‘Dagger Of Kamui’ Blu-Ray Review: Arguably The Best Ninja Anime Ever Made
Key summary
A crowdfunded Blu-ray remaster of Dagger of Kamui has received a wider release and is described as superb.
The film is based on Tetsu Yano’s novel series and follows Jiro, a half-Ainu ninja at the center of a centuries-old treasure hunt.
Jiro faces tragedy and heartbreak—his adoptive family is murdered, villagers suspect him, and he goes on the run, later befriending a monk named Tenkai.
Jiro’s journey reaches America, where he meets Mark Twain; the Mark Twain role is voiced by the same actor who played Shaian in Dragon’s Heaven.
Directed by Rintaro with many Madhouse staff involved, the work features distinct visuals, ninja-running and Balinese kecak sounds in the music, and the Blu-ray includes an English dub, director’s commentary, and art and storyboard galleries.
