Ninja Scroll (1993)

"Ninja Scroll" is a visceral Japanese animated action film directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri, released in 1993. Written by Kawajiri and produced by Madhouse, this dark, stylish tale plunges viewers into a feudal Japan teeming with danger, supernatural intrigue, and unrelenting violence—a cornerstone of mature anime cinema. The story follows Jubei Kibagami, a lone, stoic ninja-for-hire (voiced by Kōichi Yamadera in Japanese, Dean Elliott in English), who roams the land wielding his blade for pay or principle. His solitary path is disrupted when he rescues Kagero (Emi Shinohara/Jennifer Stuart), a fierce kunoichi, from a monstrous foe. Thrust into a deadly conspiracy, Jubei battles the Eight Devils of Kimon—grotesque, superhuman assassins led by the sinister Gemma—whose scheme to topple the shogunate endangers his life and forces him to confront a haunting past. Renowned for its fluid animation, graphic bloodshed, and a pulsating score by Kaoru Wada, "Ninja Scroll" blends samurai grit with supernatural horror. Its breathtaking fight scenes and morally gray characters cemented its status as a gateway anime for Western audiences, though its explicit content sparked debate. Released in 1993, "Ninja Scroll" became a cult classic, celebrated for pushing boundaries and showcasing anime’s raw potential. A critical and commercial hit, it influenced a generation of fans and creators, remaining a benchmark for action-packed storytelling in animation.