‘Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower‘ is a 2010 anime ninja film directed by Masahiko Murata. Like previous entries, it was made by Studio Pierrot, distributed by Toho Studios, and later dubbed into English by Viz Media. This review is based on the dub.

Captain Yamato (Troy Baker) leads Naruto (Maile Flanagan), Sakura (Kate Higgins), and Sai (Ben Diskin) to chase down rogue puppet ninja Mukade (JB Blanc) to the abandoned city of Loran. He absorbs a seal on energy leylines and releases the chakra energy from within, knocking him out. When he wakes up, he is surprised that he is over twenty years in the past with Loran was a thriving city. He saves the young Queen Sāra (Eden Riegel) after an attempt on her life. He then encounters three ninjas from the Hidden Leaf Village, one that resembles the Fourth Hokage who goes by the Yellow Flash (Tony Oliver). They soon discover that citizens are disappearing mysteriously and Naruto suspects Mukade is behind it, wanting to change history.

The time-travel aspect of this movie was very interesting. It had not been as far as with Naruto, so seeing him work with a younger version of his father, though neither of them realize it. I also liked seeing the younger versions of Kakashi, Shizune, and Guy during a flashback of the opening of Naruto’s favorite ramen shop. That place is almost as legendary as the whole Hidden Leaf Village if you are a fan of the anime.

I did like the story from that angle. The idea of fate and destiny intertwined with a good old-fashioned ninja action was very sleek and cool. The animation was, of course, pretty spot on. They did a good with the character designs and with the city’s overall look. I did get confused at one part of the film where the villain was replacing citizens of Loran with puppets. I find it hard to believe someone would not notice that going on, but it is an anime, so suspension of belief comes with the territory.

Bottom line, Naruto Shippuden the Movie: The Lost Tower does have a few head-scratcher moments when it comes to plot, but the story is still cool to see Naruto work with the father he never got a chance to meet.

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Minor foul language, Violence

FAVORITE QUOTE: If I had a son, I’d want him to be like you.

Check out the trailer below:

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This article has been updated from a previous version.