This was dubbed in Arabic before Naruto and it was called Shinobi, so when we were introduced to this badass anime while being kids, Naruto really did look like child's play 😂 we didn't accept Naruto until later on when this was forgotten
The fact that this series was never popular shows that people have shit taste. Just the art style sells this and the story is very simple and easy to follow. My only complain with this is not enough focus on Oboro and Gennosuke couple. I should have cried at the end but I felt nothing ( I stopped liking Genno when he became blind and bland).
I might watch this show. It nice to see some actual badass ninjas in anime(why is anime lacking with ninjas?) And also Ed Baylock is in the English dub and god rest his soul because he really made FMA Brotherhood worth watching.
This was an adaptation of the novel “The Kōga Ninja Scrolls,” as was Shinobi the movie, hence the similarities. One of the most influential novels for modern ninja anime and games. As far as I know it’s where the whole “ninja as super powered warrior fighting monsters” idea we see in Ninja Scroll, Ninja Gaiden, etc. comes from, originally.
Haha I just read the manga of the series just because every chapter was titled "Kill Number X" and it caught my eye and really enjoyed it. To be honest, when I read or watch a show with a premise of something like a 10v10, I either look at if the plot and action are interesting or if the plot is mostly predictable but with great characters. In case of Basilisk, I think that even though the characters aren't handled the best, it didn't take anything away from my experience due to the plot simply being so unpredictable. Though it has an overall flow from a bird's eye POV, it's tense and very enjoyable when reading it. The selection of powers took it up a notch, and I was always so excited to see who would win that I could set aside my thirst for characterization and growth and such. I think the author wanted to focus on a handful of characters from the 20 that are fighting but didn't realize that prioritizing characters would expose his lackluster approach towards the other characters. Still, I think several character motivations and dynamics are explored over the course of the story albeit most of them romantic, and I think Tenzen is a great villain who definitely gets development. It's just that the characters are flat but many of them talk and react in unpredictable ways so I find them well thought out even as flat characters. Thus I don't really feel the need for them to develop much. Overall, really enjoyed it and a classy review. Your old videos are just as enjoyable as your new ones.
This is one of those animes that immediately hooked me with incredible visuals and designs ,as well as setting and the premise of the story. Now, this is not perfect, far from it but its such a fucking enjoyable series as an action, drama, and it even has some horror elements with tension while you think who is gonna die next and how, and who is gonna outwit them..! Ez 6.5 out of 10.. Highly recommend this if you want some quality, circa 2005, anime!!
Basilisk managed to include many genres in a well-paced movie set that genuinely reflects the Japanese spirit of no-wasted effort or fluff, and gets straight to the point
The action is absolutely why I like this. It's super cool especially in the first episode when dude Cuts his own hair. I don't know if thats original or not, but it looked Bad Ass and is bad ass because that's such a power move. Hair is a personal thing. Also his finger movement controlling the hair lmao.
I think I'll go for the manga. The anime looks fine as an action show but the issues you pointed out make me a little worried and honestly the manga looks amazing xD
I loved Basilisk back then, but I never watched beyond chapter 23. Why? Because I hated every remaining character way too much. And to be honest it's pretty obvious how this ends.
I wouldn't exactly call this anime an "action" anime. Even though there are fight scenes, it is more of a war drama. A classic feud story between two ninja clans that have been hating each other for hundreds of years. It is a good metaphor for how pointless secular hatred and feuds are. There is also a poetic romance beween the titular character, a political plot and the intrigue of how the characters of the two opposing clans try to kill each other with cunning tactics. Some of them have really ridiculous powers which seem to have been written as an after thought. It is a team deathmatch and a Romeo and Juliet kind of story with not much else going on behind the scenes. The characters are pretty poorly written with very shallow motivations and personalities. Very few of the characters actually use stealth as a tactic, even though that is the staple of ninja assassins. One of the most badly written character is the female lead, Oboro, who's main power is not the one presented in the anime, but her ability to say "Genoske-sama" ten times per episode (i actually counted and she said it 12 times in one episode). The story is serviceable at best, nothing too interesting or too boring happening, seeming that the narrative is really wrenched around arranging the fights between the 20 ninjas and not much else. The political plot and the romance are just filler and nothing to write home about. In conclusion it's not the best or the worst ninja/samurai anime, it is just mediocre.
saaame! We don't need like a massive backstory or something overdramatic for characters to be well developed sometimes, like naruto does. The characters had their own personalities, each one served their purpose very well.
