Ninja Ressurection: The Revenge of Jubei
Don't be fooled. Contrary to popular belief, this is not a sequel to the widely popular Ninja Scroll movie of a few years back. It might look like it, it may sound like it, it may even feel like it, but it's not the same thing.
This new miniseries deals with the same time period, and has it's own host of bizaar monsters and demons, and the main character's name is Jubyei, (it's just spelled differently), but that is where the similarities end. And furthermore, I think ADVfilms is riding off the success of Ninja Scroll to sell this video.
The original Ninja Scroll was written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri. What made it popular was that it was movie length and actually felt like a movie. Sure, it had it's share of ultra violent blood spilling scenes, but there was a plot behind it all by God! The fights carried repurcussions for the main character of Jubei; he lost the woman he had come to love, avenged her death, and stopped a great evil from spreading through Ancient Japan.
The new Ninja Ressurection on the other hand, is so far pretty pointless. I have only seen the first volume, and there is 2 to 3 more to go, but after watching it, I am left dissapointed, and not intrigued for more. As I watched it, the first half had me very much eager to see what comes next.
For those of you who don't know, the story IS based on actual events from the history of Japan. The battle of Sekigahara did actually take place, and the Christian uprisings of 1637-38 did happen. And I was really expecting a decent anime when I learned the old man was none other then Musashi, Japan's most famous swordsman,(who history does indicate was at the Christian uprisings on the side of the Shogun). All of this had me foaming at the mouth. But then the anime when to bloody hell. Literally.
The leader of the Christian rebellions is said to be the new son of god. He is said to lead the Christians of Japan to prosperity. But should he ever stray from his rightous path and die, he will be reborn as Satan. So the main character of Jubyei(who for a main character we learn absolutely nothing about) and his ninja team break into the Christian castle and starting cutting up people, making it possible for the Shogun's army to sieze the castle. The "son of god" meets Jubyei on the battlefield and tells them he will surrender willingly by commiting suicide(gee, there's a very Christian thing to do) if only Jubyei will let the rest of the Christian's live. Jubyei agrees, but before the "son of god" can act, his mentor(who turns out to be this really evil agent of Satan) accuses Jubyei of slaying innocent children, and "son of god" falls for it. This kicks of a pointless battle that leaves the prophecy fulfilled. All of the Christians were killed, and now we can look for the next volume to have the "son of god" reborn as Satan.
Just once, I would like to see a story of Ancient Japan not slip off the deep end and actually tell a decent story of actual historical events, as this one started to attempt. Or if not that, the least this anime could have done if it was going to try and truly mimic Ninja Scroll was to make the story more then just a blood fest, and give us the opportunity to care for the characters! Now once again, I am not against violence in anime, it's just that I would like to see a point to all of the blood spraying! Also, if this Jubyei is truly the star of the story, then I for one would like to know a little more about him then just "he's a lethal ninja for hire". The only thing this ninja has going for him is his name.
Which brings us back to the marketing of Ninja Ressurection in America. The Japanese name for this miniseries is "Makai Tenshou". Makai means "Demon World" or "Hell". Tenshou means "ressurection" or "reincarnation". So the title in Japan is literally "Demon World Ressurection". So for ADVfilm's release, whether they did it on purpose or by accident, the english name has two words in it that were placed to specifically interest Ninja Scroll fans: Ninja and Jubei. Those two words have nothing to do with the Japanese title! So why put them there except to attract costumers! Also, why is it called the revenge of Jubei in the first place? So far, it looks like it should have been call the Revenge of Satan!
So what was supposed to be the biggest anime released this year, is nothing more then a scam. For me, the first volume did nothing entertaining for me, but this may be your cup of tea. If you are into fuedal Japan with Demons, this might interest you. But don't be fooled. It's not Ninja Scroll.
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