Boruto: Naruto the Movie
Synopsis — from MyAnimeList
The spirited Boruto Uzumaki, son of Seventh Hokage Naruto, is a skilled ninja who possesses the same brashness and passion his father once had. However, the constant absence of his father, who is busy with his Hokage duties, puts a damper on Boruto's fire. Upon learning that his father will watch the aspiring ninjas who will participate in the upcoming Chunin exams, Boruto is driven to prove to him that he is worthy of his attention. In order to do so, he enlists the help of Naruto's childhood friend and rival, Sasuke Uchiha. The Chunin exams begin and progress smoothly, until suddenly, the Konohagakure is attacked by a new foe that threatens the long-standing peace of the village. Now facing real danger, Naruto and his comrades must work together to protect the future of their cherished home and defeat the evil that terrorizes their world. As this battle ensues, Boruto comes to realize the struggles his father once experienced—and what it truly means to be a ninja.
Audience Consensus
The movie is divisive, with strong praise for its emotional core, animation, and Boruto's character arc, but significant criticism for its generic villain and a perceived hypocrisy in Naruto's characterization. Long-time fans are split between appreciating the continuation of the saga and feeling it undermines the original protagonist.
Strengths
- Outstanding art and animation, especially in fight sequences.
- Strong emotional core focused on the father-son relationship.
- Satisfying character development for Boruto and Naruto.
- Nostalgic elements and callbacks that appeal to long-time fans.
- Well-executed action sequences and fight choreography.
Weaknesses
- Generic and underdeveloped main villain.
- Plot feels rushed in the second half, particularly the final battle.
- Naruto's characterization as a neglectful father is jarring and contradicts his past.
- Underutilization of new generation characters like Sarada and Mitsuki.
- Technological plot points are introduced but not fully explored or resolved.