Is Naruto & Naruto Shippuden good? A Complete Review

The anime Naruto: Shippuden is the sequel to the original anime Naruto. It follows the adventures and struggles of Naruto and his friends following the departure and betrayal of Sasuke from the team. It enjoys a lot of popularity in Japan, as evidenced by it getting ranked among the Top 3 mangas of Shonen Jump consistently.

However, through its incredibly long span of airing time, it also has many useless filler episodes. Towards the end, it can get pretty dragged on pointlessly. Even then, it is still packed with a lot of intense fight scenes that will get you hooked to the series.

Read on to get a complete review of the anime!

1. Article Highlights

Though the anime may seem too long, the contents of the anime are too intense and delightful. You will be shocked at the enormous number of episodes you’ve completed in a short time. The anime promises any viewer one of the most exciting plots with amazing theme songs.

Naruto Shippuden Official Trailer

The beauty of an anime like Naruto is accentuated by the quality and intensity of its fight scenes and emotional backstories of each of its characters. It also delivers on the comical part, which helps infuse the anime with much needed comic relief.

2. Is it worth watching?

The anime is worth watching and is recommended. Even if you are intimidated by the enormous length of the anime, I assure it is not a hindrance to the plot.

 In fact, it is solely because of the length that the pasts and complexities of each character are explored, giving depth to the plot.

I. Plot

The plot of the anime Naruto: Shippuden is set 2.5 years after the events that happened in the season finale of Naruto. It explores how Naruto learns to make sense of the loss of a loved one he considers his brother and the looming threat from the Akatsuki, a terrorist organization.

The character of Naruto has matured after years of intense training with Sensei Jiraiya. It is interesting to see the plot thickening and preparing the foundation for a more exciting story arcs. The plot of the anime progresses at a steady pace, though the huge number of fillers frequently can get very annoying.

The anime is enriched with amazing fight scenes that feature lots of amazing and cool powers, jutsu and ninjutsu. Each and every character is equipped with strong powers, with which s/he fights vehemently for the desired goal.

The world-building of the anime is so intricate and detailed that the anime’s plot assumes a very realistic color. Masashi Kishimoto’s decision to divide the Naruto Universe into the Five Great Shinobi Nations sets the scene for many conflicts and battles, enriching the story.

There are some romance side dramas in the anime. But they are never the main deal since Naruto is a Shonen manga after all. However, they do help give the anime a break from the other serious scenes and make the plot more interesting.

II. Characters

The main character of Naruto is very likable and beloved. He has consistently been ranked as one of the most beloved and favorite anime characters of all time.

His antics are humorous and lend comic relief to the plot. His power, where he turns into a “sexy,” naked woman to annoy his teachers, is also one of the central ways we remember him.

 His past is touched upon brilliantly and helps us appreciate the beauty of his character better. Despite having no family and being brutally ostracised in his childhood days, he gives his attention to becoming a Hokage and doing good things for the Hidden Leaf Village.

Also, Sasuke Uchiha stands in sharp contrast to Naruto. All Sasuke wants is vengeance and retribution for the massacre in which every member of the Uchiha Clan is murdered by his brother, Itachi. His betrayal informs, to a large extent, the motivations of Naruto.

One notable thing about Naruto is how it does not leave the character development of the antagonists behind. It takes time out to elaborate on the reasons and circumstances which led to them taking the path of darkness and rage.

For instance, Itachi Uchiha is initially perceived as the villain who murdered the entire Uchiha Clan in cold blood. But in the climactic intense battle scene between him and Sasuke, his motivations for the massacre are revealed to the audience. His character reminded me of Professor Snape, who is revealed later on to have had good intentions and a generous heart.

III. Theme Music/Songs

The theme music and songs are really good and help build the perfect start and end to an action-packed episode.

3. Final Thoughts:

The anime Naruto: Shippuden may be perceived as too lengthy. However, it is too valuable and full of artistic worth to be missed out on. The brilliance and skill with which it highlights poignant emotional conflicts and traumas while packed to the brim with well-animated fight scenes are commendable.

4. Grade

5. Info Card

6. Watch Order

Owing to the many filler episodes that are found in Naruto: Shippuden, one will need a watch order to watch only the relevant stuff. Given below is one such link to help you sort your way