Postby Lady Arianrod » Tue Jun 08, 2004 7:32 pm
Thanks for asking a question about an anime before you watch it. I'm a Christian and a Naruto fan. I don't have too many problems with the series, but I'll warn you about a few story elements that might bother you.
Naruto has quite a few mild curses throughout the episodes and manga. The Shonen Jump edition includes "h*ll", "d*mn", "*ss", and "b*stard". Most are used to show anger in battle, etc. These aren't too troublesome, but they can get a little annoying.
There is no actual sex in the series. There are characters who write romance novels (no details are given), characters who spy on public hotsprings (nothing is shown at all), and men who react strongly to Naruto's joke attack of forming a naked woman. While this might sound pretty extreme, the men who react to this female form are portrayed as goofy and lewd. They are human and are, naturally, nervous around the site of a naked girl. There is no visible nudity, however. Naruto usually hides behind a cloud of smoke when he appears as the "Sexy no Jutsu".
There are a few other moments that have references to demons/monsters. These scenes aren't too bothersome, but there are one or two characters that have an evil spirit that can control their mind. It's basically like Bakura in Yu-Gi-Oh; a dark side appears and takes over the person's body. This doesn't ruin the series for me, but it can get pretty dark at times.
All in all, Naruto is a good manga. It's not the best, but it does have great messages of belonging and fighting on a team rather than for one's self. The artist/author contrasts the "good" characters from the "bad" ones very clearly, saying that protecting other people is noble and honorable. Naruto also has great characters that are genuinely interesting and fun to watch as they fight and grow up.
I've been turning away from the series lately because it's so addictive (I read the manga & watch the anime almost every new week), and because it's getting depressing. The main story is bright and fun, but there are some realistic dramatic moments.
So, give Naruto a try. If the spiritual elements get to you or if the story just isn't your type (it's similar to Dragon Ball Z in later parts), then just pass it on. There are better animes out there, but Naruto is worth it. Just don't get addicted... it really can become serious if that happens.
Sorry if I got preachy... I just had to go through weeks of waiting for new episodes... it was crazy.
Have fun!
~Life is the art of drawing without an eraser~
Lady Arianrod, lover of nature and fire.
Hello there! I'm back after a long break! I started watching anime again in 2016. I still check the forum too!
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33