Director: Masahiko Murata
Starring: Junko Takeuchi, Maile Flanagan, Toshiyuki Mroikawa, Tony Oliver, Chie Nakamura, Kate Higgins, Kenji Hamada, Crispin Freeman, Nobuaki Fukuda, Michael Sorich, Rikiya Koyama, Troy Baker
Running Time: 87 minutes
Certificate: 12
Once again the long-running anime NARUTO SHIPPUDEN offers up a theatrical venture that has no consequence. The film itself can simply be ignored from continuity and is in teh world of the film as well as it takes on a POKEMON THE FIRST MOVIE plot device at the end to make sure the events are never spoken of again. I always feel a bit annoyed at such conclusions because I’m left wondering “What was the point of it all?”
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER sees Naruto sent back in time by 20 years on the hunt of Rogue Ninja Mukade. Upon arriving back in time, he discovers that Mukade, even though they travelled back just moments apart, has been in the past for years and has developed quite the reputation. Unfortunately the film keeps things very simple and rushes towards an action conclusion, rather than exploring familiar characters in a new environment. Naruto hardly seems perplexed that he is the past and no challenges arise from this. It seems like an excuse to include Naruto in a new environment with new characters.
There are some hints towards old favourites in their younger years, which will be fun for fans to see, but there were so many more questions that could have been answered. The city of Loran is simply gorgeous to look at though and also provides quite the location for epic action sequences. Sweeping visuals and extra attention to detail does a good job at bringing this familiar yet different world to life. .
The film passes through its running time at a steady pace, but there is a constant feeling that scriptwriters had to avoid leaving any dramatic or even emotional impact so as not to disturb the show. The voice acting is fine in both dubs, and the music is of much higher quality than the show, but it isn’t enough to make it an essential watch.
[usr=3]NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE LOST TOWER is released on DVD and Blu-ray on 3rd March via Manga Entertainment.
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