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Ninja Scroll was a runaway hit when it premiered in America in 1993. Although it was never popular in Japan, it is not hard to see why it is a common gateway drug for western anime fans. Audiences who were unfamiliar with anime felt right at home with Ninja Scroll's plot, which is reminiscent of action films from the same late 80's to early 90's era (think Die Hard or Lethal Weapon). Juubee is a loner with a good heart and a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. To top it off, he's a rugged alpha male unlike the androgynous ... leads that are typical in anime.

On the surface, the plot seems uninspired: Three ninjas must stop the eight Devils of Kimon before they takeover Japan. There is also little in the way of philosophy or intellectual exercise. However, Ninja Scroll is perfectly paced, engaging, creative, and a blast to watch. It is an example of why with proper execution, simple ideas can make a great movie.

In contrast to many action anime, the fight scenes are fast paced, concise, and not bogged down with unnecessary dialogue. This isn't pretty fighting either. There is no motion blur or gracefully choreographed movements, and every swing feels raw and impactful. The characters recoil from cuts and deflected blows with a sense of weight that is difficult to convey in animation. Action scenes never overstay their welcome either. Each fight lasts only a couple minutes, but it feels satisfying and leaves the viewer wanting more.

One of the most refreshing aspects of Ninja Scroll is its take on magic. It doesn't bother with a sophisticated magic system, it simply shows without telling. Although most of the characters have supernatural abilities, the audience can easily gauge their powers and limitations with hardly any verbal explanation. This does not stifle creativity either. The devils constantly use their powers in inventive ways, such as Yurimaru's ability to conduct his voice over a metal wire.

Ninja Scroll does not shy from darker elements of war in feudal japan. There are several instances of graphic sexual assault, and political corruption. Ironically, even though these scenes are a bit gratuitous, Ninja Scroll pulls them off with nuance because the characters actually behave like people raised in that era. Too often, fiction characters in historical settings have the same viewpoints as someone from the 21st century. In real life, people adapt to their environment. When the main characters observe or are victim to cruelty, they aren't shocked or bemoan the world; they understand how their society works. They don't approve of it, but they aren't surprised either. The character's reactions are nonchalant and understated, which gives Ninja Scroll an air of maturity.

At first, you might think Ninja Scroll's formula is not special or unique, but then you'll wonder why movies this fun don't happen more often. It seems so simple.