For centuries there lived warriors of darkness with strange powers and arcane skills, living only for battle. They were the Shinobi. The year is 1614 and Japan has been united under the first Shogun. Peace is returning to the land after many years of war. Even the Koga and the Iga, Ninja tribes and bitterest of foes have been bound to live in peace. That is, however, until the nefarious Shogun hatches a plan to rid his kingdom of their power forever. He plots a battle - five Ninja from each Village must fight to the death until just one victorious Ninja survives and has then earned the right to name the next Shogun. Caught in the crossfire of imperial plotting and family honour are Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri) and Oboro (Yukie Nakama) who have fallen deeply in love despite being the heirs of the warring tribes. Their tragic fate is to decide whether to live in honor, or love. With no concern for the star crossed lovers the order forbidding conflict is lifted, the elders choose their best Ninjas and the stage is set for a battle to end all battles.
Shinobi
For centuries there lived warriors of darkness with strange powers and arcane skills, living only for battle. They were the Shinobi. The year is 1614 and Japan has been united under the first Shogun. Peace is returning to the land after many years of war. Even the Koga and the Iga, Ninja tribes and bitterest of foes have been bound to live in peace. That is, however, until the nefarious Shogun hatches a plan to rid his kingdom of their power forever. He plots a battle - five Ninja from each Village must fight to the death until just one victorious Ninja survives and has then earned the right to name the next Shogun. Caught in the crossfire of imperial plotting and family honour are Gennosuke (Joe Odagiri) and Oboro (Yukie Nakama) who have fallen deeply in love despite being the heirs of the warring tribes. Their tragic fate is to decide whether to live in honor, or love. With no concern for the star crossed lovers the order forbidding conflict is lifted, the elders choose their best Ninjas and the stage is set for a battle to end all battles.