Ninja Scroll

Ninja Scroll, the wild and wooly all-action anime that hit American screens in 1995, helped popularize the format for adults. The keys to its success are its twisty-turny plot, the vehemence of its violence and the brief interludes of a sexual nature. At the center of the story is wandering ninja Jubei Kibagami, a lone swordsman who becomes entangled in the hunt for a lost (or stolen) shipment of gold that could tip the balance of government power. Trying to keep the gold are the Eight Devils of Kimon, a team of ninjas with supernatural powers and a mean streak a mile wide. Jubei must fight his way through all eight of them to carry out his mission, but that's easier said than done. The Reel Late film series presents Ninja Scroll at 11:55 p.m. Friday and Saturday (August 23 and 24) at the Landmark Tivoli Theatre (6350 Delmar Boulevard; www.landmarktheatres.com). Tickets are $8.