no two antagonists look the same, no stunts are repeated twice, and part of the enjoyment is watching Jubei and Kagero get themselves out of bigger and trickier situations at every turn. The individual battles are also unique e.g. When characters leap or parry, the combination of cuts and well-budgeted animation really hits the spot. I just never tire of this movie, no matter how often I watch it.AnimationMovement is fluid in a way that still rivals more recent shows. Towards the end, the show may seem to lose a little of its initial impact, because the twists revealed are not exactly earth-shattering, but a tragic angle and an extravagant final battle provide the necessary knock-out factor. Ninja Scroll is thus streamlined from beginning to end, neither diverting the audience's attention with subplots, nor fragmenting in the face of poorly realised ideas. There are really only two plots (the personal tensions and the external politics) which, in the end, all boil down neatly to one climactic conflict. Sure, Tessai is an unrealistically sized brute who can change his skin to rock, and the way he manhandles her like a rag doll is odd to watch, but nonetheless these factors don't dispel the cringe-worthy reality of Kagero's ordeal. Take for example the uncomfortable scene in which Tessai has captured Kagero and proceeds to have his fun with her. Throughout, the plot also maintains a good balance between delightful fantasy and harsh reality in order to keep the viewer believing. Moreover, at any point in time, you know exactly where you are in the story, how you got there, and what has to be achieved next.

How did they do this? By alternating between politics and action and allowing one to drive the other in a very logical, stage-like structure - which means that just before one element has the chance to get tedious, the show changes tack to give you something new. To their credit, the creators managed to retain a firm hold of the racing plot.

Ninja Scroll is a fast-paced festival of violence which hits the ground running by offering a riveting combat scene within the first thirty seconds. It's not groundbreaking or sophisticated or heart-warming like the others, but it does show you a bloody good time. This is one of those movies that sits comfortably on my shelf amidst Bebop, Evangelion, Princess Mononoke, Escaflowne, Trigun etc. StorySome anime were just built to age well - confident, efficient, classic, timeless, they continue to thoroughly entertain long after their era has passed.

Ninja scroll movie english dub ep 4