only fools fallow trends
Awesome video! Ninja scroll was my first anime video in the USA in 1996 on vhs. I grew watching anime in Dominican Republic as a young kid but moved to the US in 89 & was very disappointed that there was no anime on tv here. So I started collecting videos from a local mall in the 90’s. Akira, ninja scroll, angel cop, wicked city. Watching this video bought me back to those days.
It has still stuck with me all these years later enough that I HAD to watch every episode of the series they recently released. I haven't seen it in years but will always love Ninja Scroll!
I had the same experience... I was 12 back then, (I am 38 now) and my friend Jason's older brother had a nice anime collection... I grew up in a church environment and there was a bit of a Culture shock... but I was kind of drawn to it... Same with the Pot I would smoke with them a year later... I liked it!
Nostalgia 100%
Great anime and great video!! Thank you:)
My #1 of all time. Beautiful. Nyc-out Bronx Allday!
Ninja Scroll is easily in my top 5 Anime features of all time. I'd love to see you all do a review of Ghost in the Shell in the future.
This is one of my all time favorite animated movies i remember buying it on DVD about 10 years ago and i absolutely loved it
i love this movie. it is one of my favorite of all times. The follow ups were nice addition as well.
Saw this around age 21 then and I remember I would be in a random bar in conversation and asked if anyone saw this movie. People must have thought I was such a spazz
I don’t know how I forgot about Ninja Scroll, but it was definitely the anime that made me obsessed with the medium. It wasn’t my first, but it was my catalyst to finding more like it.
So glad I found this channel. We have like the exact same taste in anime... I've been a Kawajiri fan for a few years now and it's so awesome to find another Kawajiri lover.
Ninja Scroll was a formative experience for everyone into anime during that period of time. It was shocking and even traumatic in ways. Grave of the Fire Flies and Perfect Blue were other examples of similar shock/trauma.
Ok watched all of this and I love love this video! Thanks for diving in!
Keep up the good videos bro we can all appreciate when someone knows what they are saying salute
This was actually the first anime I also watched and once I did I was hooked. While you were talking I was astounded because this is exactly the way my introduction happened. My brothers friend brought Ninja Scroll, Devil man, and some other movie but those 2 opened my mind as well as my world view at the age of 8 or so. Also thank you for being open with having fears and the complex you explained in the Akira video. Watching these videos makes me feel like I am not alone in this world and that is a feeling I haven't had in a long time, so seriously thank you again.
It's The Eight Devils of Kimone, it's like A Tribe Called Quest, you gotta say the whole name. Put some respect on it!!!
No man, it's the eight dwarfs of Timone. The leader was named Pumba the pig.
Or A Pimp Named Slickback
I saw it when I was in 4th or 5th grade and it was (still is) one of the coolest most violent and visceral things I'd ever seen. The only thing I've ever seen like it are maybe the Lone Wolf & Cub movies, though I've been chasing movie's with Ninja Scroll's level of exploitation/polish/style ever since I was a kid haha. Looking forward to seeing upcoming videos on similar anime you'd mentioned on this channel. Also I always appreciate any recommendations on anime to watch.
I must have watched this about 500 times since 95. The 90s were one of the strongest decades in anime.
Small problem with background info. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was never a shogun and Sekigahara happened not long after his death so Tokugawa Ieyasu became the first shogun in generations after the time period that Ninja Scrolls takes place. Hideyoshi was Taiko. A created position that in effect had the power of a shogun, but Hideyoshi was born a peasant and could not hold the title of shogun.
I was also 10 when I saw this for the first time.
Saw it in the 90's and it's still my favorite! Great videos sir
This movie was my absolute favorite when I was young And still to this day
I first saw Ninja Scroll as little shorts that MTV use to show before and after their commercial breaks. During their late night cartoon showings.
I thought to myself I must see this. Five months later I got that chance.
It was one of the most outstanding cartoons that I've ever seen.
I always have a copy in my library.
Same!!
Literally the first anime I ever saw all the way back in 1999! I just made a new friend who had moved to our town from out of state and one day when we were hanging out he had me watch ninja scroll and Akira back to back. It was one of the few moments I've experienced that I would call life-changing.
