
Naruto: The Uchiha clan's curse of hatred continues to plague the series
Uchiha
clan in Naruto are a tragic, yet powerful clan known for their amazing eyes. Yet behind all their power is a tremendous moral burden — the Curse of
Hatred
— that forged many of the series' greatest champions and antagonists.
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For those of you who haven't heard about Naruto, this long-running anime and manga series produced in Japan is the story of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, who aspires to become the strongest leader in his village, the Hokage.
Though the adventure is packed with action, companionship, and loyalty, the narrative digs just as fiercely into subjects such as trauma, parental legacy, and the cost of emotional trauma.
One of the saddest subplots in Naruto is that of the Uchiha clan and an unknown emotional legacy inherited through the bloodline — called the Curse of Hatred.
What Is the Uchiha curse of hatred?
Photo from Shippuden episode 22 The Uchiha are well known as one of the most powerful clans in the entirety of the Naruto universe. Their signature ability is the Sharingan, a red eye technique that grants them improved perception and combat foresight. There's a tragic twist — the Sharingan is only awakened through great emotional suffering, particularly the loss of someone they care for deeply.
This link between grief and power is one aspect of what's referred to as the Curse of Hatred. It's a mental, emotional, and chakra cycle in which the more an Uchiha experiences pain and loss, the greater they are rendered. This curse at times leads them to rage, retribution, and seclusion.
Indra vs. Asura: The first clash of love and power
The roots of this curse and the inequity that follows its development stretch all the way back to the sons of the Sage of Six Paths, an immortal, godlike character who birthed chakra and ninjutsu to the world.
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His elder son, Indra—over the course of millennia—was a genius who came to realize that power was the secret to peace. The younger son, Asura, on the other hand, was a believer in love and the power of working together.
Yet, when the Sage decided on Asura as his successor, Indra was filled with jealousy and fury. Well, that bitterness inherited through Indra's descendants ultimately manifesting itself as the Uchiha clan.
The Senju clan, descendants of Asura, became their bitter, unstoppable enemies.
This clash between Indra's hatred and Asura's love, established as the two sons' inheritance that fueled Naruto's world, left the Uchiha twisted in an endless loop of betrayal and misfortune.
Power through pain is a troubling shift
Their greatest weapon, the Sharingan, is an extension of this emotional depth. The eye opens once these warriors of the light face heart wrenching trauma, almost always the loss of a loved one.
To obtain the Mangekyo Sharingan, the next level, the suffering needs to be worse. This usually includes dying, treason, or conflict.
Characters such as Itachi,
Sasuke
,
Obito
, and
Shisui
all gained their Mangekyo after devastating tragedies. When the curse made them stronger, it made them colder, angrier and more dangerous.
This beautiful connection of trauma and resilience is the essence of the Curse of Hatred.
In Naruto, the deadly effect of the curse, from Madara to Sasuke
For the rest of Naruto, we are subjected to the sad truths about the curse that further demonstrates its insidious power to warp the purest of souls.
As a leader, Madara Uchiha let his arrogance and lust for vengeance take over when he lost hope in achieving peace.
Obito Uchiha
, once a wide-eyed believer in the power of friendship, after losing his childhood love interest to some bad guys lost all hope in the world and became a big bad villain.
Sasuke Uchiha
, Naruto's rival and best friend, wanted revenge above all after his brother Itachi murdered their family.
Even Itachi, who appeared calm and noble, chose to do the terrible act of killing his entire clan to prevent a civil war. This act was motivated by reason but by the curse's dreadful power.
Not every Uchiha succumbed to hate. Characters such as Sarada (Sasuke's Daughter) and Kagami proved that love and loyalty were enough to end the cycle.
Naruto's friendship stopped the cycle of Hate
The Curse of Hatred was never really about magic or bloodlines — it was about the cycle of pain that the Uchiha created by reacting badly to pain. Even though so many succumbed to the shadows, their stories, like those of Kierra and Daz, showed that healing is not only a dream—it's an achievable reality.
