|
Ninja Wars (or, in
Japan, Igo Ninpo Cho – the title of the book upon which
the film is based) is pretty nutty stuff. The story begins when a feudal
lord named Matsunaga (Akiro Nakao who periodically shows up in Godzilla
films from time to time) becomes obsessed with the slinky, sexy Lady Ukyo
(played by pop singer Noriko Watanabe who handles two roles in this film,
her first) who also happens to be the daughter of the reigning Shogun.
Matsunage thinks that hooking up
with her would be fine – not only she a hottie but marrying her would
pretty much solidify his spot as the next Shogun. Unfortunately for him,
she’s already into someone else – Lord Miyoshi (Noboru Matsuhashi of Samurai
Reincarnation). So Matsunaga does what any love struck warrior
spirit would do, he goes to visit a wizard named Kashin (Mikio Narita of Legend
Of The Eight Samurai) who agrees to hook him up with a love
potion that is sure to win the lady’s heart once and for all.
There are a few minor complications
to overcome, however. First, Kashin will need some tears from Ukyo’s
twin sister, Kagaribi (also played by Noriko Watanabe). No problem, he
sends out a few thugs to take care of that and voila, she’s kidnapped.
Unfortunately for Kashin, Kagaribi’s boyfriend, Jotaro (Hiroyuki
‘Henry’ Sanada), has noticed that she’s missing and soon heads off
to track her down. Sadly, Jotaro soon discovers that she’s dead so
he’s forced to avenge her death – so that’s what he sets out to do.
Mitsumasa Saito, who helmed G.
I. Samurai
a few years earlier, proves he’s still quite adept at directing epic
action films. He’s also not afraid to crank up the exploitative elements
in his films either, as evidenced by the film’s notorious vomiting ninja
warrior. Throw in all manner of oddball fight scenes, many of which
involve a wide variety of weapons and tricks, a gratuitous Sonny Chiba
appearance (it’s a bit part but it’s quite honestly the highlight of
the film) and you’ve got yourself a winner even if it is about as goofy
as they come.
Chiba protégé Hiroyuki Sanada is
the main star of the film and he shows that he’s got what it takes.
Chiba fans will recognize him from many of their collaborations together
such as The
Executioner and The
Yagyu Conspiracy and even those not familiar with his 70s film
should still recognize the man from the Oscar nominated The Twilight
Samurai and more recently the Tom Cruise film, The Last
Samurai.
Being a member of Chiba’s Japan
Action Club, it shouldn’t surprise anyone to see Mr. Sanada upon more
than one can of whupass in the film – the man’s got fighting skills in
spades and the film gives him ample opportunity to show off the goods.
|
