This action-packed and stylish Japanese animated adventure is set in a smoldering, ruined post-nuclear holocaust world where violence rules. It is based on a popular series of graphic novels. Since the great war, the world has become divided into tough little nations, nations that must fight hard to survive. Ken is the leader of one such nation, North Star. One day, elder Ryuken commands him to go into the world and make peace with the other barbarians. During his journey, Ken befriends a mischievous teen and a sweet young girl who is too naive to be as hopeless as the rest. Along the way, the three engage in graphic, bloody battles with a series of terrifying mutants. Although animated, this film may be too vividly violent with its stylized but realistic scenes of dismemberment, decapitation, and blood- gushing disembowelment for children. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide