Customer Reviews

Shinobi - Heart Under Blade (Special Edition) [Blu-ray]

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

The dvd of SHINOBI HEART UNDER BLADE U.S. version is almost an exact duplicate of the Region-3 Thai version. I have both the 3-disc Japanese region-2 copy and the Hong Kong Region-3 DTS-ES dvd. The japanese and Hk releases have the best transfers. If you have multi-region capability, buy the Japanese or Hong Kong versions. But whatever you do, do not miss this film.

The following review applies to the Hong Kong Region-3 release:

I just finished watching my dvd copy of this film and felt that I have to review this marvelously tragic but hopeful film. Mind you, this SHINOBI film does not follow any of the video-game inspired Shinobi titles, rather it is based on the JAPANESE FEUDAL LEGEND from which both the video game and the anime series "Basilisk" were based on.

In order for you to love this film, you have to have an idea of Japanese customs and their unrelenting loyalty to their emperor/leader. For them, their Emperor is like a living God-man. That is why when a new Shogunate has united feudal Japan, he fears that the wrath of the SHINOBI may upset the balance of power. SHINOBI is the elite NINJA clan, who has been trained since birth in the art of combat and warfare.

Two Ninja clans has had a truce for years that the new Lord of the shogunate has lifted this truce and has misled them into believing that each clan will help decide who will ascend to the role of shogun(in the future) should they have 5 of their greatest and most skilled warriors to battle each other in a contest to the death. Gennusuke and Oboro are the lovers caught in the middle because each have ascended to the role of chieftain in their respective clans. In truth, the Shogunate rulers wish to destroy their clans because they fear their powers/skills and that one day rise up against the Supreme Shogunate of Japan. They believe since their goal is peace and prosperity, war mongers should be extinct because they believe that without war, they have no purpose. Some members of the clans also believe this.

Each clan warrior has character and depth, with variable skills and abilities. One warrior is like a chameleon, one has simian-like agility, one has NEAR-immortality, a woman has poison that goes around her skin/breath, one is a blind psychic among others.

The film itself is very tragic and when Oboro makes the supreme sacrifice to save the children/families of both clans, even the shogunate had to believe that the SHINOBI can have more than one purpose in life.

The set designs were awesome and the characters were well designed. The special effects weren't all hokey and fit the movie's pace. As in most samurai films, the battles were quick and exciting, although not overly bloody.

The film is one of the best ASIAN fantasy-epic films I've seen thus far. The dvd I have was mastered in High-def widescreen(EXTREMELY SHARP transfer) with 5.1 (DTS)digital audio(I didn't get mind in AMAZON). I highly recommend this film, now I have to cry for a PREQUEL about the warring clans before! 4.5 stars all the way!!
Kagero ROCKS!!
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

ADDED: I managed to see the U.S. region-1 release by Funimation. It is less than 2 minutes shorter than the region-3 DTS-ES Hong Kong release. Nothing relevant was missing, except for an extended beginning and Oboro's encounter with one of the Kouga warriors. The video of the Asian release is a lot sharper/crisper than the Funimation transfer. As I thought, the Funimation transfer was derived from the Thai version.

In the same spirit of Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon, Shinobi goes very deep into cultural roots with a heavy dose of "Animé" like action to create a compelling love story rich with visual fanfare.

Though the romantic plot is not as powerful as Crouching Tiger or House of Flying Daggers, it is still a compelling story for which you will want to know how it ends. But frankly, the real meat and potatoes of this movie is about the combat and the very Animé inspired characters. There are other live action animés out there, but this has quickly taken it's place to my number one favorite amongst them. Bonus points for making this accessible to the open non-initiated public. Naruto fans should find the same kind of interesting character concepts, save for the fact that everything is taken with a very mature tone (no teen aged ninjas here). Anyone who liked Warriors of Zu Mountain or Storm Riders will definitely want to pick this up.

Since I am drawn to the subject of ninjas in general, I had to check out this film no matter what. While I do not regret purchasing this DVD, for it's certainly well-produced and visually pleasing. I can't help but think that this story would've been served best by using a mini-series format that could've fleshed out the characters more thoroughly and further develop the drama and details of this saga (as hinted by the characters' histories in the Official Movie website). It was certainly a pleasant experience albeit without any real plot twists or surprises.

