As director Chang Cheh's final film, one would expect a swan-song of sorts showcasing the very best of what he had become over his amazing career. While it just misses that mark, Ninja In Ancient China still entertains with charm and pleases!
Packed with colourful costumes, big battles and fantastic kung fu fights, Chang returns to one of his most famous films for inspiration - Five Element Ninjas (Super Ninjas). This time, the production seems more refined with a run-of-the-mill storyline and more focus on the kung fu than insane ninja action. Although made in 1993, you would be forgiven in thinking this was an early 80's flick. I mean, in the same year we had classics such as City Hunter and Crime Story from Jackie Chan, Blade of Fury from Sammo Hung, and the likes of Hard Boiled the year before from John Woo and Chow Yun Fat, but still, Chang Cheh stuck with what he knew best... old school kung fu.
And it is because of that, Ninja In Ancient China manages not to slip into obscurity. The fight scenes are wonderfully choreographed, with long one-shots, fantastic moves and are actually pretty up-to-date with other kung fu flicks of the early 90's. The main star who plays Suen Cheung (not Suen Cheuk as the synopsis reads) is a great fighter, as is action choreographer Tung Chi Hwa who plays the films main villain! As the movie goes on, the fights just get better and of course, in typical Chang Cheh fashion, ends with hardly any survivors.
While far from perfect, Ninja In Ancient China is pretty damn good for anyone wanting some amazing kung fu action with a sprinkle of Chinese ninja thrown in. The Greenfan DVD release gives us a great widescreen cut of the film, and while not HD quality, still looks great! The burnt on subtitles are always fun, and the few extras are okay. Nick Watkins delivers an informative commentary (although could put you to sleep with his voice) which is worth listening to on a second watch. Forgot to say also, musical tones and scores from Jackie Chan's classic, Project A, can be heard throughout...
Overall: Worth the watch for the fights alone, Ninja In Ancient China is a great last film from a legend.
Packed with colourful costumes, big battles and fantastic kung fu fights, Chang returns to one of his most famous films for inspiration - Five Element Ninjas (Super Ninjas). This time, the production seems more refined with a run-of-the-mill storyline and more focus on the kung fu than insane ninja action. Although made in 1993, you would be forgiven in thinking this was an early 80's flick. I mean, in the same year we had classics such as City Hunter and Crime Story from Jackie Chan, Blade of Fury from Sammo Hung, and the likes of Hard Boiled the year before from John Woo and Chow Yun Fat, but still, Chang Cheh stuck with what he knew best... old school kung fu.
And it is because of that, Ninja In Ancient China manages not to slip into obscurity. The fight scenes are wonderfully choreographed, with long one-shots, fantastic moves and are actually pretty up-to-date with other kung fu flicks of the early 90's. The main star who plays Suen Cheung (not Suen Cheuk as the synopsis reads) is a great fighter, as is action choreographer Tung Chi Hwa who plays the films main villain! As the movie goes on, the fights just get better and of course, in typical Chang Cheh fashion, ends with hardly any survivors.
While far from perfect, Ninja In Ancient China is pretty damn good for anyone wanting some amazing kung fu action with a sprinkle of Chinese ninja thrown in. The Greenfan DVD release gives us a great widescreen cut of the film, and while not HD quality, still looks great! The burnt on subtitles are always fun, and the few extras are okay. Nick Watkins delivers an informative commentary (although could put you to sleep with his voice) which is worth listening to on a second watch. Forgot to say also, musical tones and scores from Jackie Chan's classic, Project A, can be heard throughout...
Overall: Worth the watch for the fights alone, Ninja In Ancient China is a great last film from a legend.
