I, for one, was delighted by Nomura Kazuya and Shinohara Keisuke's anime companion piece, released contemporaneously. 'Blackfox' was a fantastic, fast-paced, action-packed blast of genre fun, with just the right measures of heart and light humor to both anchor the proceedings, and to keep them light on their feet. Seeing as screenwriter Hayashi Naoki was the mastermind behind both that near-future animated piece and this live-action, period tokusatsu, it's safe to say that I had fairly high expectations when I sat to watch 'Age of the ninja.' Of course, there's often a difference between the fancifulness achieved with animation, and that achieved with effects practical or digital when inserted into filmed footage. In truth, I believe this is part of a larger issue that places some upper limits on this flick. It's not an issue that's exclusive to this one title, as too much of modern cinema shares it - yet whatever else is true here, it's overproduced, with a waxy veneer coating the fundamental imagery which says "sterile" and "false" rather than "rich" and "well-made." This impacts other facets of the visual experience in turn, including even the production design and art direction, and above all the computer-generated imagery that does get employed as the story necessitates. In a general sense CGI ages all too quickly and looks worse the more we see of it, and though the use is relatively sparing here compared to, say, a contemporary superhero film, the production values, the plainly artificial appearance of the presentation dates that CGI all the more rapidly. The most advanced techniques and technology are rarely everything that their champions would want us to believe they are, and this would have surely looked better had it been made with the visual sensibilities of kindred fare of the 70s and 80s.
Moreover, I'm of the opinion that these concerns extend even to the lighting (unnaturally bright, soft, and focused), and a decided lack of texture in any environments. All this is even more unfortunate. Yet don't take such early, lasting criticism to mean that this 2019 movie isn't still enjoyable and well done on its own merits. There actually is a lot to like here, even through those modern production values that erroneously conflate perfection with genuineness. While some of that CGI is less than great (the representation here of Kasumi, or the embellishments at the climax), some of it really does look pretty good. Broadly speaking the sets are excellent, and filled with welcome detail (albeit, usually not also texture, or a realistic appearance of dirt, grime, or wear), and the filming locations are just as lovely. The costume design, hair, and makeup are mostly downright gorgeous. The practical effects, and even more so the stunts and fight choreography, are unquestionably super, and every example is a minor joy. The cast give committed performances of range and physicality, and I would rather like to see more from all involved if I had the opportunity to see them demonstrate more of their skills. The original score of this feature, composed by fripSide, may not be as readily striking as Yokoyama Masaru and Hashiguchi Kana's music in the anime, but it's still a nice complement all throughout. Above all, I really am pleased with Hayashi's screenplay, and its realization by filmmaker Sakamoto Koichi. Many elements from the companion piece are exercised here, as well, some distinct lines to be drawn from one to the other - but 'Age of the ninja's is absolutely not a mere live-action remake. It's a true prequel as the story takes place earlier, and in how various aspects are reused, it's also more of a reinterpretation, or a remix if you will. I think it's very clever how sundry odds and ends are reimagined - recognizable, but sufficiently original to feel fresh.
Some fabulous bits are totally new, by all means, but even so those little ingenious touches apply to characters and relationships, beats and bigger ideas, and the overarching scenario and plot. All told, Hayashi's writing, and to maybe a slightly lesser extent Sakamoto's subsequent vision, are certainly among the top highlights here. In other regards the strength of the picture may be more variable. The same broad tenor is alive and well in these ninety-three minutes as in the other ninety: fantasy, action, and adventure; light and in this case more sparing humor, and also in this case some heavier drama; pointedly darker narrative ideas, and meaningful themes. However, whether we attribute the shortcoming to the production values, to weaknesses in Sakamoto's direction, or even to limitations of live-action films, I simply don't find the treatment to be as vibrant as it could or should be, and definitely not as vibrant as the anime. In both writing and execution I'm of the mind that Nomura and Shinohara's work benefited from more attentive care and polish, and while I'm not saying anyone here is singularly responsible, the incidence is notable. And still: 'Age of the ninja' remains pure tokusatsu, neatly fitting alongside its brethren of past decades even though some minutiae have changed over time. It knows what it is, and has no illusions otherwise. If some tidbits are less convincing, or more ham-handed, then that actually indicates closer kinship with past fare than the outward appearance would superficially suggest. Yes, there are points to scrutinize and critique, but the flick only wanted to entertain, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't accomplish that goal. In whatever measure the sum total may be troubled, far more than not it's deftly written and made in every capacity, and a lot of fun all around.
As far as I'm concerned the anime 'Blackfox' is the better movie of the two, as it strikes me as tighter, more earnest, more balanced, and ultimately more impactful. Even with discrete faults, however, 'Age of the ninja' is mostly just as terrific, and there is more parity between the two titles than not. Him and haw as we may about this or that, I see the skill, intelligence, care, and hard work that went into this tokusatsu, and I think anyone who is receptive to similar efforts will find much to love within. I'd stop short of saying this demands viewership, but whether you have a special impetus to watch or are just looking for a good time, there's not much going wrong here, and I'm happy to give 'Blackfox: Age of the ninja' my glad recommendation!
