Jû shichinin no ninja

Smart and ninja movie rarely occur in the same sentence. Most ninja movies do not even have ninjas. The word was added during the VHS rental years along with a picture that also had nothing to do with the material. Then there is this movie. I can't recall how I came across a copy because I never heard of it yet I own thousands of martial arts movies. One day I watched it and it was unforgettable. The script was perfectly written, the actors could act, and the action - though minimal - was good. It's a brainy strategy story where every move the good guys try is anticipated by the villain. Everything goes wrong from start to finish yet the good guys somehow manage to come out on top. This movie has my highest recommendation to fans of the genre and I will add that cliché that it does indeed transcend the genre it is that good.

With an enthralling blend of factual and fictional historic accounts, 17 Ninja is gripping entertainment, this is a stunning exciting action drama, not one for the kids. Seizing the moment this was Toei studios inspired offering seeking to cash in on the great success of rival studio Daiei's outstanding Shinobi no mono films from 62-63. Director Yatsuo Hasegawa composes a sophisticated tale, taking a rational approach to the legendary shadow warriors of medieval Japan. A star-studded multi layered production, Seventeen Ninja tells the story of the Iga clan ninja who are sent out to infiltrate an impenetrable castle fortress, but before they reach the castle walls, they find their every move is countered by a ruthless ninja hunter.. One of the very best film examples on the covert warrior, grounded in human reality, the ninja portrayed here are merely a disposable espionage asset, covert agents slavishly devoted to serving & sacrificing their life from the shadows. With dimly lit interiors there is an incredibly expressive use of shadow, the exceptional b&w cinematography creates an atmospheric suspense-filled world of intrigue and darkness, tightly framed you could say Jushichinin no Ninja is a Ninja Noir. The excellent film is an absorbing dark melodramatic tale, a blood-soaked game of human manipulation, of political intrigue where a desperate and intense struggle for survival plays out. Highly Entertaining Highly Recommended !!

1 of if not the best Ninja movie I've seen thus far ... they don't make them like this anymore ... its currently free to watch on youtube .. check it out as soon s you get the chance ;) won't be disappointed.