Ninja Resurrection (1997– ) User Reviews

Not as bad as people say, but not good either.

[MuddleThick · 6/10 · 9 January 2006]

It seems that you will either hate this show or love it. The people that hate it seem to be people that are big anime fans to begin with and the people that like it seem to like only a few anime. One of my big problems with it, is that it only last two episodes, and it's clear that the story was suppose to be longer, because the show ends with no real ending. It only has two episodes, the first starts of goofy, with a Christian theme that makes you think you watching some bad Christian program for kids. By the end of the first show there is so much ultra violence and blood that you start to wonder if your watching to different shows. The second episode is pretty much just more ultra violence with some character development.

Also, one of the reasons that this show is so hated, is that it uses that same person that the "Ninja Scroll" main character was based on, who was a real historical samurai. Although neither film is realistic, it's kind of like give George Washington a motorcycle and machine gun, then having him fight zombies. Of course "Ninja Scroll" is a thousands times better then this show, but don't let that worry you, this show is still enjoyable.

Worst Anime ever

[Cyke · 4/10 · 11 November 2006]

4 out of 10 for the animation. It's true that there's lots of action-packed anime out there that's big on flash and light on story. But this movie raped my eyes. This movie forcibly shoved unwanted imagery into my skull. I started watching it because I believed the slugline on the DVD box, that it was a sequel to NINJA SCROLL, which of course isn't true. I had to watch the whole thing, because I had to see how it ended. Any minute, and it would get good, it would show purpose. But it didn't END. It's one thing to fill it with the most graphic depictions of gore the animators could conjure, but it's another to have it all mean NOTHING in the end. A pointless, nihilistic waste of shelf space.

This is an short overall comment on the movie

[lkimura · 6/10 · 20 March 2000]

This movie is good, except it is short. I think it was approximately 30-40 minutes long, even though on the box it says 50 min. I think it is a pre-quel to the good movie "Samurai Showdown" At least it has 2 of the characters, Yagu Jubei and Amakusa Shiro (excuse my spelling of these names). This has nothing to do with Jubei Kimagama (again please excuse the spelling) of Ninja Scroll.

If you like blood, guts, violence, then see this movie, very little drama, a lot of action.

Ummm... Okay

[networkinc · 16 December 2002]

Well... if you like super disturbing anime gorefests that go beyond the definition of gore, then this is the one for you. Although I have to warn you that some of it gets really ridiculous at times (a rocket-man?) and disturbing (kid's decapitated heads on pikes, deadly orgasms, and a birth scene which is rather explosive to say the least). There's also a very strange mix of a very factual historical lesson at beginning of each episode followed by the actual anime which is perhaps on another planet in terms of the facts. Well, in a nutshell, if you like watching swords go through flesh in all manners and want it to be packaged in a fairly watchable story, then have a look at this one. If you're more mainstream and are a bit queezy even with anime, pick something else up.

lets just get one thing straight.

[JETBLACK87 · 1/10 · 13 May 2003]

as aposed to what many people think this is not the sequel to Ninja Scroll. even though the characters names are the same they look nothing alike, it isn't the same person.

to the review. I hated this movie. I had to struggle to get through it. for one thing, this kinda stuff really happened. stuff as in the Christians being killed by the Japanese. they took a real historical event and made it into a very fictitious thing. plus it just was a bad movie. it was pointless gore and poinless nudity.

1/10

A revolting movie for gore-buffs only

[houseofjames · 1/10 · 2 September 2005]

A truly awful film, this movie is an incredible waste of time and talent. The plot deals with a Christian noble trying to lead a rebellion and being opposed by legendary ninja warrior Jubei Yagyu. The story wastes no time with such trivialities as plot, characterization or story unity and gets right into the violence.

And the violence is stomach-churningly gross and repellent. Warriors are massacred by the hundreds, guts and body parts are exploded, and, well you get the idea. If all of this sounds like your cup of tea, by all means tune in. Others are rightly warned to steer clear.

BTW, this film is not at all related to Ninja Scroll, as the marketing would lead you to believe.

Terrible anime

[tallyho1588 · 2/10 · 21 May 2005]

I rented this movie thinking it was a sequel to the vastly superior Ninja Scroll. It, however, was unconnected: in fact it seemed to be unconnected even to itself, as the various segments which I managed to watch seemed haphazard at best. I would strongly advise against watching this movie, as there are plenty of better things to do with your time. This comes from someone who enjoys watching "Plan Nine from Outer Space" from time to time. While I'm not an avid anime fan, a friend of mine who is despised it even more than I. I was further horrified upon visiting this site to learn that a sequel had been made to this wretched bit of cinematics. Please, save yourself the headache and go do something more productive, like staring at the nearest wall.

Gruesome. Not as bad as people make out

[nmthomas-20486 · 7/10 · 23 November 2020]

The episodes exist without a definitive ending but I enjoyed this depiction of Christian rebellion in the Tokugawa period. The imagery was the strongest element of the episodes, the fight scenes were very good. Overlook the ending and marketing ploy fiasco and it's a decent watch

Not a Sequel and all around terrible

[ryo_hayabusa2003 · 1/10 · 12 October 2019]

Now for those under the impression that this is a sequel to Ninja Scroll, unfortunately you're wrong. This movie isn't even made by the same company as Ninja Scroll. In fact, the only two things I've found that suggest they are in any way related are the fact that both movies have a protagonist named Jubei and the simple fact that the both have "Ninja" in the title.

As for the movie itself, I don't know how anyone can like this movie. It's just sick. That's all there is to it. It's sick. Taking a real-life historical event (in this case the Shimabara Rebellion) and making into fantasy is fine, but for some strange reason the production company thought it was also fine to make it so disgustingly gory and violent that it becomes difficult to watch. I would avoid watching this movie at all costs, but IF you watch please. Keep others away from this unless they know what they're getting into.

Love the gore!

[finleycharles · 7/10 · 29 March 2006]

This movie wasn't that horrible. The blood and gore factor is excellent. Sure the artwork looks more like something from the the late 80's but it isn't bad. The storyline is different but if you can make it past the first 20 minutes of Christian preaching, you get to see a mighty fine slaughter of them. As for offending people, what movie doesn't offend someone nowadays. Overall I thought the movie was quite good and it left wanting to see more of it. I recommend this movie for anyone you likes good killing scenes, a bit of demonic artwork, and heck anyone who's up for the mass killings of innocent Christians! So i say watch the movie and and up your own mind but don't not see it just because it's not ninja scroll.

Sudden (Death)

[kosmasp · 5/10 · 10 August 2020]

I really like anime and Ninja Scroll was something I remember very fondly. I had bought this a while ago and just came around watching it. This apparently is 2 episodes as the DVD says, but it feels overall like a teaser. I guess everything continues even after it ends (unless the world explodes at the end of a movie, there could be something you could tell in a sequel) ... but this really feels like a very sudden and abrupt end, that almost makes no sense.

I acutally rewatched or clicked on the DVD I own, just to make sure I didn't miss something. I also checked connections here and couldn't find anything coming after this. Though considering the rating I might try the movie this is based on. Maybe there is more to unpack and understand.

One more thing, because I saw this in two other reviews: this is not for kids! This is ultra violent and it has mature situations in it, as it states on the DVD cover too by the way. So maybe reconsider watching this or not - and don't blame the movie for being the way it is. Know what you're about to watch or stop watching if its not your type of movie anyways

A nice feudal anime

[GreyFox37 · 8/10 · 22 February 2001]

ok people, let's get things straight. THIS IS NOT THE NINJA SCROLL SEQUEL!!! this is a different jubei, a different time setting, and a different storyline. about the storyline, it is just so damn spacious!!! at some points, i couldn't tell what the hell was going on until i watched it over and over. let me tell you somethin, though, the fighting scenes are cool, but the blood is a little to transparent. being brought back to life through sex is very interesting as well. the problem that mainly concerned me was the ending!!! it was like seeing the empire strikes back for th first time and wondering what happens next!! still, its worth looking at.

very bad. Don't mistake this with Ninja Scroll

[GuineaPig · 2/10 · 12 March 2004]

This is one of the worst animes I've ever seen. It is difficult for me to give an anime a low rating because I like the genre very much but this movie deserves a 2/10 at most. Unlike Ninja Scroll, this movie lacks character development, original and interesting story and good animation. Not even the gory fights make this worthwhile. My advice is to stay away from this one and email the people responsible for this to show how much you hate them for making something so awful and pointless. The only good thing about it is that it is short which makes the torture kind of bearable.

An insult to anime fans...

[whose_your_daddy_1999 · 17 October 2004]

*Spoilers*

Not until I read other reviews did I find out that this is not a sequel to Ninja Scroll, an excellent anime that devoted anime followers and non-anime fans can enjoy. The reason I, along with countless others, were duped into believing it was a sequel was due to the fact that it had the same name as the original movie, with the word "Resurrection" added (which most would agree implies a sequel) as well as it's main character had the same name as the character from the original, that being Jubei.

The plot is this, a large community of Christians are being persecuted by the Japanese government, who's army invades their well defended city. The Japanese army's real attack is not by it's normal troops however, but by an elite squad of warriors, lead by Jubei, who tactically enter the city through aerial means and proceed to easily defeat their Christian enemy. In the process, a messiah and the leader of the Christians, is duped into believing Jubei has killed the innocent children of the village by his right-hand man, a mastermind of sorts who worships the devil. This trickery turns the holy leader into a demon of sorts who then begins to attack Jubei and try to kill him.

Through the help of the other elite warriors, the demon is defeated though, but the real threat is not over, as the new demon proceeds to have sex with a female, and through this conception Satan enters the world.

Along with Satan's arrival are the resurrections of some of Japan's most elite and famous warriors in history. Basically the cohort in destroying the world and it appears that Jubei is set for some difficult challenges in his new opponents.

Right then the movie ends. No joke. I was stuck at my DVD player for almost an hour trying to figure out why the credits began to role at this critical point when I eventually discovered the movie was never completed. For all the grotesque demonic imagery and gore, and the story setting itself up for a predictable plot of Jubei battling the demons, and through brilliant strategy and discovering himself, he would eventually succeed over evil - nothing happens. NOTHING.

Why oh why does the movie end, especially with no mention of the future sequel (which looks like it will not come out)? The animation is no doubt great, but much of the gore and imagery is offensive, the plot doesn't exist without an ending, and you're left not knowing what to think about, especially since the movie doesn't allow any characters to develop except for Jubei. Even in this instance however, he only one scene of development is offered and it does very little, but I can't spoil everything, can I?

I would recommend not seeing this at all, as it's definitely a slap in the face of any anime fan, and even if it were not, it's still a terrible story.

I struggled to finish it.

[Beard_Of_Serpico · 4/10 · 11 December 2020]

Ninja Resurrection was originally marketed as a kind of sequel to the excellent Ninja Scroll and aside from featuring a character named Jubei it has no relation.

The animation is decent although not as impressive as Ninja Scroll with some really cool looking fight scenes, it's brutally violent and the voice acting is pretty good but the story is almost non existent (but somehow still a bit confusing, how does that happen?) and it all feels pretty pointless. I was looking forward to seeing this but i will likely never watch it again.

Skip this and watch Ninja Scroll again, it's still awesome.

Good gore, bad plot.

