Magically gifted boy Sasuke lives in peace, deep in the forest with his animal pals and Oyu, his elder sister. After their forest sanctuary is violated by a demon witch who devours one of Sasuke's animal companions, he vows vengeance. Leaving the forest, he sets out to master his magical gifts, making a pilgrimage to the home of the wizard Hakuunsai. While Sasuke learns the ways of magic, the demon witch terrorizes the countryside, and Sasuke works to complete his training in time.
Direction
Toei's golden age craftsmen flexing every frame.
Sound
That wind-riding sound design is *chef's kiss*.
Director
Akira Daikuhara
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Toei Animation's second feature film, part of their strategy to become 'the Disney of the East'—you can feel them trying to prove themselves to the world.
Sarutobi Sasuke is a legendary folk ninja, and this film helped cement his pop-culture image for decades—basically every anime ninja owes this boy a royalty check.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
JP
