Naruto is one of those animes you can either take for what it is and enjoy it, or expect something more and generally not care for it at all. I have not watched a proper episode of Naruto properly, but I understand Naruto both has legions of some surprsingly varied, devoted fans varying from ages eight to eighteen, and Naruto has legions of dislike from certain people.
Whilst this movie: "Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow" was the first thing I properly watched something related to Naruto, and I didn't really know what to expect from him, I can both see why Naruto has become such a big anime icon, and another, I really don't understand the hype he has, and why he is boldly compared to animated gems like "Princess Monoke". However though, "Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow", if you take it for what it is, is a fun, entertaining film that both has some slick, impressive action, and generally is a well-made piece of fan service.
The plot of 'Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow" involves Naruto protecting a famous, popular actress named Lady Yukie. Lady Yukie is the actress who plays a character in a series of films called Princess Gale, and, to Naruto's surprise, she is also the princess of the Land of Snow. One of them is secretly taking Lady Yukie back to her home the members of the film crew named: Sondayu, so she can continue to rule the land, and Naruto tries to prevent Yukie from running away from her fate. However, an evil man named Doto is after Yukie's hex crystal, so he can unlock the treasures of Yukie's home.
Judging by the plot, you can probably guess 'Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow' isn't the most revolutionary or complex plot ever, but, you can sense Naruto doesn't really need it. 'Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow' generally makes the most out of the simplistic plot, by having both old and new characters, such as Yukie herself, have generally strong character development, and register many types of different emotions generally well at the right times. 'Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow' also keeps itself full with energy, and the plot has generally good pacing, and has a plentiful balance of satisfying, slick action, and some well-written, humorous dialogue between Naruto and Yukie, and other characters alike.
Of course, a Naruto film wouldn't be complete without having stellar visuals and character animation, and 'Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow' arguably, has the strongest animation the Naruto team has done. The action scenes are all slickly done, and all have smooth, consistent fight choreography. Each environment in the Naruto film, from the sweet, peaceful home of Naruto, the icy caverns of Snow Land, all have stunningly attractive colour design, and are strong in detail.
Those reasons aforementioned are the reasons why I can understand Naruto is so popular. However, Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow has some glaring weaknesses on how I cannot understand why Naruto is so big. Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow has a plot that generally treads on thin ground, and Naruto tries to hard to do sudden, dramatic changes in tone and it seems like Naruto is lost on its audience. The film simply tries too hard to be something else at times, but it is faithful to the show's original spirit.
Whilst Naruto himself, is a generally likable character, his English dubbing is incredibly grating and forced. Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow generally offers nothing spectacular, but it doesn't really need to.
Overall, as somebody who is new to Naruto, and appreciated this film for what it was, 'Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow' is a fun, surprisingly well-done spin off for Naruto devotees. Whilst this film will not get me into the franchise completely, I do generally like and respect Naruto, and he really is cool, and not as bad as some people making him out to be. If you go in not expecting anything more than what you get, for both newcomers and Naruto fans, "Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow' is generally a good time.
