BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja is a 2019 Japanese film. It is a tokusatsu action period film that was produced as a live-action spin-off of the anime film BLACKFOX, which opened in theaters on 5 October 2019. BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja is a prequel to the anime film, as its main character Rikka Isurugi—a female ninja who fought during the Edo period—is the ancestor of the main character of the anime film. The screenplay was written by Naoki Hayashi, who also wrote the screenplay for the anime film. BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja was directed by Koichi Sakamoto, and features actress Chihiro Yamamoto in her first cinematic leading role.
| BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Koichi Sakamoto |
| Screenplay by | Naoki Hayashi |
| Produced by | Miyagawa Tomoyuki |
| Starring | Chihiro Yamamoto |
| Music by | fripSide |
Release date | October 5, 2019 |
Running time | 93 minutes |
| Country | JAPAN |
| Language | Japanese/English |
Synopsis edit
The film takes place in Japan during the age of Samurais and Ninjas. Rikka Isurugi, who was raised to be the next head of the Kitsune (Fox)—a ninja clan that does anything for the right price—meets a girl named Miya, who had been wandering around in the mountains looking for the Kitsune.
Miya, whose father was murdered by a gang called the Negoroshu, places an order to Hyoe Isurugi—Rikka's grandfather and the head of the ninja clan—to have the Negoroshu killed. As a naturally gentle person, Rikka has a problem with killing people. As such, she tries to convince Hyoe to change his mind about accepting the job, but right when she is doing so, the Negoroshu come attacking after Miya.
The hard fight ends in a draw, but as punishment for questioning the head's decision, Rikka is later made to attend to meager tasks. Seeing Rikka clumsily taking on the work, Miya steps in to help, and as the two work together, they become friends. Meanwhile however, an unknown character advances their evil plot as they continue to use the Negoroshu to attack Miya.
Who is the mysterious character out to kill Miya, and what is their reason? When all truths are revealed, Rikka risks her life on a battle to save her friend.
Cast edit
- Chihiro Yamamoto as Rikka Isurugi
- Maimi Yajima as Miya
- Sakurako Okubo as Merisa
- Mami Fujioka as Haku
- Yuki Kubota as Shigetsugu Toda
- Hideo Ishiguro as Burado
- Kanon Miyahara as Uto
- Masayuki Deai as Jin
- Koji Nakamura as Kokuryū
- Kentaro Shimazu as Aren
- Ayaka Nanase as Riri
- Seizō Fukumoto as Sorcerer
- Takeshi Masu as Roren
- Yasuaki Kurata as Hyoe Isurugi
Music edit
- Theme song: My Own Way[1]
- Lyrics, music, and arrangement by Satoshi Yaginuma Produced by Jun Nishimura (NBC Universal Entertainment Japan) Performed by fripSide
Release edit
The film was released on more than 20 video platforms in Japan on 5 October 2019.[2]
The film was presented in the Special Invitation category of the 2019 Kyoto International Film Festival, and made its world premiere on 19 October 2019. On 1 December 2019, the film made its Tokyo debut at the 29th Tama Cinema Forum.[3][4]
On 13 and 14 December 2019, the film was screened in Taipei, Taiwan at the Syntrend Creative Park, a facility that features household electric appliances. On 16 December, the film was screened at Shinjuku Wald 9 in Tokyo.[5][6][7][8][9][10]
The film was released on Blu-ray and DVD on 18 December.[citation needed]
References edit
- ^ The trailer including fripSide Theme song "My Own Way" released! Archived 14 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine "BLACK FOX: Age of the Ninja Archived 14 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine" (Press Release), Japanese Movie Broadcast, (29 November 2019)
- ^ ""BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja" distributed by Koichi Sakamoto, a Tokusatsu action historical drama." Archived 24 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine CINRA.NET (cinra). (5 October 2019)
- ^ "BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja” starring Chihiro Yamamoto “An action I've never done, I had a tough time! Archived 13 January 2020 at the Wayback Machine". The Television (KADOKAWA). (2 December 2019)
- ^ Tomohiro Mibu (2 December 2019). "Chihiro Yamamoto is praised by the director for his first starring work! Archived 2 December 2020 at the Wayback Machine". Cinema Today
- ^ "Screening event in Taiwan / Triumph screening and stage greeting at Shinjuku Wald 9 "BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja Archived 4 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine"" (press release), Japanese movie broadcasting, (7 December 2019)
- ^ "BLACKFOX: Age of the Ninja" creates a great sensation in Taiwan, Japan! Archived 27 September 2020 at the Wayback Machine" (Press Release), Japanese Movie Broadcast
- ^ BLACK FOX" Chihiro Yamamoto and Yuki Kubota "Reminiscences": face thickens as confrontation escalates Archived 16 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine. The movie Natalie (Natasha)
- ^ Do not miss the super powerful Tokusatsu action historical drama! "BLACKBOX-" Japan Triumph Archived 17 December 2019 at the Wayback Machine". SANSPO.COM (Sankei Digital)
- ^ Tomohiro Mibu (December 17, 2019). “Chihiro Yamamoto is eager for the lead sequel! The audience cheers for “waiting! Archived 16 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine". Cinema Today
- ^ Hideo Akita (30 December 2019). "The main cast of “BLACKFOX” is in full force, and cheers for the poses of Ultra Mangaia and Bowken Silver. Archived 12 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine" Mynavi News (Mynavi)
