Highlander: The Search for Vengeance (2007)

An animated Highlander story that has Colin MacLeod (of the clan MacLeod) seeking vengeance on a fellow immortal over many, many years. The two primary eras are Roman Britain (125 AD) and a futuristic America (2187).
The differing goals of each man and how they impact upon their chosen lifestyle is the most interesting aspect of the story, but it takes a long time for the true weight of it to surface. In order to get to that stage we first have to suffer some bland pacing and some equally bland locations - although the latter does at least serve to further highlight the difference in lifestyles. Colin's ultimate goal coincides with someone else's more noble purpose, making him both hero of the people and agent of his own misery.

2½ other times out of 5

NOTE: review is of Dir's Cut (95 mins), not the edited US version (85 mins).

Wicked City (1987)

Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust) directs this lush animated feature based on the first book in the Wicked City series. The story involves a treaty to be negotiated between the human and demon worlds. Two secret agents, one from each side must join forces to keep inter-dimensional peace till a settlement is reached. Everything from the beautiful old school animation style to the frightening monster designs to the excessive violence is a real treat for the adult anime fan. It should be stressed that the eroticism present in the film is extremely adult, bordering on pornographic. Though decent action is present, the plot is weak in the third act, leaving one indifferent to the conclusion.

3½ DNA samples out of 5

Ninja Scroll (1993)

Browse any anime fan's movie collection and more often than not you'll find the same three films: Akira (1988), Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Ninja Scroll. Outside of Ghibli, those three have risen and remained at the top of the pile.
Scroll isn't packed with plot like the other two films are, it's a simple story about the quintessential anime samurai/ninja as he advances toward a singular goal, but before he can reach that goal he must win a series of battles against a collection of bizarre enemies. Between bouts there's some characterisation, but it also allows the viewer to project their own thoughts upon, and give depth to, the adaptable swordsman.

4 fatal encounters out of 5