

A rebellious ninja in 17th century Japan takes refuge with a fisherman and his family.
Practical Effects
Beach ninja fights hit different—sand everywhere, zero dignity
Cinematography
The ocean looks like it wants to swallow everyone's trauma whole
Acting
Kenichi Matsuyama's thousand-yard stare could cut steel

Director
Yōichi Sai
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on Sanpei Shirato's seminal 1964 manga that defined 'socially conscious ninja' as a genre—way before itachi had trauma.
Kenichi Matsuyama trained in traditional fishing techniques for months, which he never used again because Hollywood doesn't cast L as a fisherman.