| Presented in English by Tomas Tang's Filmark, ninjas are already present in Robert Tai's original movie so no tinkering needed! Tai (part of the action directing team for Chang Cheh at Shaw Brothers in the late 70s) doesn't challenge viewers in need of a chunky narrative as it's Shaolin monks trying to veer off the Japanese wanting to take over the temple but also Japanese monks wants revenge for their fallen master. It's lessons of buddhism before violence but surprisingly some intelligent dialogue is put forth (in particular the exchange between the Royal Monk and the abbott of Shaolin amidst the temple buddha's). However Tai's shining achievement lies in the creative action choreography. Varying up almost every fight scene with a different concept even if it does often involve weapons and acrobatics, Shaolin Vs. Ninja is pure, energetic joy in this regard. Only letdown is way too few inclusions of the actual ninja and their techniques but Tomas Tang had other movies in his big catalogue covering that well and often with hilarious results. With Alexander Lo Rei and Alan Chui. |
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