Unlike most anime films, writer-director Yoshiaki Kawajiri’s classic 1993 epic NINJA SCROLL eschews notions of a cyberpunk future, and is instead set in more of a “sword-and-sorcery” environment located in a mythical, feudal Japan. Jubei, a highly skilled ninja, is coerced into slaying his own clan of warriors. After begrudgingly killing his fellow swordsmen, he becomes a roving hired assassin. During his travels, he must face off against an organization of demonic ninjas known as the Devils of Kimon, who are plotting to take power of Japan’s government. The Devils will stop at nothing, and have the power to annihilate entire villages. Now, only Jubei and a shogun spy named Dakuan can stop them. Starring Kôichi Yamadera, Emi Shinohara, Takeshi Aono.

“A wandering ronin takes on a posse of supernatural ninjas in a whipcracking race that never lets reality get in the way of a hearty bout of blood-lettting.” (Guardian)

“Ninja Scroll is a champion of anime and belongs in the upper echelons of its history.” (CineVue)

Tuesday, April 30
Doors 9:00 pm | Movie 9:30 pm
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door

Thursday, May 9
Doors 9:40 pm | Movie 10:00 pm *Apx. start time.
Advance tickets $10.50 HERE | $12.50 at the door

Catch PERFECT BLUE, NINJA SCROLL, and VAMPIRE HUNTER D as part of a Japanimation Triple Bill on Thursday, May 9!
Triple Bill Ticket $22 advance HERE | $25 at the door

*Minors permitted in the balcony. (18A) Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service and main floor seating.
**Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.

NINJA SCROLL (Yoshiaki Kawajiri, 1993 / 94 / 18A / Japanese with English subs) A vagabond swordsman is aided by a beautiful ninja girl and a crafty spy in confronting a demonic clan of killers – with a ghost from his past as their leader – who are bent on overthrowing the Tokugawa Shogunate.