Naruto Uzumaki, who even though he wasn't an Uchiha, nevertheless helped break this curse in a monumental way. Just like his friendship and belief in him pulled Sasuke back from the edge and allowed him to end the Uchiha's long cycle of revenge.
In the next generation, Sasuke's daughter
Sarada Uchiha
exhibits no signs of hatred or darkness. She's driven, conscientious, and motivated by the dream of becoming a leader for peace. Her journey to victory just might be the one to lift the sports curse for good.
The Uchiha Curse continues to resonate with fans for several reasons:
Complex Characters: The Uchiha clan members are often portrayed with deep backstories and intricate motivations, making them relatable and compelling.
Tragic Themes: Themes of loss, betrayal, and revenge are prevalent in Uchiha narratives, drawing in fans who appreciate emotional depth.
Power Struggles: The pursuit of power and the consequences that come with it are central to Uchiha stories, sparking discussions about morality and ambition.
Legacy and Identity: The exploration of legacy within the Uchiha clan allows fans to reflect on their own identities and familial ties.
Cultural Impact: The Uchiha clan has left a significant mark on the Naruto series and the broader anime community, ensuring its continued relevance.
A beautiful, sad tale about love, death and forgiveness
The Curse of Hatred is one of the most potent emotional currents running through Naruto.
It is an exploration of how love can curdle into hurt and how that hurt can either beat you down or build you up into something new. It's a reminder that even the mightiest warriors have battle wounds, and that often the toughest fight of all happens within us.
Even today, fans are still picking apart, identifying, and deconstructing the Uchiha's arc due to its profoundly human nature. Their potent combination of grief, power, family, and forgiveness combined to make their saga one of the most epic and iconic in anime history.

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Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Anime that makes you nostalgic for the early 2000s: Relive the golden era
Source: Crunchyroll Missing the charm of old-school animation, emotional OPs, and the sheer vibe of sitting cross-legged in front of the TV after school? Some anime hit you right in the feels, transporting you back to the early 2000s, the golden age of shounen, shoujo and Saturday morning lineups. Whether it was on Animax, Toonami, or a sketchy DVD from Palika Bazaar, these shows defined an entire generation of anime fans. Here's a roundup of anime that makes you nostalgic for the early 2000s, brace yourself, because the feels are real. Must-watch nostalgic anime for 2000s kids Naruto (2002) Source: Crunchyroll Ah yes, Naruto, the ultimate underdog story that taught us about friendship, ramen, and never giving up. The Chunin Exams arc alone is enough to unlock a memory vault of school lunch breaks spent doing the Naruto run. Why it's nostalgic: Classic 4:3 animation, unforgettable soundtracks (Blue Bird, anyone?), and characters that felt like friends. Found in: Japan, first aired in 2002. Global audiences got hooked via Cartoon Network, Animax, and fansubs. Inuyasha (2000) Source: Crunchyroll Kagome yelling 'Inuyasha!' and the half-demon leaping through time, Inuyasha was equal parts action, romance, and spiritual fantasy. It blended folklore with drama in a way only early 2000s anime could. Why it's nostalgic: The edgy art style, emo soundtrack by Do As Infinity, and intense shipping wars (Team Kagome vs. Team Kikyo). Found in: Japan; dubbed versions aired on Adult Swim and Animax across Asia. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) Source: Crrunchyroll Not Brotherhood, we're talking OG Fullmetal Alchemist (2003). With darker tones, slower pacing, and that original ending, this version felt like a quiet tragedy dressed as shounen. Why it's nostalgic: The VHS-like colour grading, L'Arc-en-Ciel's intro song, and that haunting Nina episode (you know the one). Found in: Japan; popular worldwide via DVDs and late-night anime marathons. Yu Yu Hakusho (1992–1995, aired globally in 2002) Source: Crunchyroll Even though it debuted in the '90s, most 2000s kids saw Yu Yu Hakusho in reruns. Spirit Detective Yusuke, iconic tournament arcs, and '90s hair so sharp it could kill. Why it's nostalgic: The raw fight animation, over-the-top dub lines, and AMVs set to Linkin Park. Found in: Japan; dubbed version aired on Toonami and Animax in the early 2000s. Digimon Adventure (1999–2003) Source: Crunchyroll Digimon had lore. It had emotional death scenes. And unlike Pokémon, it wasn't afraid to make kids cry. From Tai's leadership to Angemon's sacrifice, Digimon hit deep. Why it's nostalgic: The bootleg techno opening, character arcs, and that bittersweet Digital World goodbye. Found in: Japan; dubbed versions aired globally from 2000 onward. Cardcaptor Sakura (1998–2000, aired till 2005) Source: Crunchyroll Before there were magical girls with dark pasts, there was Sakura Kinomoto collecting Clow Cards in pastel outfits. This was your gateway into wholesome anime that still had high stakes. Why it's nostalgic: Soft visuals, slice-of-life pacing, Tomoyo's fits, and the 'every card has feelings' trope. Found in: Japan; English dub aired on Toonami and Hungama in India. Bleach (2004) Source: Crunchyroll If you didn't pretend to be a Soul Reaper during school assemblies, were you even there? Bleach mixed goth aesthetics with shounen formula and made it feel fresh. Why it's nostalgic: Bleach's first few arcs (Rukia's rescue) were peak 2000s drama, and Aimer-tier OPs hit hard. Found in: Japan; broadcast globally and became a staple in anime collections. Ouran High School Host Club (2006) Source: Crunchyroll This one was the quirky comfort anime we didn't know we needed. With roses flying and characters breaking the fourth wall, it poked fun at anime tropes while giving us lovable chaos. Why it's nostalgic: Low-key queer-coded, sparkly filters, and everyone had a crush on Tamaki or Haruhi. Found in: Japan; globally streamed and dubbed by 2008. Tokyo Mew Mew (2002) Source: Crunchyroll Tokyo Mew Mew was peak Y2K magical girl energy. With animal DNA, glitter attacks, and adorable mascots, it was Sailor Moon meets Hello Kitty chaos. Why it's nostalgic: Glittery transformations, early 2000s fashion, and sugary theme songs. Found in: Japan; dubbed as Mew Mew Power in 2005. Final thoughts: Why early 2000s anime still hits different The anime from the early 2000s wasn't just entertainment, it was a whole vibe. From grainy animation and deep soundtracks to the way characters spoke, cried, or screamed their dreams, these series defined a generation. Whether you're looking to rewatch or discover what made this era magical, these nostalgic anime are the perfect escape back to simpler days (and CRT screens). Also read| Eiichiro Oda answers the biggest One Piece questions: Key revelations from the creator


India Today
14-07-2025
- India Today
7 best anime films and shows for those who have no idea about the genre
Anime can be a tricky watch for some. Most people watch anime because they are already fans of the show's manga (Japanese comics) or because they have heard about the show. And others? They are mostly confused about what to watch because they are bombarded with so much information. Anime fans talk about it so much that you might believe it's a cult. So here's a guide on how to join the said 'cult'.advertisementHere are the seven best anime films and shows for beginners. Whether you're into heart-melting romance, thrilling mystery, or hilarious family chaos, there's something here for you.1. Your Name (Film) If you don't want to commit to the genre and just test the waters, then this fantasy film is the perfect pick for you. It is about a boy in Tokyo and a girl in a small town who start waking up in each other's bodies. It's weird, magical, and strangely you think anime is just robots and screaming, 'Your Name' will change your mind. It's beautifully animated, romantic without being cheesy, and packed with emotion. The kind that leaves you staring at the ceiling afterwards, wondering about time, fate, and if you'd recognise your soulmate in another body. It calls out the inner hopeless romantic in you. 2. Kiki's Delivery Service (Film)This is a cult classic. Kiki is a young witch who moves to a seaside town and starts a delivery service with her flying is perfect for beginners because it's gentle, charming and full of wholesome vibes. Made by Studio Ghibli (basically the Disney of Japan), it's a lovely little comfort film with stunning hand-drawn animation. There's no fighting, no shouting - just a sweet coming-of-age story that makes you feel warm inside. 