BootDigest
Such a frustrating disappointment
YouHeart
I gave it a 7.5 out of 10
Micah Lloyd
Excellent characters with emotional depth. My wife, daughter and granddaughter all enjoyed it...and me, too! Very good movie! You won't be disappointed.
BA_Harrison
Wicked mystic Kashin (Mikio Narita) prophesises that the evil Lord Danjo will become ruler if he marries beautiful Lady Ukyo (stunning Noriko Watanabe); with the help of five powerful wizards, Danjo cooks up a love potion that will guarantee his future as Shogun, but makes an enemy of noble ninja Jotaro (Hiroyuki Sanada) in the process.My copy of The Ninja Wars came as part of a cheap four film Sonny Chiba box set, but Japanese action legend Chiba barely shows his face in this one; not to worry, mind, because the film is still a great way to pass the time, just so long as a sane narrative isn't your primary concern (and I'm guessing it's not, seeing as the film has the word 'ninja' in the title).The typically bonkers plot throws everything at the audience from supernatural head swapping to an acid-barfing devil wizard to a love potion made from the tears of a virgin; there's also a fair bit of outrageous gore and female nudity (even chubby chasers are catered for), all of which makes the film good for a laugh. However, The Ninja Wars distinguishes itself from many similarly crazy ninja efforts by also being a beautifully crafted piece of cinema.Director Kôsei Saitôhe doesn't let the fact that his film is madder than a box of frogs prevent him from going all out with the visuals, every frame a work of art: the camera placement, set design, lighting and cinematography are stunning to behold from start to finish, a sword fight that takes place in and around a burning temple being the aesthetic highlight. Even the visual effects are superb.Towards the end of the film, the plot gradually falls apart, with too much confusion regarding people's identities (a problem that often arises from head swapping), plus a truly deranged finale that supposedly sees love conquering all—by having the two protagonists roast to a crisp on a sacrificial cross while they passionately embrace (I don't know about you, but barbecued lovers isn't my idea of a happy outcome). Muddled ending aside, though, this is pretty damn good.
hitokawaguma
...But it's not for everyone. The first time I saw it, in my early teens, I don't think I finished watching it. Of course I liked the nudity (ranging from fat to ultra-thin women), but it sure wasn't my idea of a ninja movie. Years later I watched it again, and eventually it became my favorite film. If you're like me and you think ninjas are inherently funny, cool, or both, then at least give this one a shot. But I think you have to have some sort of rare gene to really appreciate it anywhere near as much as I do. You can read other reviews on this site to get an idea of how bizarre it is. In my opinion, it is an incredibly well made film. The photography, color and compositions weren't something I noticed when I was younger, but now... And the set designs and costumes are equally impressive. And the music! That's especially subjective, but I love it. Even the things in this movie that I can see being easy targets to negative criticism are equally lovable, if only for humor value. If you have no interest in anything Japanese, I suppose I would advise you not to bother tracking it down, or if you are turned off by movies that are not easily digestible, but otherwise find it amazed! Or baffled. Or angry with me. ***By the way, I've seen this movie more times than any other, but I have yet to find Jackie Chan's cameo! Does anyone have any idea where he appears?***
doctor_zaius
This film is a classic in every sense of the word. Complex plot, scintillating dialogue, fantastically choreographed fight scenes, great special effects. What else can I say. I first saw this film in 1985 and have probably watched it over 100 times since then. I never get tired of it. Everybody I have shared this film with has enjoyed it thoroughly. If you do not like this film, you have no appreciation for foreign culture and are probably from Texas, or should move there.
hakker
Ok, this movie rules. The dubbing is great and the story is hilarious. The gratuitous use of blood and decapitated bodies is so funny the gore is lost. Besides, what's better than a good vs. evil story involving a spider tea kettle filled with a magic aphrodesiac, and insane emperor and an evil ninja spirit with one of the best laughs I've ever heard. If you can someway find this movie, check it out.
