The Conservation of Ninjutsu: Why More Villains Means Weaker Villains

TLDRIn movies and shows, when a hero faces multiple villains, each individual villain becomes weaker, an odd phenomenon known as the Conservation of Ninjutsu. This is often due to fight choreography limitations, the need for heroes to win, and the opportunity for heroes to showcase their skills. However, this breaks the story's internal logic and can confuse the audience.

Key insights

🥋The Conservation of Ninjutsu refers to the phenomenon where villains become weaker as their numbers increase.

🎬This trope is often caused by the difficulties in choreographing large group fights and the desire to showcase the hero's skills.

🤔Conservation of Ninjutsu undermines the story's internal logic and erodes the audience's trust in the narrative.

🔁Certain justifications, such as the presence of a weakness, can explain the weakened state of villains in group fights.

⚙️Plot requirements and the need for heroes to win are additional reasons that contribute to the Conservation of Ninjutsu.

Q&A

Why do villains become weaker in group fights?

Villains become weaker in group fights due to factors such as choreography limitations, the need for heroes to win, and the opportunity for heroes to showcase their skills.

Does Conservation of Ninjutsu break the story's internal logic?

Yes, Conservation of Ninjutsu can break the story's internal logic, as it contradicts the expectation that villains should become more dangerous in larger numbers.

Are there any justifications for the Conservation of Ninjutsu?

Some justifications include the presence of a specific weakness that the hero exploits or the idea that certain villains are less effective in large groups.

Why is Conservation of Ninjutsu a common trope?

Conservation of Ninjutsu is a common trope because it allows for visually impressive fight scenes, the opportunity to showcase the hero's skills, and the desire for the heroes to always win.

How does Conservation of Ninjutsu affect the audience's perception of danger?

Conservation of Ninjutsu can make it difficult for the audience to gauge the actual threat level faced by the heroes, as villains in group fights appear significantly weaker.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Introduction to the Conservation of Ninjutsu phenomenon in movies and shows.

05:37Exploration of the reasons behind the Conservation of Ninjutsu, including fight choreography limitations and the need for heroes to win.

10:02Discussion of justifications for the Conservation of Ninjutsu, such as the presence of weaknesses or the ineffectiveness of villains in large groups.

14:13Examples of movies and shows that showcase the Conservation of Ninjutsu trope.

17:53Impact of the Conservation of Ninjutsu on the audience's perception of danger and the story's internal logic.

20:41Conclusion and reflection on the prevalence and effects of the Conservation of Ninjutsu trope.