3. A Whisker Away (Film)If you're looking for something cute, then 'A Whisker Away' is for you. In this film, a teenage girl turns into a cat to get closer to the boy she likes. But it gets deeper than you'd weird in the best way. It explores teen feelings, identity, and loneliness, but with magical cat masks and dreamy visuals. If you want a film that feels like a hug and makes you question your entire teenage diary, this one's it. 4. Death Note (Series)In this series, a high school student finds a mysterious notebook that lets him kill anyone just by writing their name. This is for thriller lovers. If you're into clever plot twists, cat-and-mouse mind games, and moral grey areas, this one's addictive. You'll find yourself torn between cheering for the genius protagonist and wondering if he's slowly losing the plot. Plus, it's only 37 episodes. Easy to binge. advertisement5. Naruto (Series)If you're wondering where it all started, and by it, I mean the cult, then I have only one word for you: 'Naruto'. It is a series about a boy named Naruto who is a loud, hyper ninja kid with a mysterious beast sealed inside him. He just wants people to notice him. Also, he dreams of becoming the strongest ninja in the village. This one's for anyone who loves epic underdog stories. It's packed with action, character growth, and emotional arcs that'll sneak up on you. Yes, it's long, but it's also one of the most iconic anime ever made. You'll start with the ninja fights and stay for the friendships and surprisingly deep lessons.6. Spy X Family (Series)It is a fairly recent anime where a spy, an assassin, and a telepath pretend to be a normal family. None of them know the others' secrets. Chaos obviously funny, stylish, and surprisingly heartwarming. The little girl (Anya) is a fan favourite, she reads minds and says the most hilarious things. This anime balances action with comedy and family feels, making it super easy to get into, even if you've never watched anime before. advertisement7. Jujutsu Kaisen (Series)Another cult-classic is 'Jujutsu Kaisen' where a high schooler swallows a cursed finger (don't ask) and ends up becoming the host of a terrifying demon. Now he fights curses with other sorcerers to protect one is for those who love fast-paced action and a bit of horror. The fight scenes? Gorgeous. The characters? Endearing. The humour? Sharp. Jujutsu Kaisen is a modern favourite and an exciting ride from episode one. Bonus: It's got some pretty quotable moments. Think of this list as your anime starter pack, a mix of heart, humour, action, and magic to ease you in. You don't need to know every cultural reference or understand Japanese to enjoy these stories. You just need a bit of curiosity and maybe a cosy you watch your first anime and get hooked (because you will), you'll see it's not just 'cartoons', it's storytelling at its most creative. Some of these will make you laugh out loud, others might hit a little too close to home. But that's the magic of anime: it sneaks up on you. Bonus tip: Watch with subtitles (not dub) for the best experience. Trust me.- EndsMust Watch


Hindustan Times
04-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Notice me, senpai: Why Indian anime artists deserve some of the spotlight
A few years ago, if you stopped someone on the street in India to ask them what their favourite anime was, they'd say Dragon Ball Z. Or Naruto. Or One Piece. Or Demon Slayer. Mumbai animator Jazyl Homavazir has been publishing his own manga, Beast Legion, since 2010. Today, you'd probably get more niche picks: The Apothecary Diaries, Re:Zero, Rent-A-Girlfriend, and Zenshu. Streaming networks have tapped into the genre's popularity. Last month, Tiger Shroff and Rashmika Mandanna teamed up with anime streamer Crunchyroll to promote new Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dubs of current and classic series. Fan clubs thrive as far away as Nagpur and Ranchi. Indian brands such as The Souled Store and Bewakoof sell Naruto and One Piece merch. At Comic Con India this year, there were ninjas and princess commanders amid the superhero and videogame cosplayers. Artists in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Goa are trying to put out their own manga and anime too. But Indian manga has boss-level battles to fight before it can captivate fans. Here's what it's up against (hint: It's not an enchanted katana). For Kolkata-based Vaibhavi Studios, producing just one episode of their anime Trio has taken years. Source code Anime is special. Unlike films and TV shows, the source material can't come from books or video games, but from manga, the serialised Japanese graphic-novel format. In Japan, new manga volumes are released every week, and are quickly picked up for anime adaptations, which creates a rich, fast-replenishing well to literally and figuratively draw from. But in India, 'there are no