You are here:

Ninja Resurrection

Name: Ninja Resurrection
Director: Yasunori Urata
Released: 1997
Duration: 80 min

Representation Score

4.4/10

Fair

1997

Unrated

Director

Yasunori Urata

Runtime

80 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Ninja Resurrection is a traditional genre piece centered around historical fantasy and supernatural action. It uses the Tokugawa era and the Shimabara Rebellion as a backdrop for stylized combat rather than social critique. While the film offers a nuanced look at historical religious tensions, it does not prioritize progressive representation. The narrative remains firmly rooted in 1990s martial arts animation clichés. Ultimately, the work focuses on folklore-inspired horror and martial arts archetypes over the exploration of diverse identities or the subversion of social hierarchies.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Ninja Resurrection have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or narratives. The story focuses on the martial and supernatural conflicts between the protagonist and a restless spirit.

How does Ninja Resurrection portray gender?

Limited

The story emphasizes male-centric combat and leadership. Female characters with significant roles or those who challenge traditional gender norms are notably absent.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Ninja Resurrection?

Fair

Given its setting in the Tokugawa era, the film features a culturally homogeneous cast. While it avoids Western-centric whitewashing, it does not actively diversify the ethnic landscape.

How does Ninja Resurrection represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores themes of systemic oppression by focusing on the persecution of Christians. These elements serve primarily as catalysts for supernatural horror.

Does Ninja Resurrection include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not portray characters with visible or invisible disabilities. It also does not address neurodivergence or chronic illness.

Present on Screen

The film provides a nuanced look at historical religious tensions and the persecution of Christians in Japan.
It maintains cultural authenticity by avoiding Western-centric whitewashing within its historical setting.

Limited or Absent

The narrative lacks female characters with significant roles, adhering instead to conventional masculine warrior archetypes.
There is a complete absence of representation for LGBTQ+ identities and characters with disabilities.
The film focuses on supernatural plot catalysts rather than deep critiques of systemic or social structures.

Official Synopsis

Ninja Resurrection takes place in the Tokugawa era, at a time when Christians in Japan were being persecuted. The leader of the Shimabara Rebellion, Amakusa Shirō, hoped to resist the government forces attacking Christians like him but is assassinated. Soon after, Amakusa's restless spirit returns to avenge his fallen comrades and is up to Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi to put a stop to the demonic onslaught.

How are these scores produced? →