Bobs right that this show has the worst character development I'd ever seen. But if you like gore and action, it's not too bad honestly. It's a quick watch also.
I liked this series less than I wanted to.I did love the character design and the action but the story felt flat and got somewhat boring even with all the fighting, since I couldn`t care for anyone. On the plus side you`re looking damn fine in that suit. ^^
It's a decent show. What really ruined it for me was the superpowers. Some were really clever others was just really bland and stupid. At least the ninjas are really sneaky and use clever strategies!!! There were moments where the show was boring at the same time there were some exiting,surprising and intense action scenes. Overall though the show would of been better off with little to no superpowers other than telepathy and psychic abilities.
I have a lot of gripes with this series. I loved most of the characters, but I got a sad amount of time with some of the coolest ones. I can tolerate rape scenes to an extent but the shit in this was way too often and excessive for me. Etc.. I almost hated it by the end but there's one flashback scene of the elder matriarch getting ready to leave for the first episode (trying not to spoil). and if you know what I'm talking about.. it was super emotional for me. Heartbreaking/ uplifting at the same time. I see it as a very okay anecdote for love that was drenched with a huge paint bucket of awesome concepts.
Becouse it's not simple enough for me to enjoy it as a mere action flick . But as Bob said the chars and story aren't really the highlights, but still I was majorly bothered by it. Also the ninjas aren't really all that balanced when consider that one clan could have nullified the entire enemy clan with just 2 candidates...It's just kind of meh...Oh, and Bob also mentioned the clear distinction of good and evil.
I agree with you on the first part but from what I remember the fights seemed pretty balanced[it`s been a while since I`ve seen it]. Was there a clear distinction, between good and evil? I thought it was pretty muddled. Still for me to hate a show it has to be aggressively bad, I still got some enjoyment from this one, but yeah, kind of boring.
LaddRusso91 Bob mentioned the clans which represent which side. Do you remember the genjutsu eyes? One clan had 2 of them who could use it and essentially destroy almost the whole other clan if we really think about it. The other clan had that girl who didn't know how to weald her eyes, so yeah it might not even be there at all. Also for me to hate a show it doesn't have to be THAT bad but actually average or below average shows can still take that space. Honestly I don't really take into account the worst of the worst.
Oh yeah, I think I remember one other dude having the same power, tho` iirc they only showed him towards the end. I guess you`re right, not very balanced indeed.
![The Complete Story of Destiny! From origins to Shadowkeep [Timeline and Lore explained]](/img/n.gif)
This was dubbed in Arabic before Naruto and it was called Shinobi, so when we were introduced to this badass anime while being kids, Naruto really did look like child's play 😂 we didn't accept Naruto until later on when this was forgotten
LOL thats awesome
Because I watched the movie first I was very disappointed with oboros eyes not being able to kill people.
@@5amlight313there is a movie????
This is definitely one of my favorite dark anime series.
Tenzen Yakushiji is one of my favorite villains.
I remember watching a live action movie of this (it's called Shinobi) and i really liked it.
The fact that this series was never popular shows that people have shit taste. Just the art style sells this and the story is very simple and easy to follow. My only complain with this is not enough focus on Oboro and Gennosuke couple. I should have cried at the end but I felt nothing ( I stopped liking Genno when he became blind and bland).
I might watch this show. It nice to see some actual badass ninjas in anime(why is anime lacking with ninjas?) And also Ed Baylock is in the English dub and god rest his soul because he really made FMA Brotherhood worth watching.
This was an adaptation of the novel “The Kōga Ninja Scrolls,” as was Shinobi the movie, hence the similarities. One of the most influential novels for modern ninja anime and games. As far as I know it’s where the whole “ninja as super powered warrior fighting monsters” idea we see in Ninja Scroll, Ninja Gaiden, etc. comes from, originally.
Wow, didnt know it was so influencial
Was this the anime where there is a guy with no arms or legs and he hides a knife down his throat using his tongue to wield it?
yep!
Sweet, I thought I'd seen this but I wasn't 100% sure. Thanks Bob!
I'm going go ahead and compliment you on showing all that info about the studio at the beginning. Gave me a good impression of the show
This guy is good. I've never seen an anime review with someone in a suit. Thank you for being awesome ; )
Haha I just read the manga of the series just because every chapter was titled "Kill Number X" and it caught my eye and really enjoyed it. To be honest, when I read or watch a show with a premise of something like a 10v10, I either look at if the plot and action are interesting or if the plot is mostly predictable but with great characters.
