Good
fantasy franchises never die, even if the evil world-devouring monster does. After
the defeat of the terrible Orochi snake-beast, the Yamainu is suddenly a secret
agency that no longer has a mission. Most of them will simply transfer into the
Meiji-era Japanese military, but that will not be an option for the broken and
dispirited Tenka Kumo. It will be a time to remember old battle and envision what
could be in Tetsuya Wakano’s Laughing Under
the Clouds: Gaiden Part 1 & 2 (trailer here), which screens in
select cities starting this Friday (Saturday and Monday in New York).
It
is difficult for wheelchair-bound Tenka Kumo to enjoy the peace. He was once
considered one of the Yaimanu’s most promising members, but he resigned to
participate in a highly questionable human-Orochi-fusing experiment. Nevertheless,
he is still beloved by his two younger brothers, whom he has cared for after their
parents were murdered by Fuuma Ninjas loyal to Orochi. Tenka’s brothers will learn
about his very first mission from his old Yaimani comrades-in-arms and maybe
help him reach some closure.
The
second part of Gaiden focuses on the
inner politics of the Fuuma Ninjas, which is kind of gutsy, considering it is
basically a doomsday death cult sworn to serve Orochi. That sounds bad, but
things are even worse under the current leader, who is tearing apart the clan
with his ruinous ceremonies. Technically, Shirasu and Ichiu should not be alive
to watch their fellow ninjas senselessly killing each other. There is a strict
policy forbidding twins, but Shirasu and his parents have secretly hid Ichiu
for years. Unfortunately, he is overdue to participate in the ceremony, in
which initiates are invariably forced to assassinate a close family member.
Given
its valedictory nature, Gaiden Part 1 will
probably be best appreciated by franchise fans. Still, there are some nice
action sequences and Yutaka Yamada’s sweeping score is absolutely beautiful. On
the other hand, Part 2 stands alone
quite easily and it is unusually dark and challenging for an established shonen
property. The life of a Fuuma Ninja as Shirasu knows it is bitter, harsh, and
wastefully cheap. He is sort like what Naruto might be, if he served the dark side
of the Force.
Part 1 is quite lovely
visually and musically, while the distinctly dark Part 2 packs a mean punch. That makes them quite an interesting
pairing. Recommended to fans for the first part and non-fans for the second
part, Laughing Under the Clouds: Gaiden
Part 1 & 2 will have a number of special screenings throughout the
country starting this Friday (8/24), including the Village East in New York on
Saturday and Monday (8/25 & 8/27). (Check the Eleven Arts website for
screenings near you.)
