Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel is the second film based on the anime Naruto. It is directed by Hirotsugu Kawasaki who also co-wrote it with Yuka Miyata. This review is based on the English version from Viz Media.

Taking place before Naruto’s three-year journey with the Toad Sage, the Village of Sand is attacked by strange-looking robots on a desolate beach and many sand villagers are killed before the survivors are saved by powerful sand ninja Gaara (Liam O’Brien) and his younger brother and puppeteer ninja Kankuro (Michael Lindsay).

The next day, Naruto Uzumaki (Maile Flanagan), Shikamaru Nara (Tom Gibis), and Sakura Haruno (Kate Higgins) rescue a pet on behalf of a band of wandering nomads. Soon after, they are attacked by an army of robots and a mysterious knight named Temujin (Roger Craig Smith), who is working for a man named Master Haido (Douglas Rye). He’s an evildoer seeking the Gelel Stone, a powerful mineral from a lost land that is connected to the nomads. Haido can use its power to raise an army of undead warriors to conquer the land.

Known in Japan as Daigekitotsu! Maboroshi no Chiteiiseki Dattebayo (literally, Great Clash! The Illusionary Ruins at the Depths of the Earth), Toho Company Ltd. and Studio Pierrot did an excellent job animating and developing the movie. While it is not as good as the first, it is a fun adventure movie with tons of ninja action.

Likewise, Viz Media did an excellent job of dubbing the feature. Once again, Flanagan’s performance as Naruto is just as legendary as any other anime English voice actor or actress.

I really only have two complaints about the movie. The first one is its lack of Kakashi as a character. He is one of Naruto’s teachers and one of the most powerful ninjas. It stands to reason that he would be in this one. The last one is that where it fits into continuity feels just a little stretched. While it takes place before Naruto leaves on his big adventure with the Toad Sage, the way it is squeezed in feels a bit awkward.

That being said, for old school anime fans or newcomers, it is a fun adventure with lots of action and adventure. It features many beloved characters from the show while incorporating new ones that add to this feature.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Violence, Some language

FAVORITE QUOTE: Will you shut up? I don’t want to hear it!

Check out the Cartoon Network promo below:

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or novel you would like me to review. While you are at it, check out my movie review for Naruto the Movie: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more posts like this one.

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