Enter the Ninja (1981)

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 ... See full summary »

Director:

Menahem Golan

Writers:

Dick Desmond (screen story), Dick Desmond (screenplay)

Stars:

Franco Nero, Susan George, Shô Kosugi

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Franco Nero	...	Cole
Susan George	...	Mary Ann
Shô Kosugi	...	Hasegawa
Christopher George	...	Venarius
Alex Courtney	...	Frank
Will Hare	...	Dollars
Zachi Noy	...	The Hook
Constantine Gregory	...	Mr. Parker (as Constantin de Goguel)
Dale Ishimoto	...	Komori
Joonee Gamboa	...	Mr. Mesuda
Leo Martinez	...	Pee Wee
Ken Metcalfe	...	Elliot
Subas Herrero	...	Alberto
Alan Amiel	...	Maroon Ninja
Douglas Ivan	...	Maroon Ninja (as Doug Ivan)

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

fighting movie | fight | ninja | first part | fighting | 

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Taglines:

Ninjitsu, the darkest and deadliest of all the Martial Arts.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 October 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Enter the Ninja

Filming Locations:

Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Box Office

Budget:

$1,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

The Cannon Group, City Film (1980s), Golan-Globus Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

99 min (uncut) 89 min (edited for TV)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Not only did Shô Kosugi play The Black Ninja in the film, but at the beginning he also plays one of the red ninjas. It is quite obvious in a two-shot of two red ninjas standing next to the pond; Sho is the red ninja on the right, which is evident by his distinct eyes and the accompanying black eyeliner.

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Goofs

During the opening scenes, the white ninja fights two red ninjas then engages a third red ninja by impaling the red ninja's hand to a tree with a throwing knife then "killing" him with a shuriken to the forehead. If you look closely, the white ninja's swords have mysteriously disappeared from his back and waist sash.

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Quotes

Cole: I'll be back.

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Alternate Versions

The UK version was heavily cut by around 4-5 minutes by the BBFC when submitted in 1981. All shots of weapons that were not allowed in UK film releases at the time (e.g. nunchakus, shuriken etc) were cut, as were some highly-dangerous combat techniques such as throat-cuts, repeated punches, ear-claps and limb-and neck-breaking. Also missing is a scene that contravenes the UK's Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937, namely some genuine scenes of cockfights. Video releases, plus the MIA DVD, all featured the same cut print. The 2011 Optimum DVD restores the violence though 1 min 5 secs are cut to remove the cockfight footage.

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Connections

Referenced in Blade II (2002)

User Reviews

Enter the script...

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.