I still remember watching this movie with my friends in the 6th grade and walking out of the theater like we had just seen the greatest martial arts movie ever. I was one of the first kids on my street to have a videocassette recorder and i would rent this movie every week for at least a year. We would look at the film like investigators probably looked at the Zapruder film.I don't like to trtash it because every time i see something associated with this movie i remember my childhood and a feel very nostalgic about those memories. It is my first writing here so excuse my English if there are errors or there is a lack of sense to what I'm trying to say.
69 Reviews
A ninja movie classic but below the average
silversurfer_umit26 October 2005
This is a very famous Ninja movie but it isn't a nice movie. If you want to see some ninjas and some figures, want to know some things about Ninjas see this movie. This movie only for ninja fans and who wants to make nostalgia.
First 20 minutes and last 20 minutes of the movie are best. You can just see Ninja figures and fight in this scenes. Between these are below the average, nearly bad as a movie. Acting is bad. Sho (black ninja) is the best actor in this movie. Frank Nero is a good actor and charismatic but he cannot fight good. Scenario is also not good. Its so simple. Franko Nero comes near to his best , old friend from army and war. He also protects him from mafia but he is having sex ( go to bed ) with his wife and his friend knows this but don't say anything to Nero negative. Is this possible in life ? What a friendship !
Finally this movie started a genre ; Ninja movies. Also there is the ninja master Sho Kasugi but some fighting scenes are not realistic and not fast even with shoo. This film is below the average even it is a classic.
First 20 minutes and last 20 minutes of the movie are best. You can just see Ninja figures and fight in this scenes. Between these are below the average, nearly bad as a movie. Acting is bad. Sho (black ninja) is the best actor in this movie. Frank Nero is a good actor and charismatic but he cannot fight good. Scenario is also not good. Its so simple. Franko Nero comes near to his best , old friend from army and war. He also protects him from mafia but he is having sex ( go to bed ) with his wife and his friend knows this but don't say anything to Nero negative. Is this possible in life ? What a friendship !
Finally this movie started a genre ; Ninja movies. Also there is the ninja master Sho Kasugi but some fighting scenes are not realistic and not fast even with shoo. This film is below the average even it is a classic.
Enter the script...
Guardia26 November 2004
OK it's pretty funny. And, there are some funny action sequences that make you think of 70s style martial arts movies. I really like the bit where there is a ninja scene where they are all in different coloured costumes - it's like the Power Rangers!
The part where he has to cross the bridge is good too. I like how they are attempting to act as well.
The budget must of been huge on this film as there are heaps of actors! Anywho, the script was written (I think), in a day, with another day set aside for spell-checking.
If you've read this far, then watch the freakin' movie.
The part where he has to cross the bridge is good too. I like how they are attempting to act as well.
The budget must of been huge on this film as there are heaps of actors! Anywho, the script was written (I think), in a day, with another day set aside for spell-checking.
If you've read this far, then watch the freakin' movie.
A fun ninja flick for the tolerant viewer
banzai-326 April 1999
This movie has two sides. The ninja side is very well done, with tons of ninja weaponry, fighting techniques, and violence. The other side is cheesy 1980-esque humor with the occasional barroom brawl. If you can tolerate a few corny jokes and guys in tight jeans, then maybe this is the movie for you. I give this movie four shurikens (****) out of five.
Revenge of the 80's: The Cannon films.
Captain_Couth7 November 2004
Enter the Ninja (1981) was the first of several "Ninja" films produced by Cannon starring or co-starring Japanese sensation Sho Kosugi. But the star of the first "Ninja" film was legendary tough guy Franco Nero. Sadly not even Mr. Nero or Sho Kosugi couldn't make this film watchable. When you have two bad dudes in an action film and it's neither watchable or fun, somethings amiss. But I digress. Skip this chapter and watch the next films in the series. They're more interesting and a whole lot of fun.
Next is Revenge of the Ninja. Instead of playing the "evil oriental" (I use that term tongue in cheek mind you). He's the star! Strange for a western film. Watch that one instead.
Not recommended except for die hard Sho Kosugi fans or Cannon film buffs.
Next is Revenge of the Ninja. Instead of playing the "evil oriental" (I use that term tongue in cheek mind you). He's the star! Strange for a western film. Watch that one instead.
Not recommended except for die hard Sho Kosugi fans or Cannon film buffs.
