Revenge of the Ninja Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Ninja’s family dies so he moves to America, opens a doll shop, accidentally smuggles heroin, and then has to fight his best friend who is secretly a ninja…because 80s.

🍿 Revenge of the Ninja: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Tragedy in Japan

The film opens with a brutal ninja attack on Cho Osaki’s family in Japan, leaving his wife dead and forcing him to flee with his son, Kane, and his mother. This sets the stage for a story of revenge and a new beginning in America. The opening sequence establishes the skill and ruthlessness of the ninjas, highlighting the danger Cho and his family face.

A New Life in America

Cho and his family relocate to America, where he opens a Japanese doll shop with his friend, Braden. Unbeknownst to Cho, Braden is using the shop as a front for smuggling heroin, concealing the drugs within the dolls. This betrayal sets the central conflict of the film, pitting Cho against his trusted friend.

Betrayal and Revenge

As Cho discovers Braden’s treachery and the danger it poses to his family, he is forced to embrace his ninja skills once again. The film escalates into a series of action-packed confrontations as Cho seeks to protect his son and avenge his family, culminating in a final showdown with Braden.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Cho Osaki (Shô Kosugi): A ninja and martial arts expert who seeks a peaceful life in America after his family is murdered, but is drawn back into conflict.
• Braden (Arthur Roberts): Cho’s American friend and business partner, who secretly masterminds a heroin smuggling operation and becomes a deadly ninja antagonist.
• Kane Osaki (Kane Kosugi): Cho’s young son, who is also trained in martial arts and becomes a target in the conflict.
• Dave Hatcher (Keith Vitali): A police lieutenant and karate instructor who seeks Cho’s expertise and becomes an ally in the fight against Braden.
• Cathy (Ashley Ferrare): Braden’s lover and gallery assistant who is stuck between Braden and Cho.
• Lieutenant Dime (Virgil Frye): The police lieutenant investigating the murders.
• Caifano (Mario Gallo): The Mafia boss who is partner with Braden in the heroin smuggling.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Cho Osaki: “Only a ninja can stop a ninja.” – Cho states this when he realizes that he must embrace his ninja past to confront Braden.
• Braden: “Count with me…” – Braden hypnotizes Cathy before kidnapping Kane.