Ninja Hunt - 1982 (Re-make)
Directed by: YAMAUCHI Tetsuya
Cast: MATSUKATA Hiroki, MORITA Kensaku, ABE Shizue, NARITA Mikio, SATO Mitsuru
It's a rare occasion when a noted filmmaker like Yamauchi Tetsuya gets to re-visit a
previous film, and in this re-make of NINJA GARI, he not only does that, but has created
an even better piece.
While the original from 1964 starred the great old-time actor
Konoe Jushiro, this version is perfectly cast with his son Matsukata Hiroki in the lead
as Wadakuro, one of four ronin hired to fight against the Shogunate's plot to abolish the
Gamo Clan, who are struggling to reinstate their young heir Tanemaru as their Lord.
Facing the threat of the Koga Ninja, Wadakuro shows his own cruelty while on a
personal vendetta. This is a very brutal film, with lots of realistic ninja action, violent
deaths, a dark story line and is completely without any light-hearted 'humor' elements
that Toei used to incorperate back in the golden era. And with Matsukata Hiroki's
outstanding martial skills, the swordplay is even better in this one. This is definitely one
of the best ninja movies ever made!
Remastered Print
1982 - Color - Fullscreen
Japanese with English subtitles.
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