Shinobi (Blu-ray) (2005)

"...parts superhero comic book, parts tragic love story, and when it hits its stride, a seriously insane manga come alive.  BeyondHollywood.com
"...a very good movie...full of interesting and rich characters...  Jeff Swindoll, Monsters and Critics
"The mix of romance and action adventure is set against the beautiful scenery of Japan and spiced up with state of the art visual FX.  Razor Reel
"It's gorgeous, absolutely heart-breakingly beautiful.  Seattle International Film Festival
"Masterpiece.  Toronto After Dark Film Festival

	Erika Sawajiri
	Jo Odagiri
	Tomoka Kurotani
	Yukie Nakama
	Futaro Yamada - Based On Novel By
	Isao Kawase - Editor
	Kenya Hirata - Screenplay
	Masasai Chikamori - Cinematographer
	Nozomu Enoki - Producer
	Taro Iwashiro - Original Music By
	Ten Shimoyama - Director
	Toshihiro Isomi - Production Designer

BeyondHollywood.com 9 of 10
If you were to make a live-action anime, you couldn't do any better than what director Shimoyama Ten ("Muscle Heat") has done with "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade", a film that is parts superhero comic book, parts tragic love story, and when it hits its stride, a seriously insane manga come alive. Essentially a familiar story about duty-bounded souls caught up in circumstances not of their own making, the film is an excellent example of not re-inventing the wheel, but rather taking what is there and making it work nonetheless. The presence of good actors, a tender and affecting love story, and wild action makes for one excellent action-adventure romp through feudal Japan...At less than 2 hours, "Shinobi" is sadly too short, and a longer running time is needed not only to explore the film's many fascinating ninja characters, but also to fully delve into the reasoning behind the Shogun's decision to kill off the Iga and Kouga. We understand that the Shogun sees the two clans as threats, but we never really get a sense of the man himself, and whether his actions are really for peace or if he fears being overthrown. Obviously it speaks volumes for "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade" that I wanted the film to go on longer. If "Azumi 2" failed to live up to the hype, "Shinobi" more than exceeded my expectations.

Variety 8 of 10
Star-crossed lovers and samurai superheroes cross swords and mix genres to little satisfaction in "Shinobi," a period actioner from Japan. Presence of local heartthrob Joe Odagiri compensated for the story's weaknesses and helped garner strong B.O. upon domestic release in September. Pic also performed well in Taiwan, but the further it ventures from Asian territories the more returns are likely to diminish. Asian-themed fests catering to popular culture will want to look; ancillary cult audience is assured...In feudal Japan, two warring tribes of magical samurai clans known as shinobi, are separated by a mountain range and years of distrust. Hopes of bridging that gap via a clandestine romance between Oboro (Yukie Nakama) and Gennosuke (Odagiri) are dashed when a war breaks out between the two clans. Each tribe selects its top five warriors (including the lovers, natch) and pic begins to resemble a superhero squareoff with familiar superpowers that will recall both "Spider-man" and the "X-men" franchises. Helming is functional, but cannot fulfill the action ambitions of the piece. Lensing looks promising, but at market sesh caught, Shochiku opted to present pic via DV. Other tech credits are pro. - Russell Edwards