The Afro Samurai miniseries that debuted in 2007 was way too good to end after only five episodes. Fans of anime should be wary before diving head first into the world of Afro Samurai. Both the miniseries and the sequel film are as bloody as they are sexually explicit, meaning viewers may find themselves cringing in ways they never have before watching Afro slice his way through the plot. Still, this dark and gritty reimagining of the anime genre is a masterpiece that deserves some recognition.
In 2009, Afro Samurai: Resurrection released as a made-for-TV film. The plot carries on after Afro claimed the number one headband and is filled with as many great fight scenes and one-liners as the original series. Samuel L. Jackson returns as both Afro and Ninja Ninja, which means viewers can rest assured knowing that the dialogue in this film is tip top.
10 "Your Forehead Is Huge Bruh— That's A Four Times Four Times Forehead."
Ninja Ninja is one of the only lighthearted characters in the world of Afro Samurai. The white haired ninja follows Afro around and gives viewers a chance to peak into the mind of the stoic Samurai. Without Ninja Ninja, Afro Samurai: Resurrection would be little more than an overdramatic and overtly serious melodrama about revenge.
When Ninja Ninja finally appears in the film he brings with him a sense of humor that Afro lacks. This quote is one of the first moments in the film that will have viewers laughing out loud as the voice of Samuel L Jackson taunts the tortured Samurai.
9 "None Of You Know Nothing. What Good Is Killing Him Gonna Do?"
When Afro returns to the world and begins searching for the number two headband again, it is clear that he has a pretty terrible reputation. Every casual thug and their brother wants to satisfy their lust for revenge by killing the Afro Samurai. There is one thug that sees through the foggy lenses of revenge, though.
Revenge is such a common theme in the world of Afro Samurai that it often appears to be the only available line of reasoning. When this thug speaks up and offers peace instead of revenge, it is a refreshing turn of events that is hard to miss.
8 "Watch Your Mouth. Cuz I'm Comin For My Dad."
Afro is a character that prefers letting his actions stand in place of his words. Still, the samurai drops the occasional gem from time to time.
Most of the time Afro speaks he is telling his imaginary friend Ninja Ninja to shut up. It seems the only words Afro knows how to utter are those that undercut the confidence of those around him. When Afro utters the quote in question it is very clear that the confident words Sio taunts him with are nothing more than a hurdle that Afro will overcome by the end of the film.
7 "Afro, Maybe You Oughta Kill This Dude Too For Lying. This Stew Sucks."
During Afro's pursuit of the number two headband, he stops inside for a bite to eat after saving Shichigoro's son. The Ronin who currently possesses the number two headband seems to appreciate the shop owners hospitality, even if his food is subpar.
When Afro finally tries the stew himself, Ninja Ninja responds with a hilarious one-liner that eases the tension building up between Afro and Shichigoro. It is moments like these that make viewers appreciate the sense of humor that Ninja Ninja brings to the table.
6 "It's Just A Piece Of Cloth You Idiot."
The Ronin that carries the number two headband goes by the name of Shichigoro. This man is a pure-hearted warrior that Afro learns to respect just before he murders him. Before facing the Afro Samurai, Shichigoro worked tirelessly to hide the number two headband from the public. By hiding the cloth the Ronin hoped to end the never-ending bloodshed brought on by the legends.
Even though Shichigoro's attempts to end bloodshed are fruitless, he does bring up a good point with his words here. Why are so many people willing to die over a couple pieces of cloth?
5 "Don't You Get It! We Walking The Demon Path Again. It Ain't The Right Way!"
The character of Ninja Ninja more or less functions as Afro's conscious in the Afro Samurai franchise. While Afro moves forward with a conviction that prevents him from considering the impact his actions have on the world around him, the voice of Samuel L. Jackson loudly explains the reality of the situation so both Afro and the viewers can hear.
After Afro defeats Shichigoro and takes the number two headband, Ninja Ninja uses these words to explain exactly what just happened. Even if the epic fight scene between Samurai and Ronin might have tricked some into thinking Afro is an anime hero, this quote makes it clear that he is indeed a villain.
4 "He's Like A Brother."
Jinno's character was largely overlooked in the original miniseries in order to develop Afro as a character. The revenge-seeking cyborg served as a powerful foil to Afro, but he didn't get the chance to develop in his own right until Afro Samurai: Resurrection.
During a flashback that gives viewers a bit more context on the film's antagonist Sio, fans get the chance to see just how strong Afro and Jinno's bond really is. This moment humanizes the vengeful cyborg in a way that will make even the most cynical viewers smile.
3 "Woah Check It Out, That's Justice! You Know You Never Did Ask For No Directions Along The Way."
Ninja Ninja talks so much throughout the Afro Samurai film and miniseries that viewers may shrug him off without ever putting much thought into the things he says. That doesn't mean that his words are devoid of any deeper meaning, only that it is easy to overlook them.
This quote earns its merit due to the fact that others have already spoken of the way Afro killed Justice in order to earn the number one headband. Once viewers consider the double meaning behind the word justice, this quote takes on a depth of meaning that will have fans contemplating the true weight of everything Ninja Ninja says.
2 "I Must Protect Everyone. Including My Brother, Afro."
Jinno's largest character flaw in the original miniseries came from the oath he swore to protect his dojo while ignoring the fact that Afro was a member of this dojo. This flaw could easily be written off because Afro was somewhat responsible for the death of all the students Jinno swore to protect. Furthermore it is easy to ignore the character inconsistencies of a villain because it is these hypocrisies that make them villainous.
In order to redeem Jinno and bring a tear to viewers eyes, the creators of Afro Samurai: Resurrection gave Jinno the chance to save his brother and live up to the words he swore to in the original miniseries. It is a powerful moment that fans will be sure to remember.
1 "How Have You Been, Princess?"
Even if nothing in Afro Samurai: Resurrection forced viewers to wipe away the tears pooling up at the edges of their eyes, this quote will surely put viewers stoicism to the test. Much like Afro, fans of adult action series like Afro Samurai have likely adopted a stoic attitude that allows them to sit through hours of dark and gritty content without shedding a tear.
The moment Jinno lays next to his baby sister and says these words hits different though. Jinno and Sio's sacrifice is tragic and heartwarming. It might even motivate viewers to consider answering this question themselves.