Nostalgia Kinky

Arrow Home Video has released a special-edition Blu-ray of Norifumi Suzuki’s exciting Shogun’s Ninja. Packed with incredible action sequences and amazing fight choreography, Shogun’s Ninja is an extremely entertaining film that looks great via Arrow’s new HD release. Including a commentary by Chris Poggiali, a video essay by Clément Rauger, and a written essay by Earl Jackson, this new Arrow edition is an expertly curated collection. Order now from Arrow or here in the States from MVD.

Discovering the films of Norifumi Suzuki a couple of decades back was so exciting. After all, this is the man who made some of the most unforgettable exploitation films of the seventies. Incredible titles like Sex and Fury and School of the Holy Beast pack Suzuki’s decades-long filmography. Shogun’s Ninja kick-started the eighties for Suzuki, who still had another decade of films left in him after this thrilling 1980 production.

As scripted by Fumio Kōnami and Ichirō Ōtsu, Shogun’s Ninja’s narrative is far less interesting than the film’s explosive action scenes. An attractive-looking production, Shogun’s Ninja essentially works as a collection of killer set-pieces. Suzuki directs the film with a young man’s hand, and the film has a real propulsive quality.
Much of the film’s strengths come down to the editing, which makes the many action sequences feel especially substantial.

Cast-wise, Shogun’s Ninja features Hiroyuki Sanada and Sonny Chiba, both of whom bring their own distinct chemistry to the film. Sanada is especially memorable throughout, as is Etsuko Shihomi, who had worked with Chiba numerous times previously. Shogun’s Ninja’s entire ensemble is memorable, although the film’s performances take a back seat to its set pieces.

Overlong at nearly two hours, Shogun’s Ninja’s narrative would have perhaps been more concise and stronger had the film been tightened up. Regardless of some minor flaws, Shogun’s Ninja is a wonderfully fun film to experience. Featuring some quality extras, this Arrow Blu-ray is an excellent way to view this memorable Japanese production.

-Jeremy Richey, July 2026-