Japan, 1993, 94 min, 2K DCP, Dir. Yoshiaki Kawajiri, Rated R, Japanese with English Subtitles, Section 23


Ninja Scroll

Saturday, 6/25 at 11:45 pm

"One of the most influential animes ever made… meticulously animated and gratuitously bizarre..." – Total Film

After saving a young female ninja from an attack, wandering sword-for-hire Jubei Kibagami is embroiled in a conspiracy involving the Eight Devils of Kimon and a man from Jubei’s past who died long ago. Written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, who later had a stint on the Wachowski Siblings’ The Animatrix, Ninja Scroll is a visceral thriller with intricate and lush animation from famed Japanese studio Madhouse. Despite the supernatural elements, the story has some basis in reality as Kawajiri based his protagonist on famous folk legend Yagyu Jubei Mitsuyoshi though the story itself pays homage to Futaro Yamada’s novel Makai Tensho. If you’re looking for hyperviolent ninja-on-ninja action, then look no further than this early 90’s gem from the director who brought you Demon City Shinjuku and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.


As a follow-up to our MIYAZAKI! Ghibli's Master of Japanese Animation festival last summer, this year we're expanding to the best the medium has to offer with a new festival, Anime: Japanese Gems taking place June 24-30, 2016.

For the hardcore fans, an $80 festival pass will be available that grants admission to all films.
Order your series pass and receive an exclusive commemorative Anime: Japanese Gems lanyard with limited edition anime buttons.

Purchase a Series Pass here!

Check out the rest of our Anime: Japanese Gems program!