In case of Basilisk, I think that even though the characters aren't handled the best, it didn't take anything away from my experience due to the plot simply being so unpredictable. Though it has an overall flow from a bird's eye POV, it's tense and very enjoyable when reading it.
The selection of powers took it up a notch, and I was always so excited to see who would win that I could set aside my thirst for characterization and growth and such.
I think the author wanted to focus on a handful of characters from the 20 that are fighting but didn't realize that prioritizing characters would expose his lackluster approach towards the other characters. Still, I think several character motivations and dynamics are explored over the course of the story albeit most of them romantic, and I think Tenzen is a great villain who definitely gets development. It's just that the characters are flat but many of them talk and react in unpredictable ways so I find them well thought out even as flat characters. Thus I don't really feel the need for them to develop much.
Overall, really enjoyed it and a classy review. Your old videos are just as enjoyable as your new ones.
This is one of those animes that immediately hooked me with incredible visuals and designs ,as well as setting and the premise of the story. Now, this is not perfect, far from it but its such a fucking enjoyable series as an action, drama, and it even has some horror elements with tension while you think who is gonna die next and how, and who is gonna outwit them..! Ez 6.5 out of 10.. Highly recommend this if you want some quality, circa 2005, anime!!
Basilisk managed to include many genres in a well-paced movie set that genuinely reflects the Japanese spirit of no-wasted effort or fluff, and gets straight to the point
But that killer opening though !
Great review as always. this is one of my wife's favorite anime.
i liked that Tokugawa Ieyasu and Hattori Hanzo were present in the anime, very interesting characters of japanese history
always love the way how Bob samurai does his review
The fight between the two blind guys is my favorite, too bad it was short.
Haven't seen the show yet, but this seems like a pretty thoughtful and level-headed review.
thanks!
The action is absolutely why I like this. It's super cool especially in the first episode when dude Cuts his own hair. I don't know if thats original or not, but it looked Bad Ass and is bad ass because that's such a power move. Hair is a personal thing. Also his finger movement controlling the hair lmao.
Maybe that can make The Basilisk Anime into like 40 something episodes!
I think I'll go for the manga. The anime looks fine as an action show but the issues you pointed out make me a little worried and honestly the manga looks amazing xD
It's extremely Faithful.
Started watching this show a second. Watched it in the early 2000s when i was just starting to get into anime and Ondemand was becoming more popular.
This anime contains one of the best villains in anime. He steals the show.
We all hated him for being so evil.
Imma make a wild guess and say they are in fact afraid to kill off the Romeo and Juliet analogues, at least for the first half.
just started watching this. reminds me of ninja scroll
This anime was pretty good. I think Saemon, the mimic guy ended up being my favorite character.
yeah I remember this anime
character development was bad but it's watchable. The animation for when it came out is really good.
Love your review! Where can I watch this anime?
what i loved most about this anime is the jealousy of Koshiro !!
The artstyle looks promising, might watch it later.
The first manga i've ever collected. I liked the anime too!
I loved Basilisk back then, but I never watched beyond chapter 23. Why? Because I hated every remaining character way too much. And to be honest it's pretty obvious how this ends.
Please watch the last episode number 24, if you haven't already.
I think Heart Under Blade Was based on the same novel that Basilisk was inspired by. That's why Funimation used the same Voice actors in the dub.
Just finished watching it
I like the actress who played Oboro in Shinobi.
I wouldn't exactly call this anime an "action" anime. Even though there are fight scenes, it is more of a war drama. A classic feud story between two ninja clans that have been hating each other for hundreds of years. It is a good metaphor for how pointless secular hatred and feuds are. There is also a poetic romance beween the titular character, a political plot and the intrigue of how the characters of the two opposing clans try to kill each other with cunning tactics. Some of them have really ridiculous powers which seem to have been written as an after thought. It is a team deathmatch and a Romeo and Juliet kind of story with not much else going on behind the scenes.
The characters are pretty poorly written with very shallow motivations and personalities. Very few of the characters actually use stealth as a tactic, even though that is the staple of ninja assassins.
One of the most badly written character is the female lead, Oboro, who's main power is not the one presented in the anime, but her ability to say "Genoske-sama" ten times per episode (i actually counted and she said it 12 times in one episode).
