BClaw CLAW I really enjoyed this movie and thought that overall it was really well done. I hate it when they dub movies, so I highly suggest you watch it with subtitles because it is better that way in my opinion. The characters and fight scenes were good. A lot of the characters had interesting powers and you found this out based on who they fought but some of them could have been better I feel. Most of the movie involved the two tribe's fighting each other yet it was still a romantic movie because of the relationship between Oboro and Kouga. It is hard to do that so I give them props. Area's for improvement would have been simply better technology to make the fight scenes more impressive but it was back in 2005 so I can't be too critical of that since a lot of new technology has been recently made. The scenery and setting was beautiful as well. Character development was excellent especially for the two main characters who are in love. You saw how they began to change and think differently as their lives became immersed in a very chaotic world. Great movie, definitely worth seeing!

espunier Boring. You can say I didn't get it, you can say whatever you want, but this is like the 100th movie that is just exactly like the house of flying daggers, hero, and many others.Predictable, flying people, "ninjas", stereotypical love (a ripoff from Romeo and Juliette, two lovers that have to be apart because they belong to different clans) and so many things.I would really prefer to do so many other things: read a book about Japan's History, watch Blade Runner, Taxi Driver or the GodFather. These are all things that can not be considered a waste of time, they may even add something to your life, beyond culture and a few enjoyable conversations with your friends. This "movie" will not.A total waste of time.

Robert "Shinobi" is the ideal movie for those who prefer their films to have utterly predictable plots, totally clichéd characters, and don't expect things to obey the laws of physics. People who thought that "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" was the zenith of the cinematic arts. For such people, "Shinobi" is tailor-made. Check list ready:--> "Days of yore" setting, with "days of yore", historically inaccurate costuming --> endless voice-over exposition for the first 10 minutes, then character names flashed on the screen next to the actors, for the first 15 minutes --> people who have magical skills and are uber-fighters, but are unable to make even a simple logical inference like "hey, maybe we can live in peace!" --> Hong Kong-style wire-flying--> a character who is a direct rip-off of Marvel Comics' "Wolverine"--> other straight-from-central-casting characters who would be more at home in a Studio Gainax anime than a feature film --> a brooding, mostly mute and inarticulate hero-with-a-heart-of-gold --> a hot, passionate heroine, controlled by her destiny--> a love story doomed by forces that no longer control things, leaving no sensible reason why they can't work things outThere is not one surprise to be found in "Shinobi". Wait -- I take that back -- the only surprise is that Ayumi Hamasaki, whose name is listed on the DVD case under "starring", actually only sings the ending theme. Otherwise, this flick is more predictable than an afternoon soap opera, and even less emotionally true. So there you have it: "Shinobi" is equal parts "Romeo & Juliet", anime, soap opera and Chinese "sword & sandal" epic. If that sounds like a winning combination to you, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Death_to_Crackers Not to be confused with Sega's 80s hit video game series, Shinobi, was a sorely missed opportunity in my view. Having had high hopes for this period novel based screen adaptation, my expectations were only to be shattered. Without regurgitating the synopsis, Shinobi plays out like scenes from a stage bound theater play. With almost still set 'pieces' and 1 line dialogues drawing from Shakespearean tragedies, namely Romeo and Juliet. "Star cross lovers", "We are doomed by fate", abound. With a visual dictation of a video game, its not surprising some would think Joe Mushashi might have a cameo with his trusty wolf.Characters are given next to no background, nor are emotions explored beyond surface values and motivations. Audiences aren't given enough time to be convinced of the contrived romance between Oboro and Gennosuke, nor involved enough to care about the supporting cast. The narrative takes its time and draws on scenes longer than needed, with so much filler making the plot paper thin. Some scenes even invite a laugh when it's supposed to invoke sympathy, which is never good on a director's vision. Action scenes and CGI are passable at best and no doubt some Hong Kong choreography was a source of inspiration for this department. Score wise the music was suitable, and as usual in Japanese films the main theme (*Heaven, Ayumi Hamasaki) rolling after the credits never do appear in the film itself. Why is a soundtrack not in the actual movie is really perplexing. The numerous cons aside, the film does have its highlights. The cinematography is nothing short of beautiful, with shots of mountainous landscapes, gorgeous winter covered lakes and autumn leaves. The attires and costumes were also commendable, with contrast colors for both ninja clans. Lead actress, Yukie Nakama (Trick, G@me) exudes charisma and ethereal beauty, while Joe Odagiri holds his own. Besides Yukie Nakama, further eye-candy, the inclusion of cute Erika Sawajiri (1 Litre of Tears, Ghost Train) is worth a mention. But these pros alone can't overshadow the evident flaws surrounding thefilm. Had the narrative, script been given more attention, this film would have won similar critical praise as the comparable House of Flying Daggers. While both have shallow characterization, great cinematography, Shinobi differs in that it can't decide which market audiences its aiming at. With the inappropriate CGI in a period piece, and what could have been a thoughtful artistic film without the FX flair in a tragic romance drama. The main theme of Giri-Ninjo, duty over personal emotions is at least a good standing point in the film. Its worth a look, but don't expect a Kurosawa or even a Last Samurai.