Enter the Ninja

Don't mess with a White Ninja!

The 80's were a unique decade in so many ways, that I will introduce you to today's magnificent forgotten gem with a small time travel capsule. Whenever someone thinks of the 80's he's likely to describe the explosion of canned pop music, glam rock, horrible hairdo, violent warfare events (ok, this happens all the time) the greatest videogame consoles, going to the Arcade center and watching magnificent cartoons and Animé. However, not many seem to remember that the 80's were the golden decade for video rental stores thus providing the film making industry a huge field of interest. I remember how cool it was to browse for the weirdest, most obscure titles next to my dad. He would rent sexploitation, I would rent martial arts, cartoons and early OVAS.

Today's entry is one step above the many martial arts flicks made during the 80's. Usually, when we think of the "one man army" and/or "ultimate hero" cliche, we think of Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris, Silvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Nevertheless, the true connoisseur knows for sure that those were not the only tough men around. In fact, Italy provided the world of cinema with three magnificent men: Terence Hill, Bud Spencer and Franco Nero.  

Don't worry, I'm the good guy!

Django does Ninjitsu!

Enter The Ninja, is a 1981 movie filmed in its entirety in the Philippines (you would surprise at the amount of movies that were made there during the 70's & 80's) The lead role is in charge of the Italian equivalent of all the American action heroes put together, and  no, I'm not exaggerating. Cole (Franco Nero)  is a former war hero (no, not Vietnam) who spends his time in Japan perfecting his body and soul through the secret art of ninjitsu, while in the Philippines his best friend Frank (Alex Courtney) is having a bad time as he's being constantly harassed by a businessman who wants his property. Unaware of this, Cole finishes his training, thus being granted the Ninja master degree. 

Back in the Philippines, Mr. Venarius (an over the top Christopher George) is preparing for a final warning on Frank's property. The property in stake is worth millions of dollars as it's got a massive oil fountain about to be discovered. 

Are you talking to me?

Tell me more about fuckjitsu please.

The movies universe, as you already know, is a unique place where coincidences conveniently happen to help plot development so, Cole decides to pay a little visit to his old time friend. Nevertheless, Frank has changed so much since the last time they met. His hero days are long gone, and his current days are spent drinking while Mary Ann(Susan George) his sexy wife with a beautiful British accent, takes his place as "the man".  Seeing all of this, makes Cole decide to give Frank a hand. 

As above mentioned, Enter the Ninja is one step above its counterparts in many aspects. On the one hand, the acting is above average, at least for this kind of movies (Check the American Ninja saga and you'll see what I mean) Also, despite not being that original, the plot makes sense and the scenes develop accordingly with lots of action in between. On the other hand, the special effects, the fight choreographs, the ninja costumes and gadgets where all developed with extra care and it shows. In addition, W. Michael Lewis & Laurin Rinder's score set the mood for each of the characters and the pace of the movie. Something many martial arts films from the same decade lack deeply. Menahem Golan knew what he was doing when he directed this gem. Furthermore, Franco Nero gives the film credibility and his convincing performance is that of an experienced actor. 

Do films know something we don't about business men?

Mary Ann in her prime.

The body count in this movie is amongst the highest on its genre and that's the magic of the film universe as there are no cops around, not even for a second during the whole deal, which leaves you wondering if it's convenient to take that vacation cruise to the Philippines with that amount of killing. Cole, says "Ninjas don't kill, Ninjas terminate" and that they only do it for protection of themselves or in this film case, protection of the weakest (my god, it seems like every Manila inhabitant is in danger if they cross themselves with the White Ninja) 

Of course, taking down Venarius' thugs is no deal at all for Cole, so after several failed attempts, Mr. bad businessman decides to hire a true Japanese Ninja, someone from the not so distant past Cole lived in Japan. Enter: Hasegawa(Sho Kosugi) the black ninja, who not only is Cole's former ninjitsu classmate but also, the exact opposite of everything our hero stands for. This guy has no self control, he likes to show off his Ninja talents no matter how helpless his victims are. This guy, enjoys murder like I enjoy my coffee in the morning. Eventually, he destroys Frank property, mercilessly attacks his workers and gets the job done, meaning he kills Frank and kidnaps Mary Ann, so that (obviously) Cole will meet Mr. Venarius buy offer inevitably. 

Fruit Ninja? Never heard of her!

Hasegawa gets the lady.

Overall, a great piece of entertainment. This film will not only please martial arts fans but also, the casual viewer and obviously the connoisseur. Besides, you don't wanna miss one of the best performances Franco Nero has ever done out of the many western like films he's done before. Also, Susan George is a hottie for sure! a pity she's not in the nude though.

Here's the movie trailer: