In The Lost Tower, Naruto Uzumaki, alongside Sakura, Sai, and Yamato, is tasked with capturing Mukade, a rogue ninja seeking to unlock the ancient chakra Ryuumyaku beneath Rouran’s ruins. Despite the Ryuumyaku being sealed by the Fourth Hokage, Mukade unleashes its power, and Naruto, along with Yamato, is thrown 20 years into the past. Here, Naruto encounters the young queen Sara and three Leaf Village ninjas on a covert mission. Together, they must stop Mukade from altering the timeline and harnessing the destructive power of Ryuumyaku.
A Journey to the Past
The time-travel plot opens up fascinating possibilities, especially within the Naruto universe, which spans decades of wars, legendary battles, and deep-rooted conflicts. Traveling back to a period before the Kyubi’s attack on the Leaf Village adds an intriguing layer to the story. However, time-travel plots in anime often run the risk of predictability, and this film, while entertaining, does fall into some familiar tropes.
Character Dynamics and Fan Service
Naruto’s interactions with Queen Sara follow a pattern seen in previous films—a somewhat irritating female lead who gradually evolves into a more active participant in the plot. Sara sheds her damsel-in-distress persona to emerge as a competent leader, making her arc feel refreshing despite initial misgivings.
The real allure for fans, though, is Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage. With the film released shortly after a key episode in the Naruto Shippuden series where Naruto learns about his father, Minato’s appearance taps directly into fan anticipation. Unfortunately, despite the hype, Minato’s role feels limited, serving mainly as support in key moments, which might leave fans craving for more substantial interactions between him and Naruto.
Weak Villain, Missed Potential
As is often the case with Naruto movies, the antagonist Mukade lacks depth, falling into the typical villainous quest for power. His puppet-master abilities pale in comparison to iconic characters like Sasori from the Akatsuki, making him feel underwhelming. The final transformation of the villain also leans heavily on clichés, adding little to the film’s climactic battle.
Kakashi’s younger version, which could have been an exciting addition, is also underutilized, making only a brief and somewhat disappointing appearance. The same goes for Yamato, who is present but offers little beyond being a convenient plot device towards the end.
Technical Merits and Artistic Choices
Directed by Masahiko Murata, The Lost Tower keeps a fast pace, balancing action with story progression. The battles, especially the puppet-based ones, maintain Naruto’s signature style of strategic combat. Visually, the gothic-inspired architecture of Rouran, with its towering spires, gives the setting a unique aesthetic. However, the color palette mirrors the grey and ash tones from previous movies, creating a somewhat bleak atmosphere. The character designs are a mixed bag—Mukade’s form is uninspired, while Sara’s design, particularly towards the film’s end, stands out as one of the more appealing elements.
Musically, Yasuharu Takanashi’s score delivers, evoking the epic and emotional tones Naruto is known for. Kana Nishino’s “If,” the film’s theme song, complements the movie’s mood well with its gentle, electronic pop vibes.
Conclusion
The Lost Tower isn’t the strongest entry in the Naruto movie lineup. The underutilization of beloved characters like Minato and Kakashi, coupled with a lackluster villain, detracts from its overall potential. Still, it remains an enjoyable, fast-paced adventure that fans can appreciate, particularly those eager for more Minato screen time.
Pros:
- Minato’s appearance.
- Unique setting in Rouran.
- Fast-paced, engaging battles.
- Solid soundtrack.
Cons:
- Underdeveloped characters like Kakashi and Yamato.
- A generic, uninspired villain.
- Predictable narrative structure.