Director: Hayato Date
Starring: Kate Higgins, Chie Nakamura, Maile Flanagan, Junko Takeuchi, Yuri Lowenthal, Noriaki Sugiyama, Ben Diskin, Akira Ishida, Brian Donovan, Hideo Ishikawa, David Lodge, Houchu Ohtsuka
Running Time: 325 minutes
Certificate: 12
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 15 is an interesting collection of episodes, as each arc only spans over teh course of one or two episodes. For the most part, this is a jump back in time looking at certain characters’ relationships with the titular hero and how adventures they embarked upon shaped Naruto into the man he is. Right off the bat then, this is certainly going to split some viewers. The secluded story elements do not lead up to anything greater, so bingers who love a deep and complex narrative may not be as in to these episodes. On the other hand though, those who tune in every now and again, and prefer their 20 minute anime episodes to have a beginning, middle and end, will favour such tales.
It starts with the regrowth of houses following the destruction from the last collection, and we’re soon looking at issues of bullying and racism between the clans. Those poor members of the Sand Village just can’t catch a break. The first major story looks at Naruto being the suspected carrier of a virus. He is chased around by his fellow ninjas and it shows that although there is loyalty, the greater good comes first. What is confusing is to why Naruto is never asked to just come in, as I’m sure he would, instead he is inexplicably targeted with extreme force.
Episodes following this are a lot more light hearted, but do provide us with a lot of fun and comedic episodes. We get the story of a talking ninja ostrich that has a vendetta against Naruto. This is as bizarre as it sounds, and it’s great for the show to let its hair down and explore a bit of silliness. The movement of the animals proves a fresh action take for the animators, as well as being a great source of visual comedy. Another highlight episode focuses on a weapons designer who never gives his weapons away as he wishes for them to be absolutely perfect. This episode contains a lot of what NARUTO SHIPPUDEN a wonderful show at times, as it mixes humour, action, and a bit of heart. The other stand out sees Naruto and friends try and procure the paw print of a ninja cat. Here the whole cat city is beautifully created and the humans trying to act like cats is also very sweet at times.
Although there are some great moments, the rest of the episodes are quite forgettable. There’s nothing drastically important to bring forward into future episodes, but if this is just a bit of filler, I would rather this than a complete filler arc. It allows you to dip in and out until the next major storyline takes hold. A fun set of all things Naruto, and many fans will enjoy seeing the ninja in his younger days.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 15 is released on DVD on 9th December via Manga Entertainment.
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