Loved this movie when I was a teenager. Now I understand and love it when I’m 35.
Thanks for this! Ninja Scroll was probably the first 'real' anime I ever watched, too. I knew someone who had a VHS of it in like, '96? Back then, especially where I lived, you'd have to go to a specialty store in the biggest city around, and maybe you'd stumble across something like that. But if you were like me, and didn't even really know that stuff existed, seeing Ninja Scroll for the first time was quite a shock. I never became a big fan of anime afterward, but Ninja Scroll gave me a real appreciation of the art form - while also being one of the craziest things I'd ever seen on a screen up to that point. It's been a favorite of mine ever since, and most definitely comes up in any conversation I have about anime. It's always me going, "So you've seen 'Ninja Scroll', then, right?" Of course they have.
NO VIEWS YET? LETS GO
nice video tho I love you
This too was also one of my first anime movies, thanks to my uncles. Also nice touch with the Ys music.
FIST OF THE NORTH STAR VAMPIRE HUNTER D NINJA SCROLL OG CLASSIC💯💯💯
They were the first three movies I seen an it created an addition. Lol
This anime along with all mentioned remind me of my uncle who passed away last year. When I was 8 I remember watching this and being in awe of all things anime. I vibe with pretty much all your reviews of these classics 🙌🏻😭 thanks for these
Sad that they couldn't make this kind of perfection even as our technology became better. I wish he could make more animes like this. So crisp that you can taste the crunch.
Was so good to listen to Bushido Blade 2 character select theme during the video. Thanks for that!
A favorite of mine from waaaaaay back! I always ask, "Have you seen ' Ninja Scroll'"?✊🏿✌🏿
Yoshiaki Kawajiri is one of my favorite anime directors. I love his work - nice shout-out. Demon City Shinjuku was one of the first anime films I ever watched - a rental at Blockbuster Video, lol. I didn't watch Ninja Scroll until much later, but it might be my favorite film he's done. Even his short films and OVAs are pretty great, like Cyber City Oedo 808. It's a close call between Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust, if I had to choose.
is it me of does Genma look like the main bounty Hunter leader from Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust
Yutaka Minowa did the character designs for Ninja Scroll and VHD: Bloodlust, as well as a ton of other Madhouse/Kawajiri stuff.
Yes! All time favorite movies and anime! Enjoyed the video, thank you.
This is the Die Hard of anime.
Ninja Scroll a work of art that doesn't get old. It one of the movies i still enjoy alot.
Ya, I'm 36. Ninja scroll I admit as a teen I copied from the rental store so I could watch it more.
You just don't get that kind of anime much anymore. Ah the 90s
I'm 39.
Golgo 13, petshopofhorrors,cockpit.
Nice way to spend a rainy weekend with a 1/8 of good weed.
Time sure flies fast. But Ninja Scroll is perfect, no matter what the time. As well as Vampire Hunter D bloodlust.
My first and favorite anime! Awesome video man. Rawest thing I’d ever seen was Jubei V. Genma head-butted into the deck of the ship.
He deserved it.
Ninja Scroll is a classic. I hardly hear about how the 8 devils seem to have influenced the bosses in the metal gear games. The 8 devils themselves seem similar to the fiend corp from vampire hunter D.
Yes many Films, and games use this style of having weird and wonderful bosses now
YES!
Dude THANK YOU for making me remember to watch Ninja Scroll and Vampire Hunter D, I'm from that generation but didn't actually watch them and completely forgot about it until now, damn memory, I regret so much not watching those...
Further proof that technology is always listening in on us! I literally had a conversation with someone whose never heard of Ninja Scroll, earlier today.
RUclips: So here's a video on Ninja Scroll
Time to bust out the tinfoil hats!
@Ichigo Uzumaki yes. I think we should documented how often it happens.
Wow. You’re channel is so good, dude. I just stumbled upon it by accident and am so stoked to tuck in. Much appreciated!
Dude, I haven't clicked a video so fast. I remember seeing this when I was a young kiddo too. I think my older sister and her bf or something let me watch it with them, and when the tiddies came up they stopped it and skipped forward a bit. But I caught the tiddies and was like :O. I ultimately ended up loving how cool and awesome it was but, now that I'm thinking of it or whenever it comes back up in my mind from a conversation, I feel like I never watched it in its FULL entirety.. I should do that now as an adult.
