The superhuman artillery in this flick would give many comic book heroes a run for their money. Such simple weapons such as a cluster of spikes and multiple strands of sharp, whip-like fabric integrate into the shinobi's power – and quite dangerously at that. The true fascination lies in how these powerful entities use seemingly hand-made, modified tools of the land to be so potent. Shinobi: Heart Under Blade has really hit the mark. Fusing outrageously frenetic action with simplistic grace and quality can be very difficult to achieve. Shinobi's ferociously addictive nature lies amidst a superior blend of CG-effects and live-action sequences. However, what little is known about their supporting shinobi is easily matched by their familiar, riveting personalities and fascinating abilities. With its engrossing nature, Shinobi could have easily stretched out a bit more to extrapolate Oboro and Gennosuke's supporting team. What's truly a shame is that the history behind most of the other shinobi, aside from the protagonists, is left a mystery. While Gennosuke and Oboro embody the heart and determination behind the peaceful efforts, the remaining Iga and Kouga show what the Shinobi truly are: living, breathing weapons made specifically for that purpose. Each superpower that these shinobi possess matches their character strengths flawlessly. Director Shimoyama takes the stark distinction between each side and injects them with overflowing, tangible personality. Selected by the hierarchs after the initial demonstration, the finest from the Iga and Kouga possess tremendously charismatic qualities. Each team from the clans contrast wonderfully in abilities and personas. Almost anybody could develop such mystical powers when encompassed in these locales.īut it's these immensely rich characters that develop such inventive powers. Filled with a mystical history, these villages mirror one another as polar opposites with the same heart. Though leisurely in pace at times, even in a relatively dormant scene does energy spill at the brims from Shinobi. Lavish with spectacular scenery, this film takes the viewer through the beautifully contrasted landscapes amongst the mountainous Kouga territory and the river-bound Iga village. Shinobi kicks into full-throttle from the starting gate. Gennosuke and Oboro must be pitted against each other. War is declared between the Iga and the Kouga that will result in a mortal battle to the finish. Five powerful warriors from each clan, decided upon by the clan leaders, are granted the opportunity to combat with each other in a display that will decide the rising shogun patriarch. After bearing witness to these skills presented by the warring clans, the royal hierarchy devises a plan for the menacingly talented ninja. Amidst their strife, the shogun requests that the current tribe leaders must travel to the royal fortress accompanied by one of their most accomplished fighters to demonstrate their combative skills. Seeming to understand their doomed relationship from the beginning, the two still wrestle with the constraints of destiny and struggle for a solution. Gennosuke of the Kouga tribe and Oboro of the Iga tribe have fallen deeply in love. Through this peace, the heirs to each clan's hierarchy have developed a hidden relationship. However, mandate prevents the two warring sides from committing aggression against one another.
![shinobi heart under blade shinobi heart under blade](https://static.zerochan.net/Monogatari.full.1938751.jpg)
![shinobi heart under blade shinobi heart under blade](https://www.dvd-covers.org/d/92004-3/9470Shinobi1.jpg)
For well over 400 years, each respective clan has been producing shinobi (aka ninja) that possess mystically phenomenal power. During his reign, rival ninja clans Iga and Kouga have lived in mountainous seclusion. This reviewer is covering the DVD as a sole film without exposure to the anime or the novel.Īmidst 17th century Japan when peace has covered the land, the shogun ruler Tokugawa has been gradually eliminating sources of conflict. It does, however, have a connection to the anime Basilisk: The Kouga Ninja Scrolls. Note: Adapted from the novel Kouga Ninja Scrolls by Futaro Yamada, this film does not have any connections with the video game license, Shinobi. Director Ten Shimoyama has delivered an incredibly enjoyable cinematic treat. Shinobi's tremendously engaging line-up of characters, stark cinematography, and outlandishly superb effects fuels the film forward as a heavy dose of winning entertainment. Executing such a film with exceedingly polished quality and class is what takes Shinobi well above expectations. To blend superhuman-empowered characters, intense martial arts action, and star-crossed romance isn't an implausible idea. Shinobi: Heart Under Blade is quite a surprise.