Band of Ninja 1967
Dive into the visually arresting world of *Band of Ninja (1967)*, Nagisa Ōshima's groundbreaking experimental animation that reimagines its source manga through a cinematic lens.
Director: Nagisa Ōshima
Cast
Rokkō Toura
Kagemaru
Kei Satō
Sakagami Shuzen
Kei Yamamoto
Yûki Jûtarô
Hōsei Komatsu
Onkichi
Noriko Matsumoto
Hotarubi
Hideo Kanze
Kamiizumi Nobutsuna
Hikaru Hayashi
Kinoshita Tôkichiô
Yoshiyuki Fukuda
Mufu Dojin
Fumio Watanabe
Oda Nobunaga / Kennyo
Akiko Koyama
Akemi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Band of Ninja (1967) about?
The film follows a young nobleman avenging his father's assassination during Japan's Muromachi era, only to join forces with a renegade ninja fighting against the oppressive rule of Oda Nobunaga. Their mission becomes a rebellion fueled by justice and survival.
Who directed Band of Ninja?
Nagisa Ōshima directed *Band of Ninja*. Known for his bold storytelling and social critiques, Ōshima's vision transforms this animated feature into an experimental masterpiece.
Who stars in Band of Ninja?
The film features Rokkō Toura, Kei Satō, Kei Yamamoto, Hōsei Komatsu, and Noriko Matsumoto in key roles, with Hideo Kanze rounding out the ensemble.
Is Band of Ninja (1967) worth watching?
With its unique animation style and gripping narrative, *Band of Ninja (1967)* is a standout for fans of experimental cinema. While not widely rated, its artistic ambition and historical depth make it a compelling watch for those seeking something beyond the ordinary.
How long is Band of Ninja?
*Band of Ninja* has a runtime of 120 minutes.
Band of Ninja (1967): Nagisa Ōshima's Revolutionary Animated Epic — Full Movie Info
Dive into the visually arresting world of *Band of Ninja (1967)*, Nagisa Ōshima's groundbreaking experimental animation that reimagines its source manga through a cinematic lens. Set in Japan's Muromachi period, the film follows the journey of a young nobleman seeking vengeance for his father's murder, only to cross paths with Kagemaru, a rogue ninja leading a rebellion against the tyrannical Oda Nobunaga. Their unlikely alliance unfolds against the backdrop of peasant uprisings, blending high-stakes action with deep political and social commentary. The director's avant-garde approach—filming manga pages as moving visuals—creates an immersive atmosphere, blending drama, war, and animation into a unique narrative experience.
*Band of Ninja (1967)* stands out for its bold fusion of traditional revenge tale tropes with revolutionary visual storytelling. Ōshima's direction infuses the film with a raw, almost tactile quality, while the ensemble cast—led by Rokkō Toura and Kei Satō—delivers performances steeped in tension and pathos. Themes of rebellion, justice, and the cost of power echo through each frame, making it a must-watch for fans of unconventional cinema. Whether you're drawn to its artistic innovation or its gripping story, this film offers something unforgettable.
