The current Japanese series “House of Ninjas” on Netflix has captivated our series expert Schuhmann. The series launched globally on the streaming service in February 2024 and is a global success: It reminds him of Star Wars.
What kind of series is it? “House of Ninjas” follows a family of Shinobi who have withdrawn from active duty after the death of their oldest son. The family tries to lead a normal life. But the Tawaras cannot succeed:
- Father Soichi has transformed from the most powerful ninja to the bland owner of a failed distillery. He wants to live normally but cannot even drink the sake he distills himself: As a Shinobi, he is forbidden from doing so.
- Mother Yoko wards off boredom by shoplifting.
- Son Haru fills vending machines and eats meat as a form of protest – which is also forbidden for a Shinobi. Although he is a trained fighter, he cannot even approach the sweet woman at the snack bar.
- Daughter Nagi loves the life of a ninja too much to give it up. She uses her acrobatic talent for spectacular art thefts but dutifully returns the loot.
The conflict between duty and free will is reminiscent of Star Wars
What does this have to do with Star Wars? The Shinobi live by a strict code: No meat, no alcohol, no romantic love – they also must never reveal their identity. A revealed Shinobi faces immediate death.
In the series, the rogue ninjas are regulated by a crude ministry called the “Ninja Management Office” that seems to monitor their every step and to which they must obey.
The Shinobi follow a strict regime and constantly struggle with the dictates of the code that is so deeply ingrained in them that they cannot break it, even if they long to be “normal” at last.
The Taware family, “the Jedi”, faces an organization of competing ninjas called Fuma. They make their own rules, are proud to make free decisions, and aim to destroy the prevailing order.
Like the Sith in Star Wars, they are driven by ideology, cruel rituals, and a will to power, unafraid to engage in internal power struggles and intrigue.
The parallels to Star Wars are evident in the character constellation and the central conflict of whether one should submit to strict rules or pursue one’s own goals. At some points, you can almost hear the villain say: “Come to the dark side. Here you can be happy.”
Is there a Yoda? The grandmother of the family takes on this mystical mentor role. She often laughs seemingly for no reason, murmurs wisdom to herself, and would actually be an excellent fighter if her back didn’t hurt immediately when she moves.
Who is Darth Vader? There actually is a character who fits this description, but they are deeply hidden in the plot.
The villains
in House of Ninjas
are well-drawn and understandable. Especially the main antagonist, the Nineteenth
, exudes an allure of evil.
There is also the classic, slightly deranged and wicked killer woman
as a side character.
Engaging entertainment for fans of martial arts and quirky families
This is what makes the series appealing: “House of Ninjas” is a quick watch with 8 episodes and a fast-paced story, but it takes the time to outline the characters’ conflicts and how they cope with the trauma of losing their oldest son.
At its core, it is a feel-good family series that mixes with an action thriller and offers spectacular fight scenes. Meanwhile, House of Ninjas
is pleasantly soft in its drawing and quite clever.
The series assumes that the viewer is familiar with all the classic “ninja clichés” and playfully mocks them in many places: After all, “ninja” is only said by people who have no idea.
“House of Ninjas” is not a “typical Japanese series”; it does not feel foreign at all but is clearly produced with Netflix and the Western market in mind. The director is American but specializes in Asian materials.
The musical accompaniment particularly stands out: Here they use well-known English-language songs: The catchiest is Our House
, originally by Crosby, Stills and Nash – in the series by Tomo Nakayama.
For me, House of Ninjas
is definitely recommended. Those who enjoy martial arts and a somewhat different family and have about 6 hours to spare can certainly treat themselves to this well-made, solid series.
Is the series self-contained? Season 1 of House of Ninjas
can stand alone. Although it is hinted in the storyline that the series will continue, Season 1 is self-contained.
Season 1 was very successful – thus, a Season 2 is likely, but not yet confirmed at the moment.
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