FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 19

There Can Be Only One

   Ah, Highlander. With an expansive legacy encompassing multiple live action films, and multiple series, an animated series, novels, comics, video games, and this anime feature film; no one would question the success of the Highlander franchise. The film is directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (1950- ), known best for: Wicked City, Demon City Shinjuku, Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D Bloodlust, and more. This 2007 film was produced with the help of Madhouse Studios, which means heck yeah, it's going to be shiny. The score is composed and edited by Jussi Tegelman and Nathan Wang. So with the gathering of a talented group, this film sets out to bring audiences a fresh take on a beloved story. With no intent of replacing its legendary predecessors, this film still succeeds in bringing us a fascinating story, great visuals, entertaining action and characters, wrapped up with a touch of sci-fi / fantasy. So let's begin. 

   While this film definitely stands on its own merits, it does still give nods to its source; the main character is still a MacCloud, a man both blessed and cursed with immortality. Also the outlining quest to be the last man standing remains. That aside, this story is all new. While some may want a retelling, what we get here is a reimagining of the basic story, with a few new twists and turns. As always, I prefer not to spoil any main plot points because my goal is to get people to seek out great anime films, such as this. No surprise, the visuals here are stunning. Crisp stylization, a vivid color palette, and fluid motion in the animation; while expected from Madhouse, is still consistently a pleasure to behold. Oh right, before I get lost in all the shiny goodness, let me say that yes, there be lots of violence and some partial nudity. I personally enjoy the modernization of this beloved tale. With a range from a post-apocalyptic world to ancient times, the possibilities are endless. Not only are the visuals epic, the soundtrack accompanying will rock your socks off! A combination of rocktastic and medieval; you never know what you're going to get, but odds are it will be awesome. A tale and journey of the ages, our hero wanders on his search for vengeance. Back to the visuals for a minute. The architecture, character design, weapon design, fashion, and overall design of large to small items is spectacular. The way the film is shot creates a tone of dark despair with only a sliver of hope, adding to the atmosphere. While yes there are also a handful of classic action movie troops, with a tad of corny dialogue, the result is still a fun action packed package. Once again, odds are if you liked the original Highlander, you'll get a kick out of this film. The English cast is quite fun, while the Japanese is the only version to have the director's cut. I enjoy the English cast: it's fun, and the translation gives way to some funny Americanized dialogue tropes. Overall, the main take away is a bunch of fun. An enjoyable action flick, but as for Highlander himself, there can only be one! Enjoy.

From The Ashes, V.~

FROM THE ASHES: Segment # 2

Simply the Bees Knees

   Ahh, Ninja Scroll. How can one film contain so much shiny goodness? I'll tell you. For starters, it was written and directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (1950 - ), who has worked on numerous successful projects such as: Wicked City, The Animatrix, Highlander The Search For Vengance, and my personal favorite of the list, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. The character designs, which are ever so drool worthy, were done by Yutaka Minowa, who has pretty much worked on all of my favorite franchises in anime such as: Record of Lodoss War, Metropolis, Escaflowne The Movie, Devil May Cry the animated series, X, and again, Highlander The Search For Vengance, and Vampire Hunter D : Bloodlust. Hot damn! 

   The 1990s there were the big three movies in anime and they were: Akira, Ninja Scroll, and Ghost in the Shell. As far as the vhs sales for the original release of Ninja Scroll, that sold more than 70 thousand copies in the North American continent. That's quite a lot especially for vhs. The success of the feature film prompted a 13-episode series to follow. It was sadly considered subpar an unnecessary by many fans. Sure, we wanted more Ninja Scroll, just...not...that. On a happier note, yay comics! Yes there are comics. Published by Wildstorm in 2006, a12 issue series that continues where the film ended was released. And I can at least personally say ( because I own it and read it all ) that it is a far more satisfactory continuation.

   Now the film itself. Holy caricatures Batman! This film has so many character types that long time anime fans could point out and giggle at when they see them: the creepy old perv sage, the silent and tough hot ninja chick, the blind swordsman who only speaks in riddles, the overblown bad guy with muscles so sculpted that Michelangelo's David looks downright scrawny, oh the list goes on. Outside all that silliness however, the film has a truly dark tone with only its hero at the softly lit center. To fulfill my best efforts to not have spoilers I shall continue with a general overview. This is a timeless story in its esscence, with many strong themes such as: the value and journey of discovering one's own self-worth, the pursuit of justice and goals at any cost, respect for both sexes, the prices man pays for greed fueled endeavors, among countless others. In one interview director Yoshiaki Kawajiri stated that he wanted Ninja Scroll to be a period piece focusing on the artistry of ninja tactics, but to also have it be enjoyable and accessible to general audiences who would not have a background knowledge of Japanese history. Personally, I feel he highly succeeded. Ninja Scroll is an eloquent masterpiece of dark beauty, taking a peek behind the thin veil of propriety and tradition that the greedy hide behind when scheming for power and control. This film is a buffet for the senses, filled with such diverse sights and sounds to enchant and ensnare any audience. Both the Japanese cast and English cast are memorable, but for my own nostalgia I always go with the English cast. And there you have it: Ninja Scroll. Well worth a view for any anime, martial arts, feudal period piece, and all around film fan. Don't miss out!

From The Ashes, V.~