Shinobi No Mono
by Satsuo Yamamoto
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Raizo Ichikawa, Shiho Fujimura, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Yunosuke ItoDirector: Satsuo Yamamoto
Brand: Koch International
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Subtitled); Japanese (Original Language)
Format: Anamorphic, Black & White, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 2.35:1
Running Time: 105 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2007-10-09
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Animeigo
Product features:
- This Japanese feature from 1962 features plenty of ninja action, and revolves around an attempted plot to kill an evil warlord who is in danger of taking over the country. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: SPORTS/GAMES Rating: NR Age: 737187011016 UPC: 737187011016 Manufacturer No: ANM-DV1101
Movie Reviews of Shinobi No Mono
Movie Review: Greatest Ninja Films Ever--Bar None
Summary: 5 Stars
My review of "Shinobi No Mono" will not only be about the film itself, but the entire series. A friend of mine who is from Japan, but lives here in the USA now, lent me these films, and I will have to state right up front, these are the most realistic films of the ninja that I have ever seen. If you know of any other ones, I'd like to know their titles. These films are ALL in black and white, and were released in the early to mid 1960s. How realistic are these films? Glad you asked. Well, for starters from what I understand, the technical and historical adviser to these films was none other than Toshitsugu Takamatsu, who was a Grandmaster of the Togakure-Ryu Ninjutsu Ryu [School]. Moreover, the fight directions were supervised by the ninjitsu master Hatasumi Masaki. How's that for a ninja film? Sure, there are some pretty cool films depicting ninjas, "Azumi" for one is a great and fun film that entertains. However, if you want realism in your films, then these are the ones.
Forget about the ninjas jumping up to a 100 foot cliff, or jumping down a 500 foot mountain battling 150 adversaries while dodging 100 shurikens thrown at him--this is the real deal here. And while there are some fun ninja films around, none of them packs the excitement that this series does. There are 8 films in all which compromise the entire series. [I understand that there was a 9th film, but without actor Raizo Ichikawa--I wouldn't know however, as I did not see this one] The films main character in this first film, and the rest to follow is portrayed by the late actor Raizo Ichikawa as the protagonist Ishikawa Goemon, who belongs to the Fujibayashi clan of Shinobi, and Yohachi of the Momichi clan. A little background is necessary: First, the warlord Oda is waging war against all the Shinobi, and as such, they are at war with him. These clans however are trying to vie to be the ones to kill the tyrannical Lord Nobunaga Oda (Tomisaburo Wakayama) [of "Lone Wolf and Cub" fame]. This first film is complicated and much attention must be paid to it. Also, the second one in the series is even more complicated. However, if you stick with them they are well worth the time spent.
Lord Nobunaga Oda is waging war against ALL the Shinobi. I cannot tell you too much about Goemon's character as it will give too much away, so I will tell you that he does something which incurs the wrath of his clan leader, and in order to redeem himself he must kill Lord Nobunaga Oda. The film is pretty complicated as the clan leader or Goemon portrays several characters and you have a difficult time on first viewing to understand a lot of what is going on. There is confusion with his character, and you will notice this when you watch the first episode, I do not wish to divulge it. However, it can be a little complicated. Yet, as you get into the further episodes, things really come together. There are some really cool and realistic scenes however, where Goemon tries to kill Lord Oda, like the poison on a string while he is up in the rafters while the Lord is asleep. And since the Lord will be around for the upcoming films, well you get the point. From what I understand, the actors actually had to go through some sort of training in the film in order to give credence to the fight scenes. Plus, there are some great scenes with the ninja and their weapons of choice--complete with smoke bombs, disguises, decoy animals, Shurikens, and many other weapons.
As you watch the entire series unfold on the TV screen, YOU JUST KNOW that the director Satsuo Yamamoto wanted this to be the BEST ninja film ever. The films narrative is done with class, and the films themselves deal with the real life warlord Oda Nobunaga who was an historical figure in Japanese history. And the films narrative is revolved around him. Therefore, there is SOME truth in the films. However, there is a lot of fiction as well. But it's great to see a film where the director tries to employ historical themes to go along with the narrative. Now, I will be the first to admit that the film lacks cohesion in many parts, especially those concerning Goemons character, but as you get further into the series, you find that this is a really good series.
I have not seen any ninja films depicted like these 8 episodes, and quite honestly I do not understand why not. These films are IMPORTANT, and they stand up extremely well into the present. Some will not like these films as there are many complicated plots, and not enough 'suspension of disbelief' that one finds in todays modern ninja films, and that's okay. However, for those who like their films with more authenticity, then I HIGHLY recommend the first film, and more importantly the entire series when they become available; which I am sure they are bound to be. Also, the films have some really terrific cinematography, even on the films I viewed which are in no way in the same caliber as the ones Animeigo produces. The first film is titled "Band of Assassins." My particular favorite ones were [the first--because it got me into the series] and the fourth episode "Mist Saizo." But they must ALL be seen in order to appreciate these films.
Do not let the first film discourage you from viewing the others. If you are not used to films in black and white, or earlier films of the Chambara genre, then give these a chance. Actually, I am quite amazed that it took so long for these films to become noticed here in the USA. These are really good films dealing with realistic depictions of the ninja. Anyway, suffice it to say that those who love samurai films, and Japanese films in general will like these films. If you like Kurosawa's samurai films, then your going to like these. I'm not kidding! Once again, there are eight films in all. They are as follows: #1.Band Of Assassins #2. Return Of The Band Of Assassins #3. Goemon Will Never Die #4. Mist Saizo #5. Return Of Mist Saizo #6. The Last Iga Spy #7. Mist Saizo Strikes Back #8. The Three Enemies. The VHS and DVD films that I viewed did not have very good subtitles according to my Japanese friend. However, knowing that Animeigo has a high standard in their sub-title transfers, I am sure that this series will get its proper respect. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. [Stars: 5+]
Summary of Shinobi No Mono
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