Red Shadow is the story of three ninja -- Red Shadow, Blue Shadow, and Asuka -- in the service of who Lord Togo whose realm is currently in state of uneasy peace with its neighbor ruled by the Princess Koto. Sent to spy on the Princess to see if her land is ripe for taking, the ninja must investigate whether Koto's new weapon will destroy an invading force or not. During that time, Red Shadow comes across a sinister plot. Will he allow the destruction of the good princess thereby risking the wrath of his ninja teacher/master and Lord Togo? And who are the strange ninja who appear to oppose the Shadow Ninja Clan?
The master behind this is none other than Hiroyuki Nakano, director of the SF series of films (Samurai Fiction and Stereo Future), along with various other projects. Borrowing a bit perhaps from Hong Kong for his effects, yet not pushing them over the edge keeps this a cool, believable flick with ninja "magic", mythos, and high flying stunts. Tons of inside and modern jokes (such as baseball antics and "alternative lifestyle" ninja) add a tongue-in-cheek pizazz.
To add to it's success, this film is coupled with a stunning rock techno score by famed guitarist Tomoyasu Hotei, who starred as the antagonist expert swordsman in Samurai Fiction. Hotei fuses traditional culture and storytelling with soulful rock guitar ballads and themes.
Highlighting this project is a star-studded cast of thousands including (but not necessarily limited to) veteran actors and actress such as Masanobu Andoh, Naoto Takenaka, Megumi Okina, newcomer Kumiko Asao, rock musician Fumiya Fujii, and sumo wrestlers as well. Each one of them lends a different talent and style to this film, pouring their hearts and very souls into it.
By far and away the world's hippest, most fantastic ninja movie. It is not only a new look at a traditional genre, but it is a celebration of that, as well as a union of traditional and current Japanese pop culture. An extremely inventive, outrageously funny, and sexy story of undying love, devotion, friendship and tearful goodbyes. Not to be missed!
Filmed in wide-screen, 16:9 format. Optional English subtitles. Two disc set, the second disc containing bios, the making of and much more.