Exit the room
Zeegrade16 April 2010
Do you like ninja movies and taking naps? Well have I got a movie for you! Anyone, and I mean anyone, who uses the word "classic" when talking about this movie should be banned from martial arts films for the rest of their lives. Boring, boring, boring! Franco Nero is Cole the only non-Japanese to been trained in the arts of the ninja. When he completes his training and is granted full ninja status (I guess they must serve an apprenticeship) his inclusion is rejected by Hasegawa (Sho Kosugi) who refuses to accept the American as part of their clan. I wouldn't either as the wooden Nero clearly has no martial arts training as every action scene conveniently never shows his face. It's sickening to watch Sho Kosugi play second banana to this empty suit. Cole travels to the Philippines to meet an old Vietnam buddy Frank who REALLY likes cockfights. Frank has become more of a lifeless drunk, at least when he's not cockfighting, which opens an emotional bond between Cole and Frank's bug-eyed wife Mary-Ann. The locals are terrorized by thugs under the control of Charles Venarius who Christopher George takes to cartoon levels of absurdity. When Cole easily dispatches Venarius' men he demands a ninja as if they can be had at any corner store. Turns out Hasegawa has left the clan and has become a mercenary ninja for hire. Slow buildup to the inevitable fight to the death between the former students. Uninspiring action sequences are hampered severely by Nero's lack of fighting ability as well as his complete lack of screen presence. His rigid performance makes Christopher George's so over-the-top that he joins William Beckwith from "Prime Evil" as two of the most campy badguys ever. There a so many movies out there that deliver the true ninja experience better than "Enter the Ninja" that it defies belief that this was even made for the American audience. One of the rare disappointments from the Golan-Globus duo that gave us so many cheesy actioneers in the eighties. Rather take a shuriken to the eye than watch this again.
-----At Your Own Risk-----
Cel_Stacker1 December 2006
A combat veteran, fresh from completion of ninjutsu training, reunites with an old friend in Manila and gets caught up in a power struggle with a ruthless land baron.
But, do you really care about that? If you're even reading this page, you must know something of what to expect. It's your typical chop-socky, complete with ridiculous dialouge, mega-corny villains, apocalyptic sound editing, and a camera that begs for your attention. The only reason for being seen in public with this film is the fight sequences, wonderfully choreographed by Mike Stone and true master Sho Kosugi. Franco Nero ain't no slouch either, assuming you can see around the mustache.
Well, I'm being too harsh. There are some good laughs--enjoy Christopher George repeatedly screaming "Ninja!" and delivering arguably the goofiest death scene ever captured on film.
But, do you really care about that? If you're even reading this page, you must know something of what to expect. It's your typical chop-socky, complete with ridiculous dialouge, mega-corny villains, apocalyptic sound editing, and a camera that begs for your attention. The only reason for being seen in public with this film is the fight sequences, wonderfully choreographed by Mike Stone and true master Sho Kosugi. Franco Nero ain't no slouch either, assuming you can see around the mustache.
Well, I'm being too harsh. There are some good laughs--enjoy Christopher George repeatedly screaming "Ninja!" and delivering arguably the goofiest death scene ever captured on film.
great!!
tnman266 November 2001
Lets see what can i say about this one....when i saw it for the first time especially the first 15 minutes during the first action sequence of the ninja test...with the white ninja against all the rest, I wanted to go to japan and be a ninja my self..great action movie..
An insult to the viewer.
athena246 June 2009
Any person, claiming this movie to be a ninja classic film, must have seen this movie before the middle of the nineties or he was less then 10 years before he's seen it. Otherwise I can't explain this 'classic ninja movie' title.
The fight scenes in this movie are just intolerable. Instead of casting Franco Nero as the ninja, they could hire some experienced martial artist instead. In any way the acting skill is not important in that kind of a movie. Nero's fighting ability is barely of some street fighter in a bar. His kicks and punches are lame.
There's enough of old action movies with good action. This is just a waste of time.
The fight scenes in this movie are just intolerable. Instead of casting Franco Nero as the ninja, they could hire some experienced martial artist instead. In any way the acting skill is not important in that kind of a movie. Nero's fighting ability is barely of some street fighter in a bar. His kicks and punches are lame.
There's enough of old action movies with good action. This is just a waste of time.
The inception of Ninja mania!
HaemovoreRex2 May 2006
Well here it is this is the catalyst for the 1980's 'Ninja Craze' that swept the west by storm and spawned literally hundreds of similar themed movies from all around the world.
In addition this also happens to be the film that propelled its REAL star (an actor who was actually playing the role of the movies main villain!) to super stardom literally overnight (if only for a modest while) and made him forever synonymous with such roles. Who was this actor? Well it was of course the legendary Sho Kosugi!
While ninja had previously reared their heads on a number of occasions in western cinema, (probably most famously in the classic James Bond outing 'You Only Live Twice') THIS was the film that really catapulted them into the movie going publics eye. Such was the demand for ninja themed shenanigans following this films initial release that producers Golan-Globus were sagaciously swift to rush two sequels into production, namely The Revenge Of the Ninja (probably THE seminal 1980's ninja flick) and the sadly embarrassing Ninja 3: The Domination, again, both starring Kosugi (albeit in the more welcome role of the good guy)
But enough of the history lesson ..what of the quality of the film being reviewed here I hear you cry? Well as it happens, it's rather solidly entertaining stuff!
Franco Nero plays Cole, a westerner who through hard work and determination has against all odds (not to mention certain persons wishes) ascended to the top ranks of his ninja clan. Traveling to the Philippines to visit an old friend Cole finds that his deadly skills come in mighty handy when he is forced to stand against some local hoodlums. (In a morally ambiguous subplot he also manages to sleep with his best friend's wife but we won't go there ..!!!)
In fact these hoodlums are merely puppets belonging to a much larger crime syndicate headed by a particularly ruthless boss (the always fun to watch Christopher George hamming it up wonderfully!)
