4 stars of adventure with the next generation of Leaf Shinobi.
Boruto the Movie continues the story of the Hidden Leaf village, started in Naruto Shippuden, telling the story of the children of the original characters and is the directorial debut of Hiroyuki Yamashita. As with Naruto, it is based on the Manga written by Masashi Kishimoto.
This is well after the current UK release of the anime series Naruto Shippuden, so be aware it unfortunately contains massive spoilers as to how Naruto finishes. It does seem rather strange to release it now, but nevertheless it is still good.
“Just watch stupid old man. My strength’s gonna take me right to the top.”
It is fifteen years since the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War and the Hidden Leaf Village has grown into a thriving metropolis with advanced technology. Naruto Uzumaki (Maile Flanagan – Pig, Goat, Banana, Cricket) is now the Seventh Hokage, but even though the five clans are now at peace, he is snowed under with the weight of the responsibility.
As a result, he’s not able to spend as much time as he should with his wife, Hinata (Stephanie Sheh – Magi: The Kingdom of Magic) and his children Himawari (Melissa Fahn – Noein: To Your Other Self) and Boruto (Amanda Celine Miller – K-ON!).
Boruto has recently been made a genin, teamed up with Sarada Uchiha (Cherami Leigh – Sword Art Online, Fairy Tail), daughter of Sakura and Sasuke, and Mitsuki (Robbie Daymond – Breadwinners) under the command of Konohamaru (Max Mittelman – Your Lie in April). Boruto is resentful of his father and begins training with Sasuke in order to someday be able to defeat him in combat.
With the chunin exams coming up, the young shinobi have lots to be getting on with, but something is afoot. Two strange shinobi have arrived, searching for chakra and when Lord Momoshiki (Xander Mobus – One Punch Man) and his father Kinshiki (Wally Wingert – Bleach) attack the arena it sets in motion events that will have far reaching effects.
Boruto the Movie is a very enjoyable watch. It carries on the traditions of Naruto Shippuden admirably and is a really good story. It is a little difficult at first to get past seeing Naruto all grown up, but it’s good once you get used to it. Naruto fans will definitely want to get on board with this one.
“I’ll rearrange this seed bed and make it beautiful despite these annoyances…”
Boruto the Movie is available to buy now on DVD and Blu-ray