[Zonrith · 4/10 · 24 July 2000]

I was disappointed when I purchased this on DVD. I assumed when I saw the disc available that it was the sequel to "Ninja Scroll", and thus not happy when I found out it wasn't. I think this was deliberately portrayed as a sequel too (mainly based off of the title, the main character's name coming second). Nonetheless, once I got past this I decided to judge Resurrection on its own merits. It beat "Ninja Scroll" in one respect, it has a lot more gore. However, the plot is what gets me confused. I've had this problem before, mainly in regards to anime series, but in this instance I don't think it is a translation issue, I think it just isn't clear. It ends suddenly, leaving a lot of questions left unanswered. Now, a sequel could be used to explain much of the confusion that was created, but I doubt anyone will do that. Last I heard, there are no plans for a sequel as is. In any case, if you just want to see a lot of blood flying, go ahead and watch. If you want the complex storyline of "Ninja Scroll", just stay away.

Frustrating to watch

[blackhawk.sc · 4/10 · 3 January 2001]

I think this is the first time that I've given an anime anything below a 6. As most others I had thought Ninja Resurrection was a sequel to Ninja Scroll, until ADV's openning showed up. About 70% of the running time is taken by bloody fight/horror scenes. The producers obviously thought that they can get away with a hit by borrowing the title and the character's name of Ninja Scroll while adding heaps of excessively disgusting scenes to the film. What they made was distasteful and the ending leaves me unsatisfied. I consider Ninja Scroll as the best anime film ever, Ninja Resurrection is an insult to that name. What is good about the film? Perhaps one sequence where Jubei was actually relaxing with his friends, a little break before we are punished with another barrage of gore.

No Jamil Al-Yaqubi, this film is not the sequel...

[yipekci · 3/10 · 25 May 2000]

People are mostly fooled by the title "ninja" and name "jubei" but this film is not the sequel of the "legendry" Ninja Scroll.

The film is really(!) bad. A waste of money. I get bored writing these comments, but I felt like I had to this time, as I didn't want anyone else to fall into my position.

Jubei is Jubei Yagyu from Samurai Spirits but don't be fooled, the game being good doesn't mean that the movie is good as well.

One final important note: Film is not MANGA made, thus it is bad enough (Ninja Scroll was MANGA's)

Stupid reviewers, great underrated Anime.

[Leeccdoo · 9/10 · 5 October 2020]

I honestly don't understand any of the hate that this movie gets. I get that it's not for everyone however despite its minor flaws, Ninja Resurrection really isn't nearly as bad as a lot of people on here are trying to make it out to be. I actually wished it was a tad longer so that some things precisely would be explained more in depth. If you want to see a terrible Anime then there are far much worse examples out there because this ain't it folks. Even though it may be kinda similar, this OVA Mini-series OBVIOUSLY isn't a 'sequel' to Ninja Scroll by any means, even though it was misadvertised as such. I'm not sure how hard it is for some to comprehend that since I thought it was rather evident, but that's just me. I'd rather watch stuff like this than god forbid, Madoka Magica or Naruto.

The storyline isn't "weak" by any means either. The only weak thing about this hidden gem is that there has been way TOO MUCH misunderstanding, ridicule and undeserved denigration from the Anime community. Why though? Sure it may not be as wonderful as Ninja Scroll and also ends on a cliffhanger but it truly has it's own merits without a doubt. For one thing, Ninja Ressurection AKA Makai Tensho: Jigoku Hen is very disturbing, gruesome and mean-spirited... but it is also equally powerful, as it is entertaining, poignant and downright compelling despite how violent it is at times. Truly a Testament to the destructive, unflinching brutality of man and the wicked darkness of the human spirit.

Definitiely a macabre Cult Classic in the highest regards that needs more positive recognition. Nice Animation and good soundtrack too!

Its not that bad.

[rustyshacklford17 · 10/10 · 12 June 2004]

This movie is not as bad as other people make it out to be. It has great action and alright character development. The series would be better if someone stop being lazy and made an ending to an alright series. People have said that this movie is way to violent and I personally don't agree with that. Maybe they didn't see the countless number of people killed in Ninja Scroll, and if you have seen the Guyver series then this is no worse. All I'm saying is that the movie is not as bad as other people would make you think it to be. So if you get a chance I recommend that you go out and rent it or if you have the chance buy it. Hopefully we will not be left on a cliffhanger with the way Hells Spawn ended and the next or final installment to this series could finish where they left off. With a little more character development and a true ending this series could very well become a classic anime. This will only happen if people stop crying over how much violence there is, after all its just animation and its not even real.

