Directed by Shimoyama Ten, the dazzling 2005 film
Shinobi centers on the drama resulting from the war between
two ninja clans in the early part of the Tokugawa era. In the film, Nakama Yukie portrays Oboro, the granddaughter of Ogen
(Lily), the respected Iga clan matriarch, while Odagiri Jo plays Gennosuke, the son of Danjo Koga (Minoru Terada), the powerful
Koga clan leader. While living deep within the mountains, the two ninja clans have honed their skills to superhuman levels.
Unfortunately, the clans do not get along and are forbidden by imperial decree from sharing their techniques with each other.
Viewing the two ninja clans as a threat to his scheme for total domination, the nefarious Nankobo Tenkai (Ishibashi Renji)
plots to intensify the rivalry between the two clans. Nakobo creates a contest in which the clans are forced to choose five
of their best warriors to participate. The battle, however, isn't just a friendly contest, it's a duel to the death!
Early in the film, Oboro and Gennosuke meet and fall in love unaware of their clan ties, so when they are both selected
to compete they are surprised to discover the truth about one another's identities. However, Gennosuke initially refuses to
participate, but is forced to make an appearance when his compatriots start dropping like flies. The combatants in this contest
are not your run-of-the-mill ninja warriors, each has powers beyond that of mortal men. There's the face-changing Saemon Kisaragi
(Kinoshita Hoka), the limb-extending Yashamaru (Sakaguchi Taku), the poisonous Kagero (Kurotani Tomoka), and the all-seeing
Tenzan Yakushi (Shiina Kippei) just to name a few! Thanks to a great romance plot, breathtaking special effects, and spectacular
action choreography, Shinobi offers a one-of-a-kind ninja film that must be seen to be believed!
DVD FEATURES:
- Language(s): Japanese
- Subtitle(s): English, Japanese