You cannot compare this with the western style of action... If you want a film which combines love and martial arts, then this film is for you. I've watched it twice and I'm still amazed by it.

"Shinobi" is Japan's attempt to make a big martial arts fantasy epic, obviously inspired by the success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and the revived interest overseas in Chinese wuxia flicks. The problem is, martial arts fantasy isn't really Japan's forte. Japanese period films tend to focus more on the duty/passion conflict inherent in the samurai, whose sword-skills are precise rather than flashy. A single-cut kill is the apex of the art of the samurai, not flying around on trees and flinging millions of little knives all at once.

As source material, the 1959 novel "The Koga Ninja Scrolls", previously adapted as the anime series "Basilisk", was a good base, using the traditional conflict between the Iga and Koga ninja villages with a Romeo/Juliet love story thrown in for good measure. (The director is sure to hammer this point home, even stating several times that the two are "star-crossed lovers"). Director Ten Shimoyama was also a good choice, having experience in the Chinese action film industry, and was able to supply some of the dramatic action that is a hallmark of that genre. The lead actress Yukie Nakama brought some star power, being probably the most popular actress in Japan today. They were even good enough to skirt around her inability to fight, as Yukie has all the martial arts ability of a broom stick. But she does have an awfully pretty face, which was used to full effect.

All in all, "Shinobi" is a good flick, better than I had expected. There is not really the experience there, either on the part of the actors or the director, to produce a really moving martial arts fantasy, but everyone worked with what they had, keeping the action low-key and making the emotions of the characters the focus. Because the basis of the story is the Romeo/Juliet conflict, nobody is really expecting a happy ending, but even with that in mind the character's deaths have impact, and even then not everything turns out exactly as expected. Some of the choices were odd, and I am not really sure what is the point of including legendary warriors Hattori Hanzo and Jubei Yagyu in the plot without sending them into battle, and they serve as little more than recognizable set decoration.

IF you are a fan of ninja movies with heart and soul, then...look no further. This film carries some of the finest performances I have ever seen in a movie. I have become a fan of Japanese cinema for the heart, soul, and passion that goes into making these movies. Once again, Tak Sakaguchi steals the show, even in his limited screen appearances. Joe Odagiri is great as well. The plot moves at a decent pace while development of each character falls into place with each new scene.
Action packed with a great music soundtrack and well placed cinematography that gives the viewer an oppurtunity to feel exactly what the characters are feeling. Watch this movie before yuou judge it...give it a chance to bring you intothat world, and understand it.

This film i have to say is beautiful looking, from the characters to the landscape. Although lacking in numerous and long fight scenes, it does keep things interesting with matrix like effects. The only problem is the love between the two main characters . The movie never lets you feel the love between them , and the girl seems always distant about the love anyway i mean it is called heart under blade right? The main ninja character has the coolest power and he always seems troubled to use them it. This film is more of a drama sprinkled with ninja action and beautiful visuals!

"Shinobi-Heart Under Blade," is a fun and entertaining film. Suspension of disbelief is a necessary ingredient for the film; and if you have viewed Azumi 1 & 2, or Takeshi Kitano's film "The Blindswordman Zatoichi," then you will enjoy this film. I was given this film by a friend as a Christmas present, and just recently viewed it; and I must write that I found it highly enjoyable. There is CGI in the film, but it did not bother me, considering the abilities of the various ninja's depicted in the film would more or less require its use. Also, the story itself is based from Japanese manga, called "Basilisk." And although I have not had a chance to look at these, I might someday. Just thought that I would pass this along.

The film is set in 17th-century Japan. In the film there are two Shinobi ninja tribes whose villages have been at war for hundreds of years. The two tribes are called the IGA and the KOUGA. They have been forced to obey a decree by the Shogun who has unified Japan, and therefore has outlawed these two factions from fighting. Two of the ninja's from the different tribal clans have fallen in love: They are Oboro (Yukie Nakama) and Gennosuke (Jo Odagiri) however, both must keep it a secret. The Shogun however, sees the danger that these two warring ninja clans are to him, and decides that a tournament be held. Five ninja warriors from each of the two clans must face off in a battle to the death. These different ninja characters are extremely colorful. Each possess an ability in fighting that makes this film interesting. As I wrote in the beginning, this is not an Akira Kurosawa type film, such as "Seven Samurai," therefore, suspension of disbelief is necessary.

