The Last: Naruto the Movie

“The Last: Naruto the Movie” marks a significant moment in the Naruto and Naruto Shippuden franchise as it celebrates its 15th anniversary. This seventh installment in the Shippuden series is now available in Australasia through Madman Entertainment, offering fans the choice of English subtitled and dubbed versions on BluRay and DVD.

The film begins by delving into the history of the world and the enigmatic tailed beasts, a captivating introduction that plays a pivotal role in the Shippuden series. It then transitions to portray Naruto’s journey, from an aspiring young ninja to the village hero who saved his home.

The central plot takes us back in time to a touching encounter between young Naruto and his classmate, Hinata Hyuga. While fans are already familiar with Hinata’s affection for Naruto, this film explores the moment when she falls in love with him. This heartwarming scene underscores the enduring nature of Hinata’s love, making it clear that “The Last” primarily focuses on the love story between Naruto and Hinata.

Naruto’s character remains true to form, characterized by his denseness and lack of wisdom. However, he is now older, more powerful, and a village heartthrob, which adds an intriguing dimension to his character. The supporting cast, including grown-up versions of Sakura, Shikamaru, Sai, Choji, and Ino, remains faithful to their anime counterparts. The presence of Kakashi as the village Hokage is particularly noteworthy.

As is customary in Naruto films, the life of a ninja comes with challenges and adversaries. “The Last” is no exception, as an antagonist creates a significant catastrophe that threatens the world. This villain also seeks to marry Hinata due to her possession of the powerful Byakugan ability. This sets the stage for Naruto and ninjas worldwide to join forces to defend the planet, resulting in visually appealing action sequences and vibrant colors.

However, some viewers may find the development of Naruto and Hinata’s romantic relationship abrupt and lacking in depth. Naruto’s sudden “fall” in love with Hinata may leave fans wanting more from their romance.

The animation style in “The Last” differs somewhat from the main series, appearing more surreal. While this divergence may have been intentional, it may take some viewers by surprise. Nevertheless, the film’s music remains a highlight, with an uplifting and motivating soundtrack.

In conclusion, “The Last: Naruto the Movie” is a watchable installment that sheds light on a crucial moment in Naruto’s life. While it may not match the quality of previous Naruto films, it is a worthwhile addition for franchise enthusiasts. Fans of Naruto should consider giving it a watch, while others may prefer sticking to the anime series or exploring the sequel, Boruto.