Well, it's been a while since I reviewed another movie or series, and yesterday, I had the chance to see Road To Ninja: Naruto The Movie at a local Alamo Drafthouse near my hometown. Road To Ninja is the ninth film in the Naruto series (the sixth Naruto: Shippuden film), and it was originally released on July 28, 2012. However, Viz Media (who owns the North American distribution rights to both the Naruto anime and manga) got the rights to the film, and with the collaboration of Eleven Arts (an American film distribution company), the film was able to get a limited North American theatrical release this past weekend.
As an anime/manga fan, I know of the Naruto series really well, and getting the chance to see Naruto on the big screen is something new for an American fan, since the United States hardly ever gets anime films shown in theaters (with the exception of the Studio Ghibli films).
The film itself is actually based around Naruto and Sakura getting put into an alternate reality by Madara (who is previously called Tobi in the series) where Naruto's parents are still alive and Sakura's parents sacrificed their lives to protect the village from the Nine-Tail Fox. Also, everyone that Naruto and Sakura know have different personalities, Sasuke is back in the village, and everyone calls Naruto Menma. Plus, Madara is aiding a new enemy within this alternate universe that he had created. So, both Naruto and Sakura must find a way to get back to their own universe.
Much can be said about the film, but there are many moments that, if explained in full detail, I would spoil the movie for those who are now currently waiting for Viz's announcement for the Blu-ray and DVD release. What I can say however is that the film is fun, entertaining, and probably answers a question that any Naruto fan would ask: What if Naruto's parents didn't die during the Nine-Tails attack? The animation is stunning and beautiful, and it goes along well with the unique story (written by Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto). I would have to say that the film can be easily enjoyed by any hardcore Naruto fan. Believe it!
Written by Nolan Schmidt
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