Enter the Ninja Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A Texan cowboy learns to be a ninja in Japan, then uses his skills to help his war buddy in the Philippines fight off a flamboyant land baron and his ninja rival, all while questionable romance simmers.

🍿 Enter the Ninja: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ninja Training and Acceptance

Cole, an American veteran, completes his ninja training in Japan. Despite his success, Hasegawa, a fellow ninja, refuses to accept him due to his race, setting up a rivalry. This initial conflict establishes the theme of cultural acceptance and the dedication required to master a martial art.

Conflict in the Philippines

Cole visits his war buddy, Frank, in the Philippines and finds him struggling against a ruthless land grabber. Frank and his wife, Mary Ann, are being pressured to sell their property, leading to a series of violent confrontations. This section highlights themes of friendship, loyalty, and the exploitation of local communities by powerful interests.

Rising Tensions and Betrayal

As Cole helps Frank, tensions escalate, and he becomes romantically involved with Mary Ann. Meanwhile, the land grabber hires Hasegawa to eliminate Cole, leading to a climactic showdown between the two ninjas. This section explores themes of betrayal, forbidden love, and the ultimate test of skill and honor.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cole (Franco Nero): A skilled American ninja who travels to the Philippines to help his war buddy protect his land from a ruthless tycoon.
• Mary Ann (Susan George): Frank’s resilient wife who is determined to protect her land and finds herself drawn to Cole.
• Hasegawa (Shô Kosugi): Cole’s bitter rival and a highly skilled ninja hired to eliminate him.
• Charles Venarius (Christopher George): The ruthless American oil tycoon who seeks to seize Frank’s land by any means necessary.
• Frank (Alex Courtney): Cole’s war buddy and Mary Ann’s husband, struggling to protect his plantation from Venarius’s schemes.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Hasegawa: “He is not a ninja!” – Hasegawa’s outburst expressing his disbelief and resentment at Cole’s acceptance into the ninja clan.
• Cole: “I’ll be back.” – Cole’s parting words as he leaves Mary Ann and Dollars, foreshadowing his possible return and embracing the stoic loner image.
• Venarius: “Ninja!” – Venarius screams the word “Ninja!” upon discovering Cole’s skills.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.5M
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Enter the Ninja Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Enter the Ninja’ as a kid and being completely mesmerized. The ninja skills, the exotic locations, and Franco Nero’s mustache – it was all so cool! Looking back, yeah, it’s cheesy, but it still holds a special place in my heart. The final fight scene between Cole and Hasegawa is iconic, even if it’s a bit ridiculous. Whenever I need a dose of 80s nostalgia, this is always a go-to.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s martial arts films”
  • “Viewers interested in ninja movies”
  • “Those who enjoy cult classics and B-movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Martial arts combat”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief scenes of animal cruelty (cockfights)”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “While ‘Enter the Ninja’ may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it’s a fun, action-packed ride that embraces its B-movie roots. The fight choreography is surprisingly well-executed, and Franco Nero brings a certain charisma to the role of Cole, making it a guilty pleasure for martial arts enthusiasts.
• Nerdly: “It’s pure, unadulterated 80s cheese, but ‘Enter the Ninja’ delivers on its promise of ninja action. Sho Kosugi steals the show as the villainous Hasegawa, and the film’s over-the-top violence and campy dialogue make it a cult classic for those who appreciate a good B-movie.
• IMDB reviewer: “Enter the Ninja is trash. There is no script, no acting, just rubbish. I wouldn’t recommend this movie for anyone.

Audience Reactions

The opening ninja training sequence is a classic!: Viewers appreciated the film’s over-the-top action, unique ninja weaponry, and memorable characters.

So bad it’s good!: Some viewers like the movies despite it’s acting and low budget.

Overall Consensus: ‘Enter the Ninja’ is a quintessential 80s martial arts flick that’s high on action and low on subtlety. It’s a cult classic that delivers on its promise of ninja mayhem.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Franco Nero, known for his roles in Spaghetti Westerns, had no prior martial arts experience before taking on the lead role.”
• “Mike Stone, a martial arts champion and former bodyguard of Elvis Presley, served as the fight choreographer and Franco Nero’s stunt double in the fight scenes.”
• “The film’s opening sequence, showcasing ninja skills and weaponry, was primarily designed to capitalize on the popularity of Bruce Lee’s “Enter the Dragon”.”
• “Sho Kosugi was not only an actor but also a martial arts expert who helped choreograph the fight scenes, adding authenticity to the ninja combat.”
• “The movie was filmed on location in the Philippines, utilizing the tropical environment to create a unique backdrop for the ninja action.”

🖥️ How to Watch Enter the Ninja?

As a classic martial arts film, ‘Enter the Ninja’ can be found on various platforms for rent or purchase. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies for availability. DVD and Blu-ray copies may also be available for purchase online or at local retailers, catering to collectors of cult films. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Enter the Ninja, you might like these similar films:

• Revenge of the Ninja (1983): Direct sequel starring Sho Kosugi, with more focus on ninja action and less on the Western elements.
• American Ninja (1985): Another ninja-themed action film from Cannon Films, featuring an American protagonist trained in ninjutsu.
• The Octagon (1980): Features Chuck Norris battling ninjas, capitalizing on the ninja craze before “Enter the Ninja”.
• Ninja Assassin (2009): A modern, high-budget ninja action film with intense fight choreography and a focus on the darker aspects of ninja training.

🛒 Enter the Ninja Related Products

• Enter the Ninja [Blu-ray]: Relive the ninja craze with this high-definition Blu-ray release, featuring improved video and audio quality. It’s a must-have for collectors and fans of classic martial arts movies.
• Sho Kosugi’s Ninja Training Course [DVD]: Learn real ninja techniques from the legendary Sho Kosugi himself! This instructional DVD provides step-by-step guidance for aspiring martial artists.
• Ninja Throwing Stars Set: Add some ninja flair to your collection. Display for added ninja effect.
• Ninja Costume: Complete with mask and ninja stars.

🎧 Soundtrack

Enter the Ninja features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by লায়নেল হ্যাম্পটন Lionel Hampton
• “Ninja Showdown” – performed by Sound Ideas

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Enter The Ninja: Ninja Challenge

Want to see the iconic opening ninja scene from ‘Enter the Ninja’ again? It’s a classic martial arts moment that still holds up today! I love the raw energy of this scene!

SHO KOSUGI: THE NINJA

Ever wondered how Sho Kosugi became THE ninja? This video compilation shows his journey, including his role in ‘Enter the Ninja’! Seeing him in action is so inspiring, I can’t help but feel the need to start learning some martial arts, check it out!

Enter the Ninja – Good Bad Flicks

Is ‘Enter the Ninja’ a good movie, a bad movie, or both? Good Bad Flicks breaks it down in this review! I always find their insights entertaining and thought-provoking, check out the video!

🥷Top 10 Biggest Mistakes in 80s Martial Arts Movies – Part 1! You won’t believe they did this!🥷

Ever spot any obvious errors in ‘Enter the Ninja’ and other 80s martial arts flicks? You won’t believe some of these slip-ups! I find them hilarious and kinda endearing actually, you definitely won’t regret giving this a watch!

✨ Rate