© 2007 Lawrence Tuczynski

All info for this CD courtesy of Robert Storch

Title: Nin X Nin: Ninja Hattori Kun The Movie
CD Label: Victor Entertainment, Inc.
CD Number: VICL-61501
Music by: Takayuki Hattori
Number of tracks: 21
Running time: 45:53
Number of discs: 1
Year of release/manufacture: August 25, 2004

REVIEW

October 28, 2007
Review courtesy of Robert Storch

This is the soundtrack to a 2004 Toho film, and even though the name "Hattori" is mentioned in the title, this does not refer to Takayuki Hattori (the composer of this soundtrack), but it is referring to the name of the main character in the film....Kanzo Hattori. I have never seen this movie, but it is reportedly, a live action version of a popular manga based character.

As for the music, this is a nice soundtrack from Takayuki Hattori, but not one that would stand out as one of his greatest. Most of the tracks do make for a good stand alone listen, but the problem here is a lack of variety, as the soundtrack relies on just a few themes. The main title is without a doubt the best track on this CD - it's a super catchy piece of music that will likely have you humming it long after it's over. There is also some nice slow versions of the main title played with just a piano and orchestra, and a faster version which adds a funky guitar throughout. Track 2 is probably the next best theme - it's a heavy march with a definite video game vibe to it that is catchy, but is a bit too repetitious for it's own good.

Overall, this CD features a combination of styles - some tracks have a video game vibe, some have a playful kid-friendly feel, and a few of the themes feature typical, beautiful orchestral music. If I had to guess, I would say all of this music probably suits the visuals of the film very well, since the main character is actually a young boy who is training to become a ninja. If you are looking for something a little different from Takayuki Hattori, or would like to hear one of his scores from this decade, than this soundtrack comes recommended.

Nin X Nin: Ninja Hattori Kun The Movie
English translated titles courtesy of Anthony Romero at Toho Kingdom http://www.tohokingdom.com/.

  1. NinXNin: Ninja Hattori Kun - Main Theme
  2. Fight
  3. Cave
  4. Hattori and Kenichi
  5. Kage Kuro
  6. Ninja Arts
  7. Police
  8. Midori's Theme
  9. Kemumaki
  10. Kage Kuro's Premonition
  11. The Sorrow of Kage Kuro
  12. Different Space - Reflection
  13. Simple
  14. Incident
  15. Friendship
  16. Ill Omen
  17. Kanzo Hattori
  18. Courage
  19. Separation
  20. Nin X Nin: Ninja Hattori Kun - Theme Variation
  21. Kankeri