“Go ninja, go ninja, go!” is a phrase that I am sure you, and everyone else who was alive in the 90’s has heard. And past the generation that was around at the time, it still lives on in memes and other internet formats. Point is, it is a worldwide phenomenon. But the answer as to how a random phrase like these spreads so everywhere lies in its subject matter: ninjas.
Like the Beatles, everyone on planet earth has heard of ninjas, or has some concept of what they are; such is their lasting impact on popular culture. For decades, shows, movies, comic books, and other forms of media have entertained audiences with stories of these stealthy, skillful warriors and their thrilling exploits. Further than that, they have led to the prominence of these aspects and themes in other genres in storytelling. It is safe to say that if you were to summarize genres of storytelling, ninjas would have a category carved out all to themselves – such is their enduring appeal.
New Kid on the Block: Ninjai – The Little Ninja
A fresh new entry in this well-loved genre has arrived in the form of an animated feature film called Ninjai: The Little Ninja. Created and produced by a small, talented group of artists and creatives called “The Ninjai Gang,” this is no B-grade indie production. Boasting stunning visuals, martial-arts choreography, a swelling musical score, and top-notch animation, it looks just as good as, or even better than what you’d expect to come from big-name studios and production companies – an impressive movie for this unlikely band of artists!
From a teaser trailer that debuted online, the story of Ninjai – The Little Ninja follows the titular character of Ninjai, a small boy who also happens to be an expert ninja as he traverses an Asia-inspired landscape in search of his true identity; a hefty theme for such a young character. But fear not, the creators have walked the line between philosophical and entertaining perfectly. The trailer features a cast of compelling characters like the villain Takagawa, a fierce, frightening warlord who is pursuing Ninjai relentlessly, and to unknown ends. Ninjai’s best friend and companion is Little Bird, who is always by his side, and helps him with both his battles and his search for answers. The rapport the two have in the teaser is adorable and is sure to set the stage for one of the best character duos to grace the screen in years. Beware, Pixar and Disney, this small but mighty ninja is going to give some competition to the monopoly.
Along with the promise of engaging themes, interesting characters, and great action sequences, the other major factor here that cannot be ignored is the artwork. Simply put, it is breathtaking. One of the most beautiful, layered, and in-depth artistic presentations to ever appear in a motion picture, and true plaudits must be given to the Ninjai Gang for making such a high-quality product work within an animated film. The art style takes elements of classical Japanese paintings, the imaginative freedom of concept art, and high-quality coloring work and combines it all into a truly spectacular finished product. This is made even more remarkable by the fact that the Ninjai Gang operates outside of major studios and production companies, working independently on a project that they are clearly very passionate about. The hard work and dedication show, and it is well appreciated.
While there is no official release date yet listed for the movie, various online conversations on social accounts of Ninjai (unofficial) and a few other informal Ninjai blogs and Ninjai online profiles/channels including forums operated by fans suggest that a 2022 release may indeed be in store. Ninjai already seems to have drummed up a loyal and excited fan following, and heck, we may even already be on the hype train too! If we are to believe the theory of one fan Ninjai account, this loyalty may indeed soon be rewarded with what looks like one of the best-animated films in years.
We are absolutely chuffed to see this animated movie on the silver screen, and we hope Ninjai: The Little Ninja will be introduced to the world sooner rather than later!
In the Meantime
While we await the arrival of Ninjai to the world of entertainment, there is, fortunately, plenty of ninja content out there to tide over your ninja cravings and needs. In the anime and animation world especially, ninjas have continued to thrive over the years regardless of what trends or patterns live-action films have taken. A big part of this is thanks to the anime world, which up until recently has remained staunchly in the Japanese culture subset of popular culture.
We are talking of course about Naruto, the widely beloved anime series that has been entertaining fans for years now. Other popular ninja-themed anime includes titles like Katanagatari, Ninja Scroll: The Series, Basilisk, and Sengoku Basara.
As far as live-action films go, there are of course many ninja movies that have achieved mainstream success, and even many ninja characters in popular non-ninja franchises like Mortal Kombat, G.I. Joe, and Power Rangers to name a few more widely known ones.
But what has given this genre its lasting appeal?
The Unique Ninja Way
The lifestyle and training of the ninja class is what sets them apart from other stoic warrior-types like samurai, in that they possess a “particular set of skills” that “make them a nightmare” for most of their opponents. Cough. Even their true name “Shinobi” translates roughly to “those who act in stealth” again highlighting the methodology that sets them apart from other types of warriors.
The missions of ninjas were dangerous, high-stakes gambles that required the utmost training and preparation to pull off. Spying, sabotage, and assassination were on their short-list of assignments, and this means no glorified tales of battle for them. The ninjas would often operate within families, not sharing their experiences or trade secrets with anyone outside and passing on their skills from generation to generation only. This is inspirational.
These unique fighting styles & weapons developed by the ninjas are collectively known as Ninjitsu.
A More In-Depth Look at Ninjitsu
This specialized martial arts style dates to a period between 300-600 AD, and has been used exclusively by ninjas, with many of its methods and techniques kept secret today. While there are still a few family lines intact that claim to know the secrets of the ninja craft, it is likely that the true knowledge of ninjas and their secretive martial arts will die out entirely within the next decade or so.
Much of what makes ninjas formidable is their emphasis on stealth, espionage, and lethality, able to strike their enemies without the enemies even being aware of the coming attack. Ninjas are well-rounded, agile, capable warriors who can apply an inordinate amount of dedication and perseverance to their craft, succeeding against huge odds.
Final Thoughts – Ninjas & Ninjai
Taking everything into account, it is obvious that ninjas, who have been around for a while, are going to be around for a while yet. They possess a skillset, mysterious aura, and lifestyle that many have found interesting and alluring, and they continue to impact modern entertainment.
And now with the hopefully-soon-to-be-released addition of Ninjai: The Little Ninja to the pack, there is something fantastic to look forward to! Fingers crossed it finds a release date soon, and until then stay tuned with updates from Markets Herald, The Ritz Herald, and Belmont Star.
Happy trails!
