Boruto: Naruto the Movie is a Japanese animated film released in 2015. It is a direct sequel to the original Naruto series and focuses on the next generation of ninjas in the Hidden Leaf Village. The story centers on Boruto Uzumaki, the son of Naruto Uzumaki, who is now the Seventh Hokage. The movie explores Boruto’s struggles with his father’s legacy, his own ambitions, and a new threat that endangers the peace of the ninja world.
The film was directed by Hiroyuki Yamashita and written by Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of Naruto. It runs for about 96 minutes and has been praised for its animation, story, and character development. This movie is important because it bridges the gap between Naruto and the Boruto series, introducing key characters and themes that shape the future of the franchise.
The Setting and Background
The movie takes place fifteen years after the end of the Fourth Great Ninja War. Naruto Uzumaki has finally achieved his lifelong dream of becoming Hokage, the leader of the Hidden Leaf Village. He is married to Hinata Hyuga and has two children: Boruto and Himawari Uzumaki. The village is peaceful and thriving, but new challenges are on the horizon.
Boruto, unlike his father, struggles with his family situation. Naruto’s duties as Hokage keep him busy, and he is often away from home. This causes Boruto to feel neglected and resentful. He wants to prove himself and surpass his father, but he is unsure how to do so. Along with his teammates Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki, Boruto trains hard to become a strong ninja.
Main Characters and Their Roles
Boruto Uzumaki
Boruto is the main protagonist. He is energetic, talented, and determined to make a name for himself. However, his impatience and frustration sometimes lead him to make poor decisions. Throughout the movie, Boruto learns important lessons about responsibility, honesty, and family.
Naruto Uzumaki
Naruto is now the Seventh Hokage. His role is to protect the village and maintain peace. Because of his duties, he is often absent from his family, which creates tension with Boruto. Naruto’s character is shown as a strong leader but a flawed father trying to balance his responsibilities.
Sasuke Uchiha
Sasuke returns to the village as a vigilante and mentor. He warns Naruto about a dangerous new enemy and agrees to train Boruto. Sasuke’s guidance is crucial for Boruto’s growth, and their relationship becomes a key part of the story.
Sarada Uchiha and Mitsuki
Sarada, daughter of Sasuke and Sakura, and Mitsuki, a mysterious child with ties to Orochimaru, complete Boruto’s ninja team. Together, they face challenges and grow stronger as friends and warriors.
The Plot: A New Threat Emerges
The peaceful life of the Hidden Leaf Village is shattered when two powerful beings from the Otsutsuki clan, Kinshiki and Momoshiki, arrive. They seek to capture Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox sealed inside Naruto, to create a chakra fruit that grants immortality. This threat forces Naruto, Boruto, Sasuke, and the other ninja leaders to defend the village and the world’s peace.
Meanwhile, Boruto struggles with his feelings toward his father. He wants to impress Naruto but feels ignored. Boruto asks Sasuke to train him, and Sasuke agrees only if Boruto can master the Rasengan technique. Boruto learns the Rasengan but becomes frustrated with its difficulty. To cheat and impress Sasuke, he uses a Scientific Ninja Tool, a device that enhances ninja abilities artificially.
Boruto’s cheating is discovered during the Chunin Exams, and Naruto publicly disqualifies him. This moment is painful but important, as it teaches Boruto about honesty and the true meaning of strength.
The Climax: Battle Against the Otsutsuki Clan
Just as Boruto begins to understand his father better, Kinshiki and Momoshiki launch a massive attack on the village. Naruto sacrifices himself to protect the people, and Boruto wakes up to find his father captured in another dimension. Sasuke, along with the five Kage (leaders of the ninja villages), prepares to rescue Naruto. Boruto insists on joining them to make amends and prove himself.
The rescue mission leads to an epic battle against the Otsutsuki duo. Momoshiki absorbs Kinshiki to gain more power, becoming even more dangerous. Naruto and Sasuke fight fiercely alongside Boruto. In a critical moment, Naruto shares his chakra with Boruto, allowing them to combine their energy into a massive Rasengan that defeats Momoshiki.
Before dying, Momoshiki places a mysterious seal on Boruto’s right hand, hinting at future challenges and powers. This battle marks a turning point for Boruto, who begins to understand his father’s burdens and the responsibilities of being a ninja.
The Themes and Messages of the Movie
The Boruto movie explores several important themes:
Family and Responsibility
The movie shows the struggles of balancing family and duty. Naruto’s role as Hokage keeps him away from his family, causing Boruto to feel neglected. The story highlights the importance of communication and understanding between parents and children.
Growth and Self-Discovery
Boruto’s journey is about finding his own path. He learns that shortcuts like cheating do not lead to true strength. Through training, battles, and reflection, Boruto matures and gains respect for his father and himself.
Legacy and Change
The film presents the idea of legacy-how the new generation builds on the achievements of the old. Boruto respects Naruto but also wants to create his own identity. The movie sets the stage for this new era of ninjas.
Impact and Reception
Boruto: Naruto the Movie was well received by fans and critics alike. It earned over $39 million at the box office and is considered a key part of the Naruto canon. The film’s animation quality, action sequences, and emotional story were praised. It also successfully introduced new characters and set up the Boruto anime and manga series.
The movie is recommended for fans of Naruto who want to see the next chapter in the story. It balances nostalgia with fresh storytelling, making it accessible to new viewers as well.
Conclusion
The Boruto movie is about the challenges faced by the new generation of ninjas, especially Boruto Uzumaki, as they navigate family expectations, personal growth, and dangerous enemies. It shows Boruto’s struggle to earn his father’s respect while protecting the village from powerful threats. With exciting battles, strong character development, and meaningful themes, the movie serves as a bridge between Naruto’s legacy and the future of the ninja world.
For anyone interested in the Naruto universe, Boruto: Naruto the Movie is a must-watch film that offers both action and heart, setting the stage for the continuing adventures of Boruto and his friends.
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