Ninja Scroll immerses the viewer into a legend told in a way only the Japanese can. The roaming samurai at its center is a figure of freedom, power and justice among the unjust. Jubei's story is the perfect example of a classic Japanese tale seeped not only in lessons of morality, but critiques of government and human nature as well.One of the movie's most important themes, the power and weakness which are both found in a woman's sexuality, gives its story an intense, intriguing edge. Sexuality itself, in the film, is portrayed much like a two edged sword. It can attract but also destroy, making it the "perfect" weapon in and of itself.
The ninja girl Kagero is a prime example of that two edged sword, sharpened to its deadliest potential. The way she carries poison throughout her body, killing any man who sleeps with her, is a device used to give power to a being that is generally considered weak- a woman. This is her strength in times where she is being abused; this power that she has causes her to live without fear of men, and, coupled with her skills as a ninja, makes her a genuinely strong individual. However, she finds her weakness in Jubei. Through the course of the film it becomes evident that she is both emotionally and sexually attracted to him. This turns her power against her and it becomes her weakness. Being unable to love is a source of great pain to her, and when she realizes that she can save Jubei by sleeping with him and countering his poison with hers, she is more than willing to oblige him.
The samurai, however, refuses her offer. He understands that even though he would be saving himself, sleeping with her out of selfish reasons would be just like playing with fire. Morally, he knows it would be unjust to her, even if she is willing, and that it would lead to corruption in their relationship. Just as he believes that the “end does not justify the means” when it comes to dealing with corrupt government, the same idea applies here. The romance in the film is highly tragic and probably one of the story's most realistic elements. It is an excellent portrayal of the power and pitfalls found in human sexuality- one of the most mysterious elements of our nature.
You mention that Kagero's power enables her to live without fear of men. I'm not so sure this is the case. Perhaps it eases her mind when it comes to dealing with lustful men, but even then the viewer is unsure of whether or not Kagero's power protects her or acts as a source of revenge. When Kagero's power helps Jubei conquer the first demon, it only contributes insofar as it weakens her enemy just enough to be finished off. Also, the fight doesnt occur until hours after the initial encounter. This evidence suggests not only that Kagero's rape would have been completed, but also that she would have been killed were it not for Jubei's intervention. Perhaps Kagero's ability is not capable of ensuring survival in said situations. Against Benisato's poison, however, Kagero's poisonous body saves her quite comprehensively. I understand the sexual repercussions of her ability to be a natural side effect of immersing oneself so completely in such a harmful substance. I do not feel that sex is her primary power.
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