Watching Fist of the North Star proves to be an anime experience like no other. Surprising, as it may seem, the perspicuous rough-and-tumble attitude made this film an instant classic in its genre. Being mostly an expressive testosterone-infused bloodbath, Fist of the North Star presents its own thought-provoking nature with utterly graphic scenes of animated violence. And still, it's able to draw one's attention with the engaging and fast-paced storyline about a post-apocalyptic universe, where people have given up their faith in humanity and exterminate each other in a grizzly fashion. Note: this is a review of the version released in the United States, with English dubbing, and with the original ending from the first official release.After the opening credits fade away the movie attacks with a heavy thump. Literally in the blink of an eye, even before we get acquainted with the main characters, bones start to crack and blood starts to spill all over the screen. As it's soon revealed, those two men fighting in the middle of a vast dessert are former friends, who are now deadly enemies both seriously in love with one beautiful girl. The only problem is that Julia (voiced by Melodee Spivack) is engaged to Ken (John Vickery), who, after this short combat, is very close to death. In order to save her fiancé she agrees to go with the evil Shin (Michael McConnohie), leaving semiconscious Ken in the lurch. And if this wasn't enough, a few minutes later two mysterious strangers grab his lifeless body and throw it into a deep hole. A year passes and all the previous events gradually begin to connect, just to unravel the actual meaning behind the whole blood-soaked intrigue. While saving two youngsters from the vicious hands of slow-witted bullies Ken shows his – this time bearded – face once again. Chock-full of revenge thoughts, he embarks on a dangerous journey not only to save his woman, but also to discover the sense of his existence in this chaotic, stolid world full of thugs. Paradoxically, apart from Shin, the people who stand on his way to happiness are his two brothers Jagi (Dan Woren) and Raoh (Wally Burr). Following various traces Ken slowly claims his vengeance through the indelicate art of kick-and-punch, which – for the viewers' sick amusement – always results in spectacular head explosions.Those people who've read the manga or watched the anime series of the same name won't be surprised by anything that happens throughout the whole film. The only shock might come from the extensive brutality that beams from the screen. As for those who don't know the story – at first, it might be hard to follow the events without being a little confused. Fortunately, due to the film's well-balanced plot everything begins to make sense after a short period of time, giving the viewer a great amount of proper fun.The picture's rather simple, even obscure, animation leaves a lot to be desired. In comparison with the TV series, the theatrical version doesn't really upgrade the raw visual style. Also, when it comes to character development the movie fails miserably. Every individual is mindlessly implanted into the storyline, leading to a contest of poor one-dimensional encounters. What's more, the cheesy English dubbing gives the characters a nerve-racking attitude, only worsening the final effect. That's why it's better to restrain from evaluating their personalities and focus on many thrilling, gore-ific action sequences instead. Surely, this aspect of Fist of the North Star won't disappoint anyone.

When a nuclear winter descends on the entire planet, the last survivors of humanity forage the globe in search of food, fuel and fisticuffs, not necessarily in that order. In fact, any yearning for the first two items on the list only seems to exist so these last men standing have a reason to throw down. With a grand total of three body types in play (child, inconceivably muscular and, in just one instance, morbidly obese) there's clearly a distinct appearance that's best suited for surviving an apocalypse, and on the surface it would appear that we're walking into a series of evenly-matched competitions. But that's when the Dragon Ball Z-styled aural superpowers kick in, and the mass of limbs begin their lazy, bloody, individual arcs through the sky. There's very little substance to this story - really, it's just a nonstop barrage of enemies against differing backdrops a'la the fighting games of the mid '90s - so it's good news that the battles are at least viscerally entertaining. Gorier than Mortal Kombat with the blood set to high, it's amusing at best if not terribly consequential.

A) I am not big on the blurry Effect. When I was in the 3rd grade in 94, I remember it being Crystal clear, ULTRA violent. Had a Warning on the back of the VHS Tape. LOL, Luved it. Flawless movie. B) Julia and the Kids Bat, and Girl, Lin, go flying off in a Tornando Whirl Pool Effect. AFTER the Cross is Dropped with Julia ( onto the Troops ) When they are Taken off again. Julia disappears? In my opinion, The Kids are Alright, clearly they find some plants. And get over excited. Geesh, that flower was the size of a pea. Lol. Any ways. lets get the point. When the kids say " I'm sure he will find her " He goes off on a adventure of his own to find her. No Forest Illusions, He sees a Real Forest I think, or believe. Because he says " Julia " the Forest reminds him of his girl. The Forest is probably real, why would they make it a illusion? That would just ruin the ending totally. Any ways. No, he doesn't find her, yet. He goes into the Forest, and has illusions of her picking Fruit. etc. And at the end. Hes back where he started. At the Tower with the destroyed boat through it. and the Canyon. Awesome movie.

The Storyline Is pretty simple, or is it? Depends How you want to look at it. I think to this day that this anime/manga series is one of the best thought of and created.Its set in 199X, a nuclear holocaust has struck. Everything is gone. Only vast wastelands are visible. Law is meaningless, only violence rules, and is also the key to survival. This is where our Vagabond Hero Kenshiro (Ken for short) Makes his appearance. He is 64th successor to the sacred martial arts "Hokuto Shinken" which translates to Great dipper God fist, or, Fist Of The North Star. He's the man who fights violence with more violence to uphold peace in the savage world of destruction. He, along with many other characters know a distinct sacred martial arts. Including Rei, who knows "Nanto Suichouken" (South Dipper Waterbird Fist) And Shin who knows "Nanto Seiken" (South Dipper Lone Eagle Fist). There's Also Jagi and Roah, Who are Ken's Brothers, Who Know Hokuto Shinken too. Now, On with the story. Basically, Shin Takes away Kenshiro's fiancé to be, Julia. He uses a torture technique of Nanto Seiken and Pokes seven holes into Kens chest to make the Big dipper constellation (Its a bad Omen in Japanese and Chinese Legends) And leaves him for dead, But ken manages to pull through, and will now do anything to get her back. This, Is the basic storyline for the movie (and the series), but as things develop, the storyline unfolds and progresses. And more things need to be taken care of by Kenshiro. What i love about this film is the artwork by Tetsuo Hara. It may be a cartoon, but the characters look like people and not like the usual Manga/anime we see today. And everyones involvement in the story is just as vital as anyone else's. I praise him for his work *bows down* The point of this film is to sum up the first 50 (out of 155) or so episodes (Eventhough only 36 were aired over in the UK) of the TV series and make it a 112 minute movie. It has some fillers from the series cut out, and have added extra bits which don't usually happen in the series so that it doesn't confuse newcomers. If you haven't seen ANY of the series then it doesn't matter. This film can be watched as a stand alone thing, Which is also what i like about it. I give this epic film a mighty 10/10! If you like this film make sure to read what you can of the manga! 47 volumes (Yipes!), 1-18 have been translated ^__^