Moreover, you will not find the depth of character development in this film that you would in a Kurosawa film: so what! the film is a fun watch anyway. I would have liked to have seen more a bit more depth in the characters in the film, however, I can live with this, as the film was entertaining enough for me to enjoy. However, the acting in the film is very good. Since the film comes from comic and anime origins, the characters do not disappoint the viewer. The film seems a bit comic-book at times, but that is one of the reasons I think I enjoyed the film so much more. And besides, the visuals I believe were done incredibly great. Also, while not like your typical Japanese film, in terms of swordplay, the film is still enjoyable: remember this does derive from Manga.

In the film these two ninja clans that send their ninjas understand the implications of their fight: the winners will serve the Shogunate, the loser will be vanquished. All of the fights take place while enroute to the capital, while the leader of one of the clans tries to persuade the emperor to change his mind. (Jo Odagiri) and (Yukie Nakama) give good acting performances in the film, which in turn makes this a better film. Once can see clearly that this film is adapted from 'Romeo and Juliet,' to some degree. Once again, this is an enjoyable Japanese film, not to be taken seriously, or on par with some of the great Samurai epics of the past, just an enjoyably entertaining film. Also, I thought some of the characters' powers were very interesting, as it departs so much from much of Japanese cinema, in contrast to Chinese cinema, where this is so prevalent. All in all, a delightful and fun film. Enjoy it, and don't take it too seriously. [Stars: 4.5]

`Shinobi' means in Japanese `'concealment' or `clandestine' and the word is often used as an archaic and slightly elegant way of referring to `ninja.' This Japanese film "SHINOBI" released in 2005 is exactly what the title says - lots of battles between the feuding ninja clans and the romance of the star-crossed lovers.

The story is set in the early 17th century in Japan, when the Tokugawa dynasty (or the Shogun) has taken the control of the whole nation of Japan, and the peace is about to be realized. That means, however, a precarious position for two rival ninja clans - Koga and Iga - both people who are raised to be deadly assassins. In short, they have no place to live in this peaceful era to come.

Tokugawa decrees that each of these clans pick up five of their best ninjas, and have them fight. Among the ten fighters are Iga's beautiful woman Oboro (Yukie Nakama) and Koga's handsome Gennosuke (Jo Odagiri), both secretly in love with one another.

The film is based on the novel `Koga Ninpouchou' (serialized 1958-59) written by Japanese writer Futarou Yamada (1922-2001). The film gives emphasis to Romeo and Juliet-like element of the original which was changed considerably for the film. The novel is also turned into comic "Basilisk," which was later made into animation (don't forget checking out the DVDs).

The film "SHINOBI" is shot with stylish battle scenes and beautiful cinematography. The actions lack the graceful movements of characters in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," but the fights themselves are competently done, and most (if not all) ninja skills are unique and interesting. Actors are mostly great, especially the two leads. Yukie Nakama is hugely popular and recognized as one of the talented actors in Japan, and so is Jo Odagiri. If you see them, you will see the reasons instantly.

Still I must give only three stars because of the two reasons. One is the script of which weakness gets obvious in the middle part. The motives of some characters such as Gennnosuke going to the Shogun's castle are not clear. Actually many Japanese viewers complained of the weak storyline that fails to convince us why they should fight each other in the first place. Reasons are explained, but not strong and sufficient enough. [In 2005 the film was awarded worst film by Bunshun Magazine's Kiichogo Award that started in 2004. I for one don't think it deserves this Japanese Razzie Award (kiichigo means raspberry), but it is certain many of us are disappointed.]

My great disappointment is the battle scenes themselves. Surely they are done with styles, but they show neither the life-or-death thrills of fighting nor the extraordinary ninjutu (skills of ninja) that made the original book famous and popular. You see only a glimpse of what these ninjas can do, or the complicated relations between them, which makes the world of the original more colorful than the filmed version. The film is good, and some parts are truly moving, but there are more to the original and its hugely amazing ninja world.

Don't need to say much more than this is a must own movie if you like martial arts or fantasty movies!

I want more!