The story is serviceable at best, nothing too interesting or too boring happening, seeming that the narrative is really wrenched around arranging the fights between the 20 ninjas and not much else. The political plot and the romance are just filler and nothing to write home about.
In conclusion it's not the best or the worst ninja/samurai anime, it is just mediocre.
this anime was on FUNimation channel
I couldn't find a good looking file for Basilisk anywhere.
I would highly disagree; I think the characters are pretty multi-dimensional and well developed and the story is well paced.
saaame! We don't need like a massive backstory or something overdramatic for characters to be well developed sometimes, like naruto does. The characters had their own personalities, each one served their purpose very well.
Bobs right that this show has the worst character development I'd ever seen. But if you like gore and action, it's not too bad honestly. It's a quick watch also.
Ima bout to start this.
Where can i find the manga online or buy the volumes?
They killed my favourite character 😐
Shit, mine too. :-(
one of the best animes i have seen, nnot a 1000 episode and its like a chess match
bob is a G can we please get this man funding and a million subs.....
Absolutely loved basiik, its what ninja scroll should have been.
macker33 don't you dare kick dirt on the great anime called Ninja Scroll! Don't YOU DARE!!!
Not just any ol dirt, ninja dirt.
I'm talking about the series and not the movie obviously.
I liked this series less than I wanted to.I did love the character design and the action but the story felt flat and got somewhat boring even with all the fighting, since I couldn`t care for anyone. On the plus side you`re looking damn fine in that suit. ^^
Weird middle ground between ninja scroll and Naruto.
****SPOILERS****
I just want to know why Genouske wrote what he did on the scroll !!!
This was hype as fuck i love this series
Review Aoi Bungaku Series!
It's a decent show. What really ruined it for me was the superpowers. Some were really clever others was just really bland and stupid. At least the ninjas are really sneaky and use clever strategies!!! There were moments where the show was boring at the same time there were some exiting,surprising and intense action scenes. Overall though the show would of been better off with little to no superpowers other than telepathy and psychic abilities.
my fav anime, and it will always be
Alessia Zenatti no way. Have you even seen Ninja Scroll or Berserk
I also watched the action movie of it
it was good
One of my favorites
Bob this was based off a manga that is all
I remember this show! I loved this shit!
that intro tho
I have a lot of gripes with this series. I loved most of the characters, but I got a sad amount of time with some of the coolest ones. I can tolerate rape scenes to an extent but the shit in this was way too often and excessive for me. Etc.. I almost hated it by the end but there's one flashback scene of the elder matriarch getting ready to leave for the first episode (trying not to spoil). and if you know what I'm talking about.. it was super emotional for me. Heartbreaking/ uplifting at the same time. I see it as a very okay anecdote for love that was drenched with a huge paint bucket of awesome concepts.
HanoverFiste3 that profile name, though! Can I assume you're a fellow Heavy Metal fan? If so!? That's awesome!!!
It is a good thing that they made us hate the rape scenes.
Worst
Hate this one. And balanced? No.
Can you explain why you hated it?
Becouse it's not simple enough for me to enjoy it as a mere action flick . But as Bob said the chars and story aren't really the highlights, but still I was majorly bothered by it. Also the ninjas aren't really all that balanced when consider that one clan could have nullified the entire enemy clan with just 2 candidates...It's just kind of meh...Oh, and Bob also mentioned the clear distinction of good and evil.
I agree with you on the first part but from what I remember the fights seemed pretty balanced[it`s been a while since I`ve seen it]. Was there a clear distinction, between good and evil? I thought it was pretty muddled.
Still for me to hate a show it has to be aggressively bad, I still got some enjoyment from this one, but yeah, kind of boring.
LaddRusso91 Bob mentioned the clans which represent which side. Do you remember the genjutsu eyes? One clan had 2 of them who could use it and essentially destroy almost the whole other clan if we really think about it. The other clan had that girl who didn't know how to weald her eyes, so yeah it might not even be there at all. Also for me to hate a show it doesn't have to be THAT bad but actually average or below average shows can still take that space. Honestly I don't really take into account the worst of the worst.
Oh yeah, I think I remember one other dude having the same power, tho` iirc they only showed him towards the end. I guess you`re right, not very balanced indeed.
This is pretty much what I thought Shigurui was gonna be when I started it. Boy was I wrong.