Naruto Shippûden: La película

I've been a fan of the Naruto Anime Series since it's glory days. When I got hooked, it was around episode 50 out of the near 300 episodes out today. I've seen them all and I have got to say, the production and writing team are doing their best to destroy this franchise. Horrible filler episodes, lackluster animations, clichéd story lines, and hackney character developments. This entire movie felt like one long and boring filler arc of the Naruto television series. When the action kicked up, it was alright. The animations and choreography were all standard for where the series is right now, but it was nowhere near the quality a feature film should have. The story is just modified from every Naruto movie we've seen before. Just do yourself a favor and re-watch Rock Lee fighting Gaara or Kimimaru, and you'll get more excitement out of it than from this movie.

"Naruto Shippuden the Movie" marks the first cinematic entry in the Shippuden era, taking place during the early arcs of the series' post-time-skip period. Directed by Hajime Kamegaki, the film delivers a self-contained story centered on a prophecy of Naruto's death, wrapped in high-stakes action, supernatural threats, and familiar character dynamics.

Strengths: The film wastes no time plunging into action, opening with a dramatic sequence that suggests Naruto's impending demise. This sets a dark tone, quite distinct from earlier Naruto films. The animation is fluid, especially during fight scenes, showcasing the studio's improved choreography and visual effects. The central conflict against the spirit demon Moryo carries an epic quality, even if it leans on the typical "resurrect an ancient evil" trope.

Naruto's characterization remains consistent: reckless, loyal, and driven by his desire to protect others. His interactions with priestess Shion provide some emotional depth, even hinting at romantic undertones, although not deeply explored. Shion herself is one of the better-written one-off characters in the Naruto film series, evolving from cold and pragmatic to someone who sees value in Naruto's selfless worldview.

Weaknesses: Despite its darker premise, the film suffers from the same issues that plague many anime tie-in movies: lack of stakes in the broader narrative and limited development for supporting characters. Sakura, Neji, Rock Lee, and the rest of the squad get sidelined after a brief burst of action. Additionally, the prophecy concept is underutilized; rather than truly exploring Naruto's thoughts on fate or mortality, the story plays it safe with predictable plot turns.

Moreover, the villain, Moryo, is largely forgettable-more of a force of nature than a compelling antagonist. His lack of personality or motivation beyond destruction weakens the emotional investment in the final battle.

Verdict: "Naruto Shippuden the Movie" delivers solid action and a serviceable plot, with enough emotional weight and spectacle to entertain fans. It doesn't break new ground, but for those wanting a compact dose of Naruto's heroism, it gets the job done. Just don't expect it to stick with you long after the credits roll.

Rating: 6.6/10 - Entertaining but formulaic. Strong start, flashy battles, and a decent character arc for Shion, but ultimately lacks the narrative punch of the series' best moments.

Actually, I'm not too surprised by the kind of movies that go with Anime in Japan. But every Anime has characters and everything around comes with its own world, which is unique. And each character has also unique characteristics and personality.

And I can't imagine how disappointed I was at the way my favorite characters were treated in this movie. I no longer recognize them. Of course, the humor still exists, but the content of the film is too bad, the characters are too boring and the mage princess Shion is like a fusion of Garra and Neji.

The villains also don't last very long in my memory, they just show up, get defeated, and then disappear. And when they were killed, sure enough, it was when Sakura, Lee, and Neji laughed and enjoyed it with no mercy.

At that time I wondered "What the f** sh*?" why should the voice actors have to put up with this, they're destroying every teen's favorite characters and no one is protesting?

And if for comparison, look at the pointless and offensive joke at the end of the movie, then the scene is cut suddenly, that's my feeling. If this wasn't a Naruto movie, I would rate it 2 stars.

I was excited for this like hell. I like Naruto and totally watched 3 times Shippuden including. The thing in anime is it is More popular and overrated in overseas. But this movie can't provide whatever we expected as from Naruto Anime. I started watching this movie and just after some minutes it doesn't provide a good Story, DEPTH IN CHARACTERS, ACTION, and plots. It is full of plotholes and the fact is most of them are still not revealed even though the Naruto and Shippuden are all over a years ago. Naruto was my first choice before I watched anything better. Now, it comes around after 8-9 Anime in my favourite Anime list.

The first three Naruto movies were entertaining and exciting. And they showed the essence of what Naruto's character is about. This fourth installment is not that much different but is nearly not as compelling as the previous movies were. In Shippûden Naruto has grown considerably. And you do notice that he has matured. In this movie it is like he never changed except for his appearance. To me it is strange why the writers don't show some elements that are relevant to the show or it's characters. After the developments in Naruto Shippûden I had hoped that we at least got to see what happened in the two years that Naruto was training with Jiraiya or something like that. But to have the same story told over and over does get boring. (Priestess is cocky,Naruto gets angry and corrects her and finally ... her. You know. The end!). This movie does contain some superb action scenes especially the one with Rock Lee. Not a a bad movie,but very pale in comparison to the previous movies and the series.