PS: For the last time this is by no means related to Ninja Scroll. If you even bothered to watch the film you would see that the Jubei in Resurrection loses one of his eyes while he is being trained. I know that I'm not blind, but Jubei in Scrool has both on his eyes. So other then that obvious fact, o wait, lets not forget that they look different, and their last names AREN'T THE SAME. So, other then that, then maybe you might confuse them for the same person, only if you are a complete retard. So thank you.

Great movie, is it a continuation?

[starstate1 · 8/10 · 15 March 2004]

Jumps to much from ninja scroll, and i haven't seen enough of the series to see if they tie it together at all, i have vol 1 and 2

really short, two episodes i guess they call them. rounds out around one hour.

aside from that, it completely satisfies all longings for good anime. i have only a couple of complaints, but they are definitely overridden by the greatness of this movie. jubei once again delivers as a classic anime character, complete with very graphic death scenes. Ripped off arms, religious underlying, more demons, and maidens being ravaged. Definitely true to the series.

wow can we all hate this movie a little bit more

[rgw8 · 9/10 · 11 March 2005]

this movie is a base on religion, the leader of the crew that is being held in the church is meant to be model for Jesus and this story shows the tragedy when one's faith is tested. note: this is an opinion and one path a severely traumatized savior may lead to. with the power of a god under one's shoulder and the view of the innocents slaughtered, who is to say what one would do? this entire review is based on the first act, not when the savior is turned into the white haired demon and if you want to see what happens next i have no doubt that there is a comic book made that tells the whole story (most likely in Japanese though)

"maybe your right i just like to swing my sword" Gutts, Berserk

Well...

[Solid Eagle · 3 April 2002]

This is not the sequel of Ninja Scroll,the main Character has the same name of the hero of NS but it´s not the same guy.

Actually it really was a period in the feudal Japan where Cristhians were persecuted,this religion was prohibited in that time in Japan,of course the wars between sects wasn´t so bloody and insane like the ones showed on this anime.

I think Ninja Scroll is much better than this one,recommended only for bloody-gore movie fans.

not a sequel?!!

[annomy · 10/10 · 29 October 2002]

first of all, i watched this title a while ago so i might not have a very fresh memory of the events and sequences. the thing i remember though is that i enjoyed it very much and am waiting for the rest of it to be released (it's kinda slow around here).

i saw a lot of reviews about this title not being a sequel to Ninja Scroll. if you take the word SEQUEL as in "following" or "what happens next" then i agree it's not a sequel coz the events taking place here have no connection what so ever to NS. but, if you take it as if they are related in any way, then i say YES it is a sequel coz IT IS the same Yagyu Jubei. it can be seen from various points, some are child-like observations (the custom, fighting style.... even the resemblance in the drawing) that's basic. but then it gets mentioned along the way that he IS the legendary Yagyu Jubei.

so, clearing that out we can now compare the two. as i said it's been a while since i watched Ninja Resurrection and ages since Ninja Scroll. but i can tell you that the plot and story of Ninja Resurrection is weaker that NS. in my opinion, presenting Christianity in Japanese animations has not yet reached a convincing level, unlike dealing with black magic and the undead. that's just an opinion!

Ninja Resurrection is more violent than Ninja Scroll, which i think is better. but still it's plot and story is weak. but it has good fight sequences.

extremely violent

[kksjos · 30 September 2001]

I can't agree. I bought this movie, thinking it was a sequel to Ninja Scroll. The main character is named Jubei and looks like the character from Scroll, but I can't see how he could be. I watched it and immediately resold it. I saw very little plot. It was one continuous splatter movie, with rape mixed in. I was highly offended by it. Don't let children see this!