Its a rare occasion when a noted filmmaker like Yamauchi Tetsuya gets to revisit a previous film and in this remake of NINJA GARI he not only does that but has created an even better piece While the original from 1964 starred the great oldtime actor Konoe Jushiro this version is perfectly cast with his son Matsukata Hiroki in the lead as Wadakuro one of four ronin hired to fight against the Shogunates plot to abolish the Gamo Clan who are struggling to reinstate their young heir Tanemaru as their Lord Facing the threat of the Koga Ninja Wadakuro shows his own cruelty while on a personal vendetta This is a very brutal film with lots of realistic ninja action violent deaths a dark story line and is completely without any lighthearted humor elements that Toei used to incorperate back in the golden era And with Matsukata Hirokis outstanding martial skills the swordplay is even better in this one This is definitely one of the best ninja movies ever made
DirectorTetsuya Yamanouchi