existing scripts for anime to begin with,' says Mumbai animator Jazyl Homavazir, 39. So, our manga are largely passion projects. Homavazir has been publishing his own series, Beast Legion, about an exiled prince trying to reclaim his homeland, since 2010. In Kolkata, Vaibhavi Studios publishes Trio, an ongoing manga about three tribal girls who are thrust into a battle against technologically-advanced aliens. And comics-publishing platform Cosmics has been publishing novels by young Indian manga creators since 2020. It's a mere trickle compared to Japan's tsunami. Illustrator Derek Domnic D'Souza says Indian audiences want anime that doesn't look too desi. State of the art India's closest brush with anime was with the mainstream anime-style mythological film Arjun the Warrior Prince (2012), the Legend of Hanuman series (2021 - 2024), and the 2019 Netflix film, Bombay Rose. And… Chhota Bheem. 'That's India's public perception of anime as an art style,' says Sourav Roychoudhury, 52, the founder of Vaibhavi Studios. We have no formula for what works and what doesn't for Indian anime. It's probably why Vaibhavi Studios has been struggling with an anime version of Trio since 2020. 'You need context and culture that Indian audiences will recognise, but it can't be so niche that it doesn't have a universal appeal,' says Roychoudhury. They've created, and trashed four versions already, and are only now figuring out the style. The trio from the novels, tribal girls from Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and Punjab, look generically Indian enough that viewers across the country will connect with them. They're also Sailor-Moon-coded – brightly coloured hair, sparkly personas – but inhabit a Jamshedpur that has all the markers of rural village life. The story plays out in Jamshedpur, Kolkata, Kerala, and also in West Asia, Poland, and the US. Every setting requires imaginative visuals in an India-Japanese style, which means getting it right takes time. In contrast, Goa-based Studio Durga have been clear from the start that their anime, Karmachakra, should have global appeal. The pilot episode – the show has been in the making since 2017 and won them the Best Animation Short at Los Angeles's 2020 Independent Shorts Awards – might seem familiar to fans of the genre. It feels Japanese, highly stylised and 'devoid of most cultural elements', says founder Rajorshi Basu. It's set in Kolkata in an alternate reality, you can't tell it's Indian. Derek Domnic D'Souza's art lies somewhere in between the two nations. The 28-year-old Bengaluru illustrator worked at Disney. But his personal style might remind viewers of Makoto Shinkai's films such as Kimi No Na Wa (Your Name, 2016). Soft evening light filters into an empty Mumbai train, a young girl in a hoodie scrolls on her phone against the backdrop of a housing society, young teens hang out on warm tin rooftops and gaze out at the busy skyline. 'The Indian audience still prefers anime styles that aren't overtly Indian,' says D'Souza. He's popular on YouTube for his art tutorials. Goa-based Studio Durga has been working on their anime Karmachakra since 2017. Work in progress Producers and distribution platforms aren't yet sure that locally produced anime will have commercial appeal beyond metro audiences. 'Anime fans in metro cities are not even 2% of the population that companies such as Disney and Netflix cater to,' says D'Souza. 'There is not enough demand to justify the investment in high-quality work.' Besides, fans already have enough to binge on via Japanese and American anime imports. So homegrown shows such as Karmachakra, which aims to be a 13-episode series, and Trio remain exquisitely crafted dreams. 'We're hoping someone sees our work and decides to bet on us,' says Roychoudhury. Basu of Studio Durga isn't willing to chase producers down in order to prove that the demand exists. 'Our fans have been clamouring for a release for ages. We already have the first three episodes ready.' And the government seems to be interested. At the WAVES summit in May, it unveiled an initiative dedicated to nurturing, and promoting original Indian anime, manga, webtoon and cosplay work. Winners of a nationwide anime and manga contest (in student and professional categories) each received grants between ₹25,000 and ₹50,000 and will represent India at Anime Japan in Tokyo next year. Homavazir expects the field to start hotting up over the next five years. 'It's just a function, now, of the right people finding each other.' From HT Brunch, July 05, 2025 Follow us on