I watched this as a kid when it came out and it was hands down my favorite anime of all time, to this day.
Ninja scroll is thee anime movie along with fist of the North Star if you haven't watched any of those then you aren't a true anime fan 😁 when people tell me that they like anime I ask have u watched ninja scroll lol
First time catching one of your vids, nice work man. I actually haven't watched Ninja Scroll in years, yet still one of my all time favorites; I had no idea that so many other favorites came from the same guy.
Honestly, I also 1st saw ninja scroll at a really young age and I was both entranced and disgusted by the level of violence on display.
It is one of those movies that I would have NEVER recommended to someone as a 1st watch or even a 100th watch, but.... you've convinced me to go back and give it another try.
I mostly like anime because I love the process of teaching, and I think the Japanese have it down to a science with how well they incorporate subtle life lessons into animated stories, such as Zenitsu's grandfather in Kimetsu no Yaiba telling him that even if he can only do 1 thing well all he needs to is master that 1 thing to be alright in life. That is a fucking awesome life lesson, and imo very true to real life (think a socially inept engineer, or a musician who can't do anything else but play amazing guitar. There is a lot they cannot do, but they're still gonna be just fine in life if they play their cards right)
I'm still not a huge fan of violence and gore in media. I think the vast majority of media should be positive examples of things we want to see emulated in the world, not necessarily an outlet for suppressed emotions. Imo that is what exercise, gaming, and the creative process are for, and the less media that glorifies violence and war the better.
But I do love to see historical mythology presented in unusual ways, and that is one aspect of the show I had never considered before.
Here's hoping when I rewatch it with adult eyes I'll find some of the value in its expression of the values of the era and historical context that you did.
Yeah, I still have this anime in it's old school VHS format! In fact it was part of my first fifteen anime collection that I started up back when I was living in Redding CA.
One of my favorites. Thanks for covering this.
I first watched Ninja Scroll around 30 years ago and it blew my mind apart for the same reasons described here. I just pre-ordered the Blu-ray and I'm excited to watch it again since I haven't seen it in a while.
Great video. I'm not really an anime guy but I love the big ones: NS, Akira, Vampire Hunter D. A friend intro.d. me to Ninja Scroll and I was blown away. I'll have to revisit it soon because I realize after watching this video how much I miss it.
Well as far as the fights.
Tessai -
I think Jubei would have defeated him even without the help of Kagero, it just would have taken longer. In their 1-on-1 confrontation, on the first attack, Tessai threw his double bladed sword slightly high to get Jubei to jump and possibly chop off his legs or set up his next move. Jubei didn’t flinch and made a swift attack to Tessai’s gut to test the strength of his stoned skin. He praises Jubei for the skillful move.
Benisato -
Caught in her spell, she would have defeated Jubei had Dakuan not intervened with a shuriken to the arm which broke Benisato's spell. She seems to excel in quiet one-on-one confrontation, but she has a huge weakness in groups. Twice Benisato is unprepared or caught off guard by a 3rd party.
Shijima -
Although he’s one of my favorites, Jubei completely out-skilled this guy. Whether it was using Kagero as a decoy to get the first attack on Shijima’s leg in the open field, or not succumbing to what looked like a perfect trap where Kagero is mind controlled. Shijima unleashed his claw at the best time when Jubei was bleeding from the poison, yet still couldn’t kill him. Shijima definitely let his guard down for a short period of time hoping Kagero would kill Jubei and that's when he got caught.
Zakuro -
They never had a traditional fight as she needs a skilled target to be distracted or misdirected to defeat them. Other than that I don’t think it would be a contest. Jealousy and the shame from failure to kill Jubei reside over her.
Mushizo -
Getting an advantage on your opponent is strategy but this is one of the few fights against a devil that Jubei fought on (mostly) equal ground. Unlike Benisato, Mushizo scouted them, kept the group busy and kited Jubei away. It was clever, in the end Jubei dodged all his attacks, stalled for time when necessary and forced Mushizo into an unfavorable position, near water. Mushizo’s desire to kill Jubei clouded his judgment. This is eluded to by Mujuro Utsutsu and foreshadowed by Yurimaru earlier. Tessei’s rage undid him to a degree, not being focused on the mission and instead on the individual who cock blocked him. Once Jubei killed Tessai and the devils learned of his history with the Yamashiro Ninja team Jubei became a threat to the mission but also a Worthy Opponent, something the Devil's of Kimon probably haven’t had in a long time. Yurimaru says “Anyone who kills Tessai must not be underestimated.” Yurimaru electrifies the water near Jubei’s location, but half the devils are happy to see “only dead fish” because they want a 1-on-1 fight with him. So, unaware of Jubei’s location and his ability to extend the length of his blade Mushizo is disabled and defeated.
Mujuro Utsutsu -
The more honorable member of the Devil’s of Kimon Utsutsu is completely focused. He has a lot of respect for Jubei , but views himself vastly superior. It shows in their sword play. Utsutsu wins this fight 100% if Kagero’s blade didn’t happen to be stuck in the exact same bamboo he left Jubei impaired. Utsutsu died not knowing how Jubei could block and attack at the same time.
Yurimaru -
Probably came the closest to actually killing Jubei. Though Yurimaru's need to make Jubei suffer played a role in his demise. He’s unique in that he’s extremely quite until it’s time to kill, where sometimes, he wants to hear his opponent scream. He appears to swiftly leave a silhouette or copy of himself as he gets in position to kill his opponent. Through jealousy Zakuro intervenes, which buys Jubei the time to escape the explosion.
Himuro Genma -
A lot of passion went into their fight because of their history, but you’ll notice a common theme “I won’t kill you till I make you suffer.” Benisato, Shijima & Utsutsu were the only devils who tried to kill Jubei quickly with no emotion. You could argue Pride played a small role in how Benisato & Utsutsu approached Jubei. Either way, Genma had his opportunity but Jubei’s determination lead to victory.
My family used to have a booth at a flea market in Dallas. There was a video store that sold VHS tapes without the box. There was an Asian guy who worked at this video store inside the flea market who introduced my brother and native ninja scroll. We purchased the VHS tape for one dollar and our lives were changed. I was similar to you and Aj but we were like your neighbor, we were allowed to watch whatever we wanted. This movie is what got me into animation one of the greats.
Great summation of a fantastic and important film. One of the many things I loved and still love about Ninja Scroll is that the animation was heads and shoulders above many animes I had seen, particularly at that time. It was smooth, detailed, lifelike, and fully alive, especially the action sequences which were 80% of the movie. The voice acting of the Japanese actors was also excellent. I’ll never forget the first time I saw it and the scene when Jubei slices off Genma’s arm and Gemma nonchalantly reattaches it and says in this chilling voice, “You can’t kill me. I am immortal.”
nice breakdown! its still one of my favorites!
DUDE! I freakin' love Ninja Scroll! I must've been 15 or 16 when I first saw it. I arrived at it at a time when I was hungry for anime, the edgier the better, but found the depths of humanity and history, however romanticized and fantasized, equally compelling. I immediately knew I'd seen something incredible, and special. Violence and fantasy aside, it's got a real heart to it, and is not content to coast along on a reputation for gore and body horror. Sad that the western anime fan who's watched it is a dying breed nowadays. I'm glad you made this video! Have a subscription, and enjoy Retroworld! Had I not had house repairs to supervise, I might've been glad to meet you there!
I remember at ten, sneaking out of my room to watch my brother playing this in the living room. I was immediately hooked & I never will forget the love of getting into anime/manga because of my cool bro (gone, never forgotten).
What got me into anime as a 12yr ninja scroll, ghost in the shell, akira, and nasica!! Great vid.
Lol watched to end and you showed all 4 i named xD good man.
Ninja Scroll was that bloodbuster tape I stared at before I officially got into anime and is one of the movies along with Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust that has shaped my love of anime ever since.
New favourite channel awesome stuff man
Nostalgia! Such good quality on your video too!
One of my favorite films, every battle is so stylistic and beautiful, with me favorite being the one in the bamboo forest.