Shinobi: Heart Under Blade (2005)

Movie Rating R Contains: Violence Graphic Violence

Director: Ten Shimoyama Movie Genre: Period-Piece, Drama Country: Japan Shinobi: Heart Under Blade Score Card The following scores are based on a 0.0 to 10.0 rating scale Hover your mouse pointer over the name of each scoring category below for a description Direction: 5.4 Writing: 4.8 Acting: 5.5 Cinematography: 7.8 Sound and Score: 6.7 Functionality: 5.6 Presentation: 4.9 Genre Comparison: 5.0 General Comparison: 6.4 Overall: 5.8 Reviewed 2007-01-22 04:08:24

Ten Shimoyama?s fifth movie, Shinobi: Heart Under Blade is an epic tale based on the works of author, Futaro Yamada. This movie is the story of Gennosuke and Oboro, two star-crossed lovers from rival ninja clans. When a decree from Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa ends the fragile truce between the Iga and Kouga clans, Gennosuke and four of his village?s best warriors are forced to lead the Kouga clan into war against Oboro and the Iga clan?s elite ninjas. At first, Gennosuke rebels against this order and sets off for Senpu Castle to find out the real reason why the two clans must fight each other again. When Oboro hears of Gennosuke?s plan, she sets off after Gennosuke and his men.

One of the most noticeable characteristics of this movie is the striking composition by cinematographer, Masasai Chikamori. Chikamori?s epic camera style is well suited to this romantic period drama. His shot composition reinforces the division and animosity between the two clans. It will be difficult to find a better looking epic, period drama made in this day and age.

Although the cinematography is impressive, Chikamori uses it to compensate for the lack of substance elsewhere in the movie. The characters in this picture are severely underdeveloped. There is minimal backstory on Gennosuke and Oboro and the history revealed in the voiceover narration is unnecessary and can be figured out elsewhere in the movie. Not only are the stories of the two lead characters sorely neglected, the supporting characters are little more than glorified extras. In this incarnation of this story, the eight supporting characters that help lead their clans into battle seem gimmicky and lack any real depth.

Since the main characters of this movie are ninjas with magical powers, it is easy to draw the conclusion that this movie would have a great deal of action. The fight scenes in this movie are gripping and exciting, unfortunately, they are also too few and far between. For the most part, the story focuses on the impossible love that Gennosuke and Oboro share. With love being the driving force behind this movie, there is little fighting on screen. This is not a detriment to the story, but is likely to go against the expectations of many viewers.

Usually, period movies are held to a much higher standard than other genres. Fans of authentic, epic chambara movies will undoubtedly be let down by this movie?s focus on style rather than substance. With that said, Shinobi: Heart Under Blade is a gorgeous action movie. The fight scenes are well choreographed and the overall aesthetic of this movie is spectacular. Because of this film?s more blockbuster feel, the entertainment value is rather high and definitely warrants multiple viewings. As a whole, Shinobi: Heart Under Blade is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and what this movie lacks in substance, it makes up for with escapism.