Chang Cheh's "Five Element Ninjas" is one of the most impressive (and weird) martial arts films of all time
This was Chang Cheh's first film not featuring the "Venom Mob," but he substituted them with gusto, by presenting ninjas, the animosity between China and Japan, and Cheng Tien Chi.
Chief Hong, leader of a martial arts school, once more challenges his archrival, Yuan Zeng, to a tournament between the two schools, for the title of martial arts master. Hong's school has been losing for quite some time, and this time is not an exception. However, when all his students are defeated, he calls in a samurai from Japan to fight for his school. The samurai wins against his opponent and forces him to commit suicide, only to face the same fate in …show more content…
These weapons are actually named with in-screen titles during the film, and have an impressive variety. Using these two elements, Chang Cheh manages to present many extraordinary battles, as the action almost never stops in this film. These battles benefit the most by the special effects that fill the action with blood and acrobatics, and Liu Chi-yu's costumes, who presented the different element ninjas in their respective color, with the golden ones definitely standing apart, being impressive as much as kitsch. The action choreography, which is palnned and performed by Cheng Tien Chi who plays Shao is also amazing, using the concept of the ninjas to present a plethora of original battles. Chiang Hsing Lung and Li Yen Hai's editing also helps in that department, with the well-timed cuts. All of the above find their elaborateness in the final sequence, which is absolutely magnificent.
The sleazy element could not be missing, and although toned town, is also present, exclusively through Chen Pei Hsi who plays Shenji and spends most of her time in a very revealing net costume. The one who steals the show though, is definitely Michael Chan as Mudou, who presents a great villain while being very impressive in the various battles.
Expectantly, some nonsensicality could not
This was Chang Cheh's first film not featuring the "Venom Mob," but he substituted them with gusto, by presenting ninjas, the animosity between China and Japan, and Cheng Tien Chi.
Chief Hong, leader of a martial arts school, once more challenges his archrival, Yuan Zeng, to a tournament between the two schools, for the title of martial arts master. Hong's school has been losing for quite some time, and this time is not an exception. However, when all his students are defeated, he calls in a samurai from Japan to fight for his school. The samurai wins against his opponent and forces him to commit suicide, only to face the same fate in …show more content…
These weapons are actually named with in-screen titles during the film, and have an impressive variety. Using these two elements, Chang Cheh manages to present many extraordinary battles, as the action almost never stops in this film. These battles benefit the most by the special effects that fill the action with blood and acrobatics, and Liu Chi-yu's costumes, who presented the different element ninjas in their respective color, with the golden ones definitely standing apart, being impressive as much as kitsch. The action choreography, which is palnned and performed by Cheng Tien Chi who plays Shao is also amazing, using the concept of the ninjas to present a plethora of original battles. Chiang Hsing Lung and Li Yen Hai's editing also helps in that department, with the well-timed cuts. All of the above find their elaborateness in the final sequence, which is absolutely magnificent.
The sleazy element could not be missing, and although toned town, is also present, exclusively through Chen Pei Hsi who plays Shenji and spends most of her time in a very revealing net costume. The one who steals the show though, is definitely Michael Chan as Mudou, who presents a great villain while being very impressive in the various battles.
Expectantly, some nonsensicality could not