When Ninja Scroll was released in 1993, it marked a major turning point for adult animation in Japan and abroad. Directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri and produced by Studio Madhouse (known for titles like Perfect Blue and Overlord), the film raised the bar for what action anime could deliver. Combining sword fights, supernatural creatures, and political conspiracy, it told a tightly constructed story that pushed the limits of on-screen violence and sexuality. Actor Samuel L. Jackson, known for roles in Pulp Fiction and Unbreakable, praised the film in a 2023 interview, saying, “I got turned on to things like Ninja Scroll... even without subtitles.” For many fans, it remains a defining classic.

Set in a fantastical version of feudal Japan, Ninja Scroll follows Jubei Kibagami, a wandering ronin with a deadly past. He becomes embroiled in a plot involving the Shogun of the Dark, ing forces with Kagero, a female ninja immune to poison, and Dakuan, a manipulative government spy. Their enemies are the Eight Devils of Kimon, a group of grotesquely mutated assassins. From a stone-skinned warrior to a woman with snakes living in her body, each foe adds to the film’s grim tone. The narrative draws inspiration from the ninja pulp novels of author Futaro Yamada, but it was the startling visual style and action that won over fans like Sam Jackson.

Brutal Action with Adult Themes

Ninja Scroll is Hypnotizing for its Narrative Contrasts and Character Depth

Writer-director Kawajiri’s approach with Ninja Scroll was to target older viewers. The film’s brutal fights and explicit content certainly set it apart from anything airing on TV at the time. Ninja Scroll contains multiple scenes of graphic sex and violence. While controversial, these scenes reflect the darker tone that distinguished the film from mainstream animation. The action scenes are fast, clear, and intensely choreographed. Madhouse’s work on the animation is technically strong, with fluid motion and high-impact visuals. The result is a film that feels relentlessly aggressive but meticulously assembled.

While action and gore dominate much of the film, Kawajiri also aimed to balance that intensity with moments of calm and introspection. Quiet scenes show fireflies drifting through the night or snow falling across a temple. These moments provide a counterpoint to the chaos and reflect Kawajiri’s stated belief that “romance and lyricism” are essential to good, well-balanced storytelling. The character of Jubei, in particular, is portrayed not just as a skilled fighter but as a man carrying emotional weight from his past. This helps ground Ninja Scroll and gives it staying power beyond spectacle alone.

Kawajiri’s Career-Defining Work

A Lasting Influence on Anime and Beyond

By the mid-1990s, anime had started to reach international audiences through home video. Ninja Scroll became a breakout hit in the United States on VHS, where it was widely distributed by Manga Entertainment. Alongside AKIRA and Ghost in the Shell, it helped introduce American fans to anime that was unapologetically violent and aimed at adults. At a time when most animation was still viewed as children’s content in the West, Ninja Scroll proved that Japanese anime could compete with live-action thrillers. It became a staple of underground video collections and late-night screenings.

Before Ninja Scroll, Kawajiri had worked on other adult-oriented projects like Wicked City and Demon City Shinjuku, both known for their graphic horror and noir sensibilities. But Ninja Scroll was the film that brought his talents into full focus. As writer, director, and storyboard artist, he had full control over the production. His vision blended samurai tropes with horror and fantasy, resulting in a film that felt both traditional and radical. Ninja Scroll established Kawajiri as one of the most distinctive voices in anime (later to direct which now includes Death Note and Frieren: Beyond Journey's End to name only a few of their titles).

Three decades later, Ninja Scroll still holds its reputation as one of the definitive adult anime titles. Its influence can be seen in later works like Afro Samurai, which featured Samuel L. Jackson as a producer and voice actor. The film also helped pave the way for streaming-era hits that explore similar dark themes. Sam Jackson’s iration and continued references to Ninja Scroll speak to its lasting appeal across cultures. Kawajiri set out to create a movie for grown-ups that could challenge genre conventions. He succeeded. Ninja Scroll is still cutting-edge, still shocking, and still unforgettable.