Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

I don't know if the people reviewing this film are suckers for really corny movies with poor action combined with a sort of uh, seriously? plot, but i certainly am not.That description, i admit, makes my 5 rating seem high. But let me qualify - i expected this to be a martial arts movie with a romance plot, and my expectations in such a genre are not high in the sense that i was in the mood for a movie of the sort. If i had wanted to see a movie and popped this in, i might have thought worse of it, but that was not the case.The plot itself is rather corny but that's acceptable, of course, and i don't really think that corny alone hampers a movie's merit. What gets me about this flick is that the corniness is not topped off in typical fashion, but rather this sort of strange, disturbingly illogical finale (in the sense that it is really just a bad, dissatisfying ending if you think about it, but is presented as a good ending). Also, it reeks of Hero but in a crappy way.The other part of the movie that lacks is the very poor special effects. I believe this is a problem with Japanese cinema in general - they seem to be, often, behind American, European, Chinese, and Korean cinematography - but this is not a problem so long as the movie does not overstretch itself. If the visual effects team for the movie is not the best, than the movie should not attempt to have effects it cannot show - but Shinobi does. The intro sequence is a prime example of this, with the ninja's swinging and moving in absolutely unrealistic fashion that is uncomfortable. It's not like the gravity-defying wushu films - that type of movement is smooth and it works - it's more of the "this looks so fake it's embarrassing" kind.Some of the action is pretty cool, and indeed in concept i believe it was quite interesting - however, the presentation is bad, bad, bad, and does not fit the movie; it's as if 1970's wushu, costume design (i forgot to mention, the outfits of the characters are also out of place for the most part) and special effects meets modern cameras and cinematography - an uncomfortable mix.Ultimately i think that the movie is simply over-hyped. I suppose it is a relatively rare movie and many of the viewers had a different expectation than i did, but it's not the movie you'll want to pop in if you have anything else to watch.

Boring. You can say I didn't get it, you can say whatever you want, but this is like the 100th movie that is just exactly like the house of flying daggers, hero, and many others.Predictable, flying people, "ninjas", stereotypical love (a ripoff from Romeo and Juliette, two lovers that have to be apart because they belong to different clans) and so many things.I would really prefer to do so many other things: read a book about Japan's History, watch Blade Runner, Taxi Driver or the GodFather. These are all things that can not be considered a waste of time, they may even add something to your life, beyond culture and a few enjoyable conversations with your friends. This "movie" will not.A total waste of time.

Not to be confused with Sega's 80s hit video game series, Shinobi, was a sorely missed opportunity in my view. Having had high hopes for this period novel based screen adaptation, my expectations were only to be shattered. Without regurgitating the synopsis, Shinobi plays out like scenes from a stage bound theater play. With almost still set 'pieces' and 1 line dialogues drawing from Shakespearean tragedies, namely Romeo and Juliet. "Star cross lovers", "We are doomed by fate", abound. With a visual dictation of a video game, its not surprising some would think Joe Mushashi might have a cameo with his trusty wolf.Characters are given next to no background, nor are emotions explored beyond surface values and motivations. Audiences aren't given enough time to be convinced of the contrived romance between Oboro and Gennosuke, nor involved enough to care about the supporting cast. The narrative takes its time and draws on scenes longer than needed, with so much filler making the plot paper thin. Some scenes even invite a laugh when it's supposed to invoke sympathy, which is never good on a director's vision. Action scenes and CGI are passable at best and no doubt some Hong Kong choreography was a source of inspiration for this department. Score wise the music was suitable, and as usual in Japanese films the main theme (*Heaven, Ayumi Hamasaki) rolling after the credits never do appear in the film itself. Why is a soundtrack not in the actual movie is really perplexing. The numerous cons aside, the film does have its highlights. The cinematography is nothing short of beautiful, with shots of mountainous landscapes, gorgeous winter covered lakes and autumn leaves. The attires and costumes were also commendable, with contrast colors for both ninja clans. Lead actress, Yukie Nakama (Trick, G@me) exudes charisma and ethereal beauty, while Joe Odagiri holds his own. Besides Yukie Nakama, further eye-candy, the inclusion of cute Erika Sawajiri (1 Litre of Tears, Ghost Train) is worth a mention. But these pros alone can't overshadow the evident flaws surrounding thefilm. Had the narrative, script been given more attention, this film would have won similar critical praise as the comparable House of Flying Daggers. While both have shallow characterization, great cinematography, Shinobi differs in that it can't decide which market audiences its aiming at. With the inappropriate CGI in a period piece, and what could have been a thoughtful artistic film without the FX flair in a tragic romance drama. The main theme of Giri-Ninjo, duty over personal emotions is at least a good standing point in the film. Its worth a look, but don't expect a Kurosawa or even a Last Samurai.

Since young, I'm thrilled by Kung Fu action flicks and looks like I will be continuously entertained by the big screen when studios keep producing films like this. The Japanese is a culture that is very deep rooted. As such, to escape, their minds have to venture way way beyond the logic and realism. Look through the genres of Japanese anime and fantasies - they are so extreme! I would not say that this movie belongs to the very extreme, but it is at the right level for grown up audience. It has all the right ingredients - beautiful settings and sceneries, romance (the Chinese style) and most of all out-of-the-world Kung Fu powers and actions.The story has a slow start. But as it progresses, the extraordinary skill of each fighter is revealed. You can't help but get glued to the screen for the next ninja to fight. The ending was sad but satisfying.