Shogun's Ninja Film Review

There seems to be a wide range of opinions on this film and though it has a strong smell of cheese, I thought it was good fun. It is primarily a showcase for Sonny Chiba's Japan Action Club with Chiba, Hiroyuki Sanada, Etsuko Shihomi and loads of others performing amazing stunts. The plot is something of a mess and there are a few embarrassing scenes - Sanada performing a Flash dance number - the score as nearly every review points out would be more suitable for a stag film, but none of that matters with the great action set pieces. Ninja action. Whether high up in the forest, swinging from tree to tree, burrowing beneath the earth or hiding on the ceiling, the Ninja action is impressive. The usual assortment of Ninja weapons and tricks are on hand. The film throws it all in there. Ninja films were about to explode on the screen in the 1980s in Japan, Hong Kong and America.

There is some historical context in the background that is confusing and is best ignored. It takes place over twenty years during the Warring Period as Shoguns begin the unification of Japan towards the end of the 16th century. The Momochi Clan is betrayed by the evil and ambitious Shiranui Shōgen (Sonny Chiba) and nearly the entire clan is slaughtered - with the wife of the Momochi Clan leader committing seppuku. But as in all these tales, the young son is carried away - all the way to China. You know he will be back seeking vengeance some day.

And sure enough he returns as Takamura in the form of Hiroyuki Sanada. Sanada had been an actor since he was a child, but by this time had studied various forms of martial arts and been mentored by Chiba. This is his film in his first starring role. He gives a tremendous display of his athleticism - acrobatic, gymnastic, martial arts and yes, sadly dancing. His character Takamura learned these skills from a monk in China along with a young Chinese girl, Ai-lian (the lovely Etsuko Shihomi).

Back in Japan he comes across the remnants of the Momochi Clan, all friends from his childhood. They have been awaiting his return in order to get their vengeance. Sort of a 47 Ronin theme. Takamura also finds the little girl he knew, Otsu (Yuki Ninagawa) who unknown to him was brought up by Hattori Hanzō and has divided loyalties. After much fighting and dying - thankfully Ai-lian has come to Japan to look for him - it of course comes down to Chiba against Sanada. The master against his student. This is directed by Norifumi Suzuki, who was to direct Sanada two years later in the brilliant Roaring Fire.