Seeing that Cole is laying waste to his plans, the crime lord takes drastic measures and hires Cole's old nemesis from Japan (Kosugi) to take care of him.
Inevitably the two ninja must square off at the films climax with only one left alive by the final credits but which one shall be triumphant? Well you can probably guess ..
Aside from the odd casting of Nero in the lead (a great actor in his own right but woefully miscast here owing to the fact that he has blatantly no martial arts skills whatsoever) it has to be said that this is a great movie and is intrinsic viewing for fans of the genre.
Of course the main attraction here though, is undoubtedly Kosugi himself, who succeeds in carrying a wonderful silent air of extreme menace in every single scene he appears in, in addition to entertaining us with some excellent martial arts demonstrations.
Great stuff!
In addition this also happens to be the film that propelled its REAL star (an actor who was actually playing the role of the movies main villain!) to super stardom literally overnight (if only for a modest while) and made him forever synonymous with such roles. Who was this actor? Well it was of course the legendary Sho Kosugi!
While ninja had previously reared their heads on a number of occasions in western cinema, (probably most famously in the classic James Bond outing 'You Only Live Twice') THIS was the film that really catapulted them into the movie going publics eye. Such was the demand for ninja themed shenanigans following this films initial release that producers Golan-Globus were sagaciously swift to rush two sequels into production, namely The Revenge Of the Ninja (probably THE seminal 1980's ninja flick) and the sadly embarrassing Ninja 3: The Domination, again, both starring Kosugi (albeit in the more welcome role of the good guy)
But enough of the history lesson ..what of the quality of the film being reviewed here I hear you cry? Well as it happens, it's rather solidly entertaining stuff!
Franco Nero plays Cole, a westerner who through hard work and determination has against all odds (not to mention certain persons wishes) ascended to the top ranks of his ninja clan. Traveling to the Philippines to visit an old friend Cole finds that his deadly skills come in mighty handy when he is forced to stand against some local hoodlums. (In a morally ambiguous subplot he also manages to sleep with his best friend's wife but we won't go there ..!!!)
In fact these hoodlums are merely puppets belonging to a much larger crime syndicate headed by a particularly ruthless boss (the always fun to watch Christopher George hamming it up wonderfully!)
Seeing that Cole is laying waste to his plans, the crime lord takes drastic measures and hires Cole's old nemesis from Japan (Kosugi) to take care of him.
Inevitably the two ninja must square off at the films climax with only one left alive by the final credits but which one shall be triumphant? Well you can probably guess ..
Aside from the odd casting of Nero in the lead (a great actor in his own right but woefully miscast here owing to the fact that he has blatantly no martial arts skills whatsoever) it has to be said that this is a great movie and is intrinsic viewing for fans of the genre.
Of course the main attraction here though, is undoubtedly Kosugi himself, who succeeds in carrying a wonderful silent air of extreme menace in every single scene he appears in, in addition to entertaining us with some excellent martial arts demonstrations.
Great stuff!
Enter the Ninja
coltras352 November 2021
After just completing his training at a ninja school, an army vet travels to the Phillippines and finds himself battling a land grabber who wants his war-buddy's property. He must also fight his rival, who happens to be fellow Ninja, Sho Kosugi.
Enter the Ninja, the first of the Ninja trilogy, oddly stars Franco Nero as the white-clad ninja and has a good screen presence but it's obvious he's not doing the fights, which are ok, but is doubled by Mike Stone' - a Karate champion and a former bodyguard for Elvis. I'm surprised they didn't cast Chuck Norris orJoe Lewis in the role, but Nero is an offbeat and ok casting, though his character can be quite dubious when he sleeps with his friend's wife after his friend tells him that, er, he can't rise to it anymore.
The film itself has a "land grabber" plot, and it's fairly average here, but it's the Ninja elements that bolsters the film a bit. The opening scene is great as is the finale. Sho Kosugi steals the scene as the villain in an ok Ninja action. But it isn't great. Just passable.
Enter the Ninja, the first of the Ninja trilogy, oddly stars Franco Nero as the white-clad ninja and has a good screen presence but it's obvious he's not doing the fights, which are ok, but is doubled by Mike Stone' - a Karate champion and a former bodyguard for Elvis. I'm surprised they didn't cast Chuck Norris orJoe Lewis in the role, but Nero is an offbeat and ok casting, though his character can be quite dubious when he sleeps with his friend's wife after his friend tells him that, er, he can't rise to it anymore.
The film itself has a "land grabber" plot, and it's fairly average here, but it's the Ninja elements that bolsters the film a bit. The opening scene is great as is the finale. Sho Kosugi steals the scene as the villain in an ok Ninja action. But it isn't great. Just passable.
The Daddy of the Golan-Globus Ninja series
cheeks2k20 January 2003
Anyone like myself who is a great fan of poorly-acted Ninja movies - especially the ones produced by Golan & Globus - will enjoy this, the Daddy of the series.
The acting is wooden, the humour flat, the jeans tight; the fight scenes make no sense whatsoever and everyone dies dramatically.
But that's the point; if you can't pass an evening laughing wildly at this, there must be something wrong with you.
And any film which ends with a freeze-frame of the main character winking at the camera justifies its price fully.
The acting is wooden, the humour flat, the jeans tight; the fight scenes make no sense whatsoever and everyone dies dramatically.
But that's the point; if you can't pass an evening laughing wildly at this, there must be something wrong with you.
And any film which ends with a freeze-frame of the main character winking at the camera justifies its price fully.
Sho Kosugi, need to say more??
PredragReviews6 August 2016
The film begins with a very impressive display of weaponry skills by none other than Sho Kosugi in full Ninja uniform, including sai, shinobi-gatana, tonfa, nunchaku, manriki {bola}, blowgun, shiroken, bow & arrow, and spear-staff. Blend into white ninja {color indicative of novice/apprentice} amidst the wilderness undergoing his final "law of the jungle" test until recognized as full Ninja calibre; he is attacked by several red ninjas on his way back to the dojo, expertly defending himself until facing the Shidoshi himself, shockingly beheading him before entering in for judgment.
"Enter The Ninja" was released during the latter part of the martial arts pop-fascination of the 70's and early 80's, and distinguished itself by presenting Ninpo principles such as the afore-mentioned Kuji-Kiri, indigenous weaponry and some techniques, all under the expert supervision of Sho Kosugi, an actual Ninpo practitioner, who along with Frank Dux, earned some ire from traditionalists in the old country, but did manage to add an enhanced perspective on this enigmatic historical character known as Ninja. Although, the film is long in the tooth and features way too much plot, but the film does deliver a decent amount of butt-kicking and several cheesy moments that will get giggles of joy from bad movie fans. The last half is far more interesting than the first; the action scenes are competently done, though it's obvious Golan was not the action director Firstenberg was.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
"Enter The Ninja" was released during the latter part of the martial arts pop-fascination of the 70's and early 80's, and distinguished itself by presenting Ninpo principles such as the afore-mentioned Kuji-Kiri, indigenous weaponry and some techniques, all under the expert supervision of Sho Kosugi, an actual Ninpo practitioner, who along with Frank Dux, earned some ire from traditionalists in the old country, but did manage to add an enhanced perspective on this enigmatic historical character known as Ninja. Although, the film is long in the tooth and features way too much plot, but the film does deliver a decent amount of butt-kicking and several cheesy moments that will get giggles of joy from bad movie fans. The last half is far more interesting than the first; the action scenes are competently done, though it's obvious Golan was not the action director Firstenberg was.
Overall rating: 7 out of 10.
Ninjas invading Phiilipiines.
dasa10828 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie started the ninja boom in the United States. Beautifully filmed in the Philippines we are invited to a story of jealousy between ninjas, marriage problems between Susan George and her husband (she has problems with her partners in all her films), blackmail and threats by a land rich in oil, a woman stubborn for keep your land no matter how many people die and the infidelity quota that puts a plus in the equation. Franco Nero is an alpha male turned ninja master but barely able to kick. Sho Kosugi is a jealous ninja who cannot control his emotions. The ninja master makes questionable decisions: Franco Nero cannot be the best under any circumstances. Things get complicated: Franco Nero will help a friend in trouble but later sleep with his wife. He saves the land but things will not be the same. There is no problem with the matter; if a person has whiskey for breakfast he probably deserves it. The boss of the bad guys is outrageous and unbearable. Hard not to hate it. He amazes the fidelity of his assistants. He ends up hiring Sho Kosugi since he was the only ninja available (he was even recommended by his master). Everything ends in a fight to the death where the protagonists die and Franco Nero leaves with the guarantee of returning. He made up the phrase I'll be back.
A Good film
Filmbuff-554 October 1999
This action film is about a westerner named Cole(Franco Nero) who has learned the ways of the Ninja, until a Hosagowa(Sho Kosugi) has bitter frustration against him after he realizes that Cole having the right to be a "Ninja Warrior". He later visits an old army buddy Frank(Alex Courtney) who is having some personal problems of his own with a greedy landgrabber named Charlie Venarious(Christopher George). However Cole has to take the matter of taking on the landgrabbers as well as Hosagawa who was just recently hired by Venarious to help eliminate Cole. The ending is very fascinating and the battle scenes between the Ninja warriors is the best sequence in this film. The cast is excellent in the film. I give it ******** out of **********.
For insomniacs.
gridoon15 September 1999
This movie is recommended only for insomniacs: it will relieve them by putting them to sleep. Five-year-olds might also enjoy it. But for anyone else (including fans of the genre), what a bore! The "ancient" plot is reminiscent of "Return Of The Dragon", and this film is just as inept, but Nero is no Bruce Lee, so "Enter the Ninja" is an even worse film. Until now, this is the second (the offensive "comedy" "Bachelor Party" was the first) film I gave 1/10 to.
ENTER THE NINJA (Menahem Golan, 1981) *1/2
Bunuel197624 June 2006
Terrible action movie in which lead Franco Nero exchanges his cowboy hat, gun belt and the coffin he dragged around in DJANGO (1966) for an all-white Ninja outfit with all the snazzy paraphernalia that goes with it! Despite virtually non-stop action, the film is utterly clichéd and unintentionally funny - with a campy villain, to boot, in Christopher George. Susan George (no relation) is the attractive woman with a washed-up husband, Nero's wartime companion, whom the villains are trying to push off her oil-rich land - but the latter haven't counted upon Nero's martial-arts (and stunt-heavy) gymnastics. The solution to their problems is to hire a similarly-skilled Ninja for themselves who, as it happens, turns out to be Nero's deadly enemy (played by Sho Kosugi, who appeared in two more sequels and is currently engaged in another!). The climax takes place inside an arena where one-man army Nero 'eliminates' George and what has remained of his gang from previous confrontations; the subtle way in which he despatches his nemesis, however, is effectively done.
Boring After 10 Minutes!
jacobnunnally20 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Any movie with the same cliché plot as "Ernest Goes to Camp" is gonna be a real stinker - particularly if it tries to be serious. Evil corporation tries to bully virtuous protagonist into selling land. Snooze.
The characters are paper thin. There is no backstory to any of them - aside from the two main guys being former war buddies. Where did the poofy-haired character meet his British/Australian wife? How did they fall in love? Where did they meet? And most troublesome - how does a former soldier have the money to live in a mansion with beautifully landscaped gardens? Yikes.
What war or mission in Africa did the ONE flashback come from? This was supposed to show the bond the two male characters had, but all it did was confuse me even more. What part of Africa (a huge continent)? What war? How did the war turn out? What did they end up doing after the war? Why is he living in the Phillipines? Why is the British/Australian wife so attached to the land? As she said herself, there is nothing but crime, gangsters, and poverty in their rural "town." Why would she want to stay, particularly since they're offering her and her husband millions of dollars for their house?
Everything in this movie was confusing. Could have been written and directed and acted by college freshmen. 3/10.
The characters are paper thin. There is no backstory to any of them - aside from the two main guys being former war buddies. Where did the poofy-haired character meet his British/Australian wife? How did they fall in love? Where did they meet? And most troublesome - how does a former soldier have the money to live in a mansion with beautifully landscaped gardens? Yikes.
What war or mission in Africa did the ONE flashback come from? This was supposed to show the bond the two male characters had, but all it did was confuse me even more. What part of Africa (a huge continent)? What war? How did the war turn out? What did they end up doing after the war? Why is he living in the Phillipines? Why is the British/Australian wife so attached to the land? As she said herself, there is nothing but crime, gangsters, and poverty in their rural "town." Why would she want to stay, particularly since they're offering her and her husband millions of dollars for their house?
Everything in this movie was confusing. Could have been written and directed and acted by college freshmen. 3/10.
Passable 'Ninja' flick
Michael_Pilkington20 April 1999
A military vet (Franco Nero) has just completed his training at a ninja school and leaves for the Phillippines, but finds himself shaking off a greedy landgrabber (Christopher George) and fighting his rival (Sho Kosugi as a "bad" ninja). There's plenty of action, but too much gimmick. My evaluation: ** out of ****.
Enjoyable crap
Maziun25 November 2014
This movie is widely considered to be the one that popularized Ninjutsu during the 80s. It was actually the second major English-language Ninja film of the 80s as it was preceded by Chuck Norris' Octagon"(1980). Several ninja movies were made after it. Prior to the film, judo films had been popular in the 50s; karate movies in the 60s and kung-fu pictures in the 70s.
This is the first of three "Ninja" movies in Cannon's Ninja series. The second and third films were "Revenge of the ninja" (1983) and "Ninja III: The Domination" (1984). Both sequels were unrelated in terms of story. Cannon also went on to make "American ninja" (1985) which spawned its own franchise (5 movies).
This movie is important for one more reason. It's first major role in an English-language film for Shô Kosugi, an actual ninja practitioner who was also the movie's technical adviser and fight co-coordinator. Kosugi starred in numerous other 80s ninja movies and appeared in each of this film's sequels but playing different characters.
The film's title was chosen because it was thought that it would connect and cash-in on the popularity of the earlier martial-arts box-office hit Enter the dragon"(1973). Publicity for the film explained that Ninjutsu was "the art of invisibility". The martial art is also known as Ninpo and Ninjitsu-Ryu. Ninjas are seen in this movie with a full wardrobe of attachments and weapons. These often included a blow-gun, bola (manriki), bow & arrow, nunchaku (nunchuks), sai, shinobi-gatana, shiroken, spear-staff and tonfa.
The movie is often widely believed to have been totally shot in the Phillipines, bit some of it was also shot in Japan. There is no spoken dialog in the first 10 minutes of the film. The first 15 minutes of the movie is objectively really good and the best part of the movie.
If you're expecting good movie , you will be disappointed. The acting is wooden, the humor flat and everyone dies dramatically. The characters are paper thin. The plot don't make sense in some places ( What war are the characters talking about ?) If you're a fan of ninja movies this is a must see. If you're a fan of "so bad , it's good" movies you NEED to see this. It's comedy gold.
Franco Nero ("Django") is the star of the movie. Since had no martial arts training he was doubled by writer and fight choreographer Mike Stone for the fight sequences. It's terribly obvious , because most of the fight scenes shown main hero's back while fighting. Nero himself has no charisma or talent . The best thing about him is his mustache.
You GOTTA love the over the top sound effects. When somebody shots an arrow or throws the sound is of laser shooting ! There is evil guy nicknamed "The Hook" , because he has a hook ! "Let's have a cock fight !" , "Hang on ". Christopher George is brilliantly overacting and his death scene is THE BEST EVER.
If you can't spend an evening laughing wildly at this , well , then there is something wrong with your sense of humor. Watch out for Michael Dudikoff (the future star of "American ninja") as one of the Venarius men. I give it 2/10.
This is the first of three "Ninja" movies in Cannon's Ninja series. The second and third films were "Revenge of the ninja" (1983) and "Ninja III: The Domination" (1984). Both sequels were unrelated in terms of story. Cannon also went on to make "American ninja" (1985) which spawned its own franchise (5 movies).
This movie is important for one more reason. It's first major role in an English-language film for Shô Kosugi, an actual ninja practitioner who was also the movie's technical adviser and fight co-coordinator. Kosugi starred in numerous other 80s ninja movies and appeared in each of this film's sequels but playing different characters.
The film's title was chosen because it was thought that it would connect and cash-in on the popularity of the earlier martial-arts box-office hit Enter the dragon"(1973). Publicity for the film explained that Ninjutsu was "the art of invisibility". The martial art is also known as Ninpo and Ninjitsu-Ryu. Ninjas are seen in this movie with a full wardrobe of attachments and weapons. These often included a blow-gun, bola (manriki), bow & arrow, nunchaku (nunchuks), sai, shinobi-gatana, shiroken, spear-staff and tonfa.
The movie is often widely believed to have been totally shot in the Phillipines, bit some of it was also shot in Japan. There is no spoken dialog in the first 10 minutes of the film. The first 15 minutes of the movie is objectively really good and the best part of the movie.
If you're expecting good movie , you will be disappointed. The acting is wooden, the humor flat and everyone dies dramatically. The characters are paper thin. The plot don't make sense in some places ( What war are the characters talking about ?) If you're a fan of ninja movies this is a must see. If you're a fan of "so bad , it's good" movies you NEED to see this. It's comedy gold.
Franco Nero ("Django") is the star of the movie. Since had no martial arts training he was doubled by writer and fight choreographer Mike Stone for the fight sequences. It's terribly obvious , because most of the fight scenes shown main hero's back while fighting. Nero himself has no charisma or talent . The best thing about him is his mustache.
You GOTTA love the over the top sound effects. When somebody shots an arrow or throws the sound is of laser shooting ! There is evil guy nicknamed "The Hook" , because he has a hook ! "Let's have a cock fight !" , "Hang on ". Christopher George is brilliantly overacting and his death scene is THE BEST EVER.
If you can't spend an evening laughing wildly at this , well , then there is something wrong with your sense of humor. Watch out for Michael Dudikoff (the future star of "American ninja") as one of the Venarius men. I give it 2/10.
Enter the ninja.
HumanoidOfFlesh17 April 2011
"Enter the Ninja" is the first of the trilogy.The other two are Sam Firstenberg's "Revenge of The Ninja", and "Ninja III: The Domination".Franco Nero plays white ninja and Sho Kosugi plays black ninja.Nero is helping a husband and wife try to stop the trouble gangs are causing where they live(in Phillipines)."Enter the Ninja" is a very cheesy martial arts flick with plenty of bloody violence.The weapons of ninja include sai,shinobi-gatana,tonfa,nunchaku,manriki,blowgun,shiroken,bow and arrow and spear-staff.The use of smoke bombs is also quite effective.Despite the violence the film is often light-hearted and quite humorous.The final showdown between Nero and Kosugi is truly memorable.7 ninjas out of 10.
Lets have a Cock Fight!!!!!
jasonsomers12 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of those movies that is so bad it is awesome!!! It has everything an early eighties movie needs: Flared pants, Big Moustaches, Chicks with Farrah Hair, and most importantly, NINJAS!!!! I have a few choice moments to recant for you. Cole's army buddy has a strange monkey-like face and always seems to speak without moving his jaw. He gets his ass handed to him about every other scene by the thugs wanting his land so he gets drunk through the entire film. At one point his farm workers finally return after being run off by the gangster guy's hired goons and Frank, I think his name is Frank, is so moved he shouts to the whole group "Lets Have A Cock Fight!!" and they all gleefully move to the cock fighting area of the farm to begin the festivities. This is funny on every level possible. Whether you take it dirty or literally it still warms my heart. Another funny thing is Sho Kosugi's little grunts and over animated ninja style movements. I remember this dude from when I was a kid and he used to say he was the world's only real ninja (he had ads in martial arts magazines) if I remember correctly. My friends and I were a little ninja crazy during the time this movie came out and I can recall seeing it in the local theater many times. I was wondering as I watched this on Starz last night why every sleazy American gangster type always has a stronghold in the Phillipines and wears a white Steve Martin suit. As a matter of fact this guy goes way beyond that in requiring all of his thugs to wear white Steve Martin suits. There is a scene where it looks like 20 Steve Martin impersonators are attacking a 1970's Sears underwear model (Cole). As we wind up for the final battle Cole very clumsily breaks into the bad guy's headquarters and is immediately spotted by a secretary who in turn alerts a guard who fires off a round from his pump action shotgun not 30 feet from the bad guys and no one seems to notice or care. Cole, Wearing a completely white ninja outfit, proceeds to sneakily ascend a staircase then does a flip right into the area where all the bad guys are. The second in charge tells him he didn't need to kill everybody as they were expecting him, then gives him a ride to the bad guys huge Cock Fighting arena. Don't ask me why Cock Fighting is a huge part of this movie but it is. When they arrive Cole is still wearing his ninja mask even though everyone involved knows what he looks like without it. The final battle is approaching as Cole has killed everybody and now Sho, as I like to call him, reveals himself to have kidnapped Cole's lady aka Frank's wife, and they meet in the snazziest cockfighting arena you ever saw. Sho then, very politely I might add, releases said lady and the battle is about to start. They do their bowing and start circling each other, both masked by the way. When they join in battle it appears Cole becomes someone else intermittently ala "Finishing The Game" a funny spoof on completing Bruce Lee's "Game of Death". Cole eventually comes out on top, Kills Sho, who dies with honor by being decapitated and all is well. Next we see Cole, after ruining everyone's life is about to split town again but not before foreshadowing the brutal death of a fat guy with a hook hand and then he inexplicably winks at the camera, freeze frame, credits, done.
A Must See for Ninja Fans
AlmightyBanyan8 September 2005
As far as Ninja movies go, this is THE Ninja movie. All of the classic elements are here: smoke bombs, climbing claws, shurikens, villainy... you name it, it's in there.
The movie opens with an excellent trial, where Cole must defeat legions of opposing ninjas (fellow students), then make it back to base and calmly recite the Nine Levels of Power in front of Master Komori. To this day I have a .wav file of the Nine Levels of Power... it is a cool scene.
MINOR SPOILER FOLLOWS
The bulk of the movie is setting up the rivalry between Hasegawa and Cole. Hasegawa, being the evil, black-clad Ninja that he is, causes as much mayhem as possible culminating in the killing of Cole's buddy Frank. Cole, being the good white-clad Ninja, must now (of course) avenge his buddy's death and face Hasegawa one-on-one.
I won't tell you the outcome of the final battle, but I will say that it is a classic Ninja battle. You won't be disappointed.
Sure it is a silly movie, but you aren't watching it for its screenplay, are you? You may never want to see it more than once, but Enter the Ninja is definitely worth seeing.
"Surrender or Die!"
The movie opens with an excellent trial, where Cole must defeat legions of opposing ninjas (fellow students), then make it back to base and calmly recite the Nine Levels of Power in front of Master Komori. To this day I have a .wav file of the Nine Levels of Power... it is a cool scene.
MINOR SPOILER FOLLOWS
The bulk of the movie is setting up the rivalry between Hasegawa and Cole. Hasegawa, being the evil, black-clad Ninja that he is, causes as much mayhem as possible culminating in the killing of Cole's buddy Frank. Cole, being the good white-clad Ninja, must now (of course) avenge his buddy's death and face Hasegawa one-on-one.
I won't tell you the outcome of the final battle, but I will say that it is a classic Ninja battle. You won't be disappointed.
Sure it is a silly movie, but you aren't watching it for its screenplay, are you? You may never want to see it more than once, but Enter the Ninja is definitely worth seeing.
"Surrender or Die!"
Awesome movie!
Gunnar_Runar_Ingibjargarson20 June 2008
The plot of this movie has distinct overtones of the classic Western "Shane " and the best way to view it may well be in those terms ,with the Phillipines standing in for the frontier and martial arts weaponry and skills replacing six shooters . Franco Nero plays an ex mercenary who goes to visit an old friend who is having problems .The local Mr Big -played badly ,as usual by Christopher George, --is trying to force him to selling him his plantation and uses hired goons to rub the point home .Nero is a trained ninja and effortlessly defeats the thugs sent to coerce his friend .Eventaully the baddie strikes back by hiring his own "black ninja"(Sho Kosugi) who just happens to be Nero's deadliest enemy from the ninja academy and the scene is set for the final epic confrontation between the two men
This is decently enough done if more than slightly old hat but the fight scenes are brisk and lively and it works well as straightforward "good vs bad " action movie Iam not sure it was a good idea to call it by this title however as it evokes memories of Enter the Dragon ,still the best martial arts picture , and this is not in the same class .Minor cavil aside this is a good enough time passer
This is decently enough done if more than slightly old hat but the fight scenes are brisk and lively and it works well as straightforward "good vs bad " action movie Iam not sure it was a good idea to call it by this title however as it evokes memories of Enter the Dragon ,still the best martial arts picture , and this is not in the same class .Minor cavil aside this is a good enough time passer
Most of the film is a run-of-the-mill actioner.
tarbosh220008 February 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Cole (Nero) is a macho, mustachioed man who trains at a ninja school to master the art of Ninjitsu. Upon completing his studies, his rival, Hasegawa (Kosugi), presumably because Cole is a white Westerner, screams "He is not a ninja!" and storms off. Undaunted, Cole travels to the Philippines to visit his old army buddy Frank (Courtney) and his wife Mary Ann (George). They have a lot of property there and they while away the hours enjoying cockfights with their poor laborers.
As it turns out, the sinister, "Mr. Big"-type villain, Mr. Venarius (Christopher George, no relation to Susan) wants their land. His henchmen, Mr. Parker (Gregory) and the memorable Siegfried "The Hook" Schultz (Noy) are ineffectual in securing Frank's property for their own evil ends, so Venarius commands an army of white-suited baddies to take it. But they didn't count on one thing: Cole and his newly-minted Ninjitsu skills! Additionally, Cole's old nemesis Hasegawa is on the loose and Cole must deal with that. Will the power of Ninjitsu prevail for the good guys? Not only did Cannon films and Sho Kosugi lead the pack during the ninja boom of the 80's, they actually kicked it off with this, their first "ninja" film back in '81. Let's remember that besides the Sho movies, Cannon also gave us the American Ninja titles as well as movies such as Ninja III: The Domination (1984). Smartly, the main hero role is played by a man who was an established star, at least in many territories around the world: Franco Nero. It may seem weird that Sho has a secondary role as Cole's rival ninja, especially when most of the film's running time is devoted to "Nero-Fu", but this was a proving ground for Kosugi, who after this ruled the ninja film world.
However, the opening titles sequence does have Sho, well, "showing" off his array of ninja moves and weaponry. Unfortunately, there's no opening or closing credits song. The beginning and end of the movie deliver the ninja goods, but it's what's in the middle that lags. Yes, there is a lot of cool and bloody ninja violence, but the audience is not emotionally invested in the Cole character as portrayed by the dubbed-by-someone-else Nero. (Also I should mention that the "bad" ninja, Hasegawa wears a black outfit, the white guy, Cole, wears a white outfit, and there are some red ninjas as well. Could this be ninja profiling?) The characters of Dollars (Hare) and the aforementioned hook-handed Siegfried add color to the proceedings, and Christopher George camps it up as an over the top baddie, but the movie is just too long at 104 minutes.
While Enter The Ninja is classified rightly as one of the premier ninja movies, its slow pace is a hindrance and most of the film is a run-of-the-mill actioner - one that should have been trimmed down to at least 90 minutes. It has silly, Scooby-Doo-like musical stings, and despite the presence of people like Susan George, who we always love seeing, it's hard to become invested. However, it is very well-shot and the Philippines locations look beautiful.
Like certain TV shows when you compare the first season to later seasons when the show hits its stride, such as The Simpsons or South Park, this pioneering Ninja Boom entry is not a bad film, but, for the ninja film fanatic, the best was yet to come...
For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com
As it turns out, the sinister, "Mr. Big"-type villain, Mr. Venarius (Christopher George, no relation to Susan) wants their land. His henchmen, Mr. Parker (Gregory) and the memorable Siegfried "The Hook" Schultz (Noy) are ineffectual in securing Frank's property for their own evil ends, so Venarius commands an army of white-suited baddies to take it. But they didn't count on one thing: Cole and his newly-minted Ninjitsu skills! Additionally, Cole's old nemesis Hasegawa is on the loose and Cole must deal with that. Will the power of Ninjitsu prevail for the good guys? Not only did Cannon films and Sho Kosugi lead the pack during the ninja boom of the 80's, they actually kicked it off with this, their first "ninja" film back in '81. Let's remember that besides the Sho movies, Cannon also gave us the American Ninja titles as well as movies such as Ninja III: The Domination (1984). Smartly, the main hero role is played by a man who was an established star, at least in many territories around the world: Franco Nero. It may seem weird that Sho has a secondary role as Cole's rival ninja, especially when most of the film's running time is devoted to "Nero-Fu", but this was a proving ground for Kosugi, who after this ruled the ninja film world.
However, the opening titles sequence does have Sho, well, "showing" off his array of ninja moves and weaponry. Unfortunately, there's no opening or closing credits song. The beginning and end of the movie deliver the ninja goods, but it's what's in the middle that lags. Yes, there is a lot of cool and bloody ninja violence, but the audience is not emotionally invested in the Cole character as portrayed by the dubbed-by-someone-else Nero. (Also I should mention that the "bad" ninja, Hasegawa wears a black outfit, the white guy, Cole, wears a white outfit, and there are some red ninjas as well. Could this be ninja profiling?) The characters of Dollars (Hare) and the aforementioned hook-handed Siegfried add color to the proceedings, and Christopher George camps it up as an over the top baddie, but the movie is just too long at 104 minutes.
While Enter The Ninja is classified rightly as one of the premier ninja movies, its slow pace is a hindrance and most of the film is a run-of-the-mill actioner - one that should have been trimmed down to at least 90 minutes. It has silly, Scooby-Doo-like musical stings, and despite the presence of people like Susan George, who we always love seeing, it's hard to become invested. However, it is very well-shot and the Philippines locations look beautiful.
Like certain TV shows when you compare the first season to later seasons when the show hits its stride, such as The Simpsons or South Park, this pioneering Ninja Boom entry is not a bad film, but, for the ninja film fanatic, the best was yet to come...
For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com
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