Dynamixor
The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Sameer Callahan
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
Sarita Rafferty
There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.
Darin
One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.
Leofwine_draca
Director Corey Yuen is the sure and steady hand behind this ninja lark which offers plenty of action throughout. It's an odd film, a mixture of typical Jackie Chan-style comedy and hard-hitting ninja action, but unusually the two styles mix together very well and the film as a result is great fun. Conan Lee – who incredibly had no martial arts training before production – is good value as the Chan lookalike who gets into various scrapes with his master, and he's ably supported by Tai Bo in a comic supporting role as a sex-obsessed servant who inadvertently ends up saving the day. However, the real star of the show is Hiroyuki Sanada as the ninja hero; Sanada is particularly graceful in his fight scenes and the eventual extended battle between himself and Lee is a tremendous ruckus that stands out as one of the best in the film.The plot is a simple one and packed with twists as the story gradually unfolds. There's plenty of humour – a little of the China-meets-Japan style – and, of course, numerous fight scenes unfold along the way. The best of these are the battles between Lee and Sanada, including an early showdown in a room full of traps that has to be seen to be believed! Ninjas play a strong presence in the film and there are some great showdowns with the black-garbed villains. However, the best fight scene of all is the last one, in which Lee and Sanada team up to fight a black magician, played by high-kicker Hwang Jang Lee. Anyone who's watched Sammo Hung in ENCOUNTERS OF THE SPOOKY KIND will recognise the inspiration for the finale, as the magician builds up his altar and sends various demon-possessed foes to battle our heroes. Yet it's just as entertaining, because it's so over the top and complete with magic swords, severed ears and legs, and a final showdown with Lee that incorporates cheesy early computer graphics! Hugely entertaining, the climax makes a fitting ending for an above average, always watchable Hong Kong masterpiece.
Undead_Master
This is my kind of kung fu movie.First there is an incredible opening credits sequence where we watch ninja's training and listen to an R&B song that's actually about ninja's.... Then, almost immediately, there is an insane fight with amazing choreography involving guys on stilts. From that point on, things just get better. Almost every fight scene is incredibly elaborate and long. The production qualities are Grade A for hong kong films during that time. The story is excellent for a kung fu movie, the visual style is excellent...This is probably the best hong Kong movie that I've seen involving ninjas. It certainly edges out "Mafia Vs Ninja" by a decent margin. This is one of those kung fu films that's just flat out great, even disregarding the campy value and unintentional humor. This is an exhilarating action film and it fully delivers for every second of its running time.Highly recommended. I didn't want it to end.
jrat6200
This is a martial arts classic anyway you put it. I really liked the movie. The action was fast paced, and you can tell the hong kong style was in effect. Hollywood will never be able to create (or recreate) hong kong action EVER EVER EVER (Especially with all this Matrix crap going around)!!! Corey Yuen did a very good job of choreographing and directing of this movie. I knew that Hiroyuki Sanada (Henry Sanada) was a talented martial artist, but man he really is impressive in this. After watching Royal Warriors with Michelle Yeoh, this guy is very good, damn good!!! I'm glad he broke through with "Twlight Samurai" and "The Last Samurai" (Not saying that he always was doing good). Hollywood needs to recognize him. But, back to the movie at hand. The chemistry between Conan Lee and Henry was amazing. Henry used he training to his best ability and was flipping all over the place. Conan did a highly impressive job too. I definitely liked the way Hwang Jang Lee was brought in the movie as the villain. He is also a very talented martial artist. In my opinion, he is the king of the leg fighters. HYPHY!!! The movie was kind of slow in the beginning, but redeemed itself towards the middle and end.My Overall Judgement: 2.5/4 stars
alangiruk
Personally I would advise people to stay clear of this movie. It's on the whole a bore to watch and the fighting is poorly choreographed. Slow and not very convincing. If you buy the Hong Kong Legends DVD release of this movie, then the only thing worth listening to is the Bey Logan audio commentary.
But in any case, since when has there ever been a Ninja film worth watching. I cannot think of one and frankly do not wish to.Overall, when it comes to Movies, I have one golden rule: Avoid any films that contains the word 'Ninja'.