The Hakkenden: Legend of the Dog Warriors, Vol. 1 Movie Review 1994

In "Episode 1: The Kaleidoscope," the starving Satomi clan's pleas for help are answered with an attack by the demon-aided Anzai clan. Finally, the leader of the Satomi clan makes a desperate promise that sets in motion his daughter's fate. In "Episode 2: Dark Music of the Gods," a girl praying at a shrine finds a puppy. Within a year Shino Inuzuka is born. His parents dress him as a girl to fool the vengeful gods, but train him as a boy. Soon a conflict between Shino's father and his fiancee's family over the famous Murasame sword lead to major changes in Shino's life. These episodes begin a samurai epic that spans seven volumes. Legends, myths and a variety of animation techniques combine to bring to life this anime based on the book by Bakin Takizawa. The tale of the princess is set in 1457 and Shino's story starts only one year later. From the standpoint of the western viewer with little exposure to Japanese culture, both stories will be somewhat akin to dark fairy tales. The more experienced viewer will easily pick up the familiar themes that run through the well-presented stories.

Distribution

Pioneer Entertainment, c/o CDC America, 2265 E. 220th St., Long Beach, CA 90810, Phone: (310)952-2231, Toll-free: 800-526-0363, Fax: (800)843-7332, URL: http://www.pioneer-ent.com

Available on VHS
Running time 60 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Anime, Martial Arts, Folklore & Legends, Japan