Checkered Ninja (2018)

Overview

Checkered Ninja (originally titled "Ternet Ninja") is a Danish animated feature aimed at adult audiences, combining both animation and dark comedy elements. Directed by Anders Matthesen, the film is also adapted from a comic book and novel he wrote himself. Achieving major commercial success in Denmark, it became one of the country's most-watched domestic productions, a success that led to a sequel. The film breaks the usual conventions of the "toys come to life" genre by blending it with unexpectedly harsh, dark, and at times violent humor. Visually, it offers a distinctive aesthetic that combines stop-motion and digital animation; although the character designs appear simple, the storytelling style appeals to a fairly adult audience. In this respect, the film may surprise those who start watching it expecting a family animation.

Plot

At the center of the story is Aske, a young boy who suffers from bullying at school. Aske buys a strange-looking, checkered old ninja toy at a market. However, this toy is no ordinary toy; it harbors a much darker and more dangerous spirit, cursed in the past by a malevolent sorcerer. When the ninja toy comes to life, we encounter a being far more savage, ruthless, and unpredictable than the heroic, funny helper Aske imagined. The ninja offers to help Aske take revenge on his bullies, but his methods are extremely violent and know no bounds. As the film progresses, Aske's relationship with this powerful but dangerous being turns into an unexpected journey full of both comic and tense moments. The plot also avoids treating serious themes such as childhood trauma, bullying, and family issues superficially.

Why Watch It?

Checkered Ninja is worth watching for bringing an unconventional perspective to the animation genre. Blending the animation format, usually perceived as aimed at children, with dark comedy, profanity, violence, and dark themes, it speaks to an entirely different audience. This bold approach offers a highly satisfying experience for viewers seeking productions that push the boundaries of the genre. The film's sense of humor is also quite successful at generating unexpected laughter through absurd and shocking moments. It also has a distinctive visual style; although the character designs are simple, the animation is fluid and striking. Blending a real-world issue like bullying with an absurd fantastical element adds an unexpected emotional depth to the film. It's also a good opportunity for those wanting to discover an original, internationally lesser-known example of Danish animation cinema.

Who Is It For?

This film is definitely not suitable for young children. Due to its heavy profanity, violent scenes, and dark comedic elements, it appeals to an adult audience. It's a highly enjoyable choice for viewers who love dark comedy, are interested in boundary-pushing animated productions, and seek unconventional storytelling. Those who want to look at themes like bullying and exclusion during adolescence from a different perspective may also find something for themselves in the film. Those familiar with Scandinavian humor and dark jokes will enjoy it even more.

Pros and Cons

Pros: 1. Its original and bold animation style breaks the genre's classic molds. 2. The dose of dark comedy is well-calibrated, offering both shocking and entertaining moments. 3. It adds an unexpected emotional layer by addressing real issues like bullying within a fantastical framework.

Cons: 1. Due to its heavy violence and profanity content, it doesn't appeal to a wide audience. 2. Some viewers may find the humor style too harsh or disturbing.

Genre and Tone

The film has a hybrid structure that combines the genres of dark comedy, fantasy, and action. Its tone is generally sarcastic, harsh, and at times uncomfortably dark; however, beneath this dark atmosphere also lies a warm and emotional core. Absurd humor is the fundamental element dominating the film overall, and thanks to this, unexpected laughter can be generated even in the most tense scenes.

Runtime and Viewing Experience

The film has a standard feature-length animation runtime of approximately 90 minutes. This length allows the story to progress fluidly and keeps the viewer engaged until the end without losing focus. In terms of viewing experience, its unconventional tone may surprise the viewer from the very first scenes; therefore, it's recommended to start the film without prejudice and with an understanding of what the genre offers. The visual fluidity and pacing succeed in keeping the viewer engaged with the film.

Similar Productions

• Sausage Party (2016)

• Persepolis (2007)

• Anomalisa (2015)

• Fritz the Cat (1972)

• Loving Vincent (2017)

• The Spine of Night (2021)

Final Assessment

Checkered Ninja is a bold and original production that proves animation is not a format exclusive to children. Skillfully blending dark comedy, violence, and emotional depth, the film will be highly satisfying for those seeking an unconventional cinematic experience. This example of Danish animation cinema, which deserves more international recognition, offers an unforgettable experience when it reaches the right audience. The screenplay, which addresses the theme of bullying within a fantastical framework, forms a whole that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's definitely a production that should be tried by viewers open to productions that push the boundaries of the genre.