Shinobi: Heart Under Blade — A Cut Above
The Smug Dude February 6, 2007
Shinobi:
Heart Under Blade, available on DVD February 6, 2007, is such a
visually breathtaking film that I’ve jokingly called it the Japanese
version of
Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Add an Oscar-winning score and a
headliner or two (I’m thinking
or Cary-Hiroyuki
Tagawa) and this film could have been an epic blockbuster in
mainstream America.
At its heart, Shinobi: Heart Under Blade is a tragic Romeo
and Juliet-style love story set against the backdrop of feudal Japan.
On the surface it is filled with ninjas, samurai, wonderfully
choreographed “wire-inspired” fight scenes, and powerful special
techniques — really something for everyone. Good times all the way
around earn Shinobi three snaps in a Z formation, or two
thumbs up for those who weren’t fans of the ’80s hit
Color.
I am the Anime Guru, so let me just mention that Shinobi
is based on an adaptation of Futaro Yamada’s novel The Kouga Ninja
Scrolls, which also happens to be the novel that forms the basis
for the recently released anime DVD
target="_blank">Basilisk: The Ninja Scrolls and the anime
classic
target="_blank">Ninja Scroll. So if you were a fan of either
of those animes, Shinobi is a must-add to your rental list.
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the Shinobi Trailer
———————
The Smug Dude
Recently Reinstated Anime Otaku & Closet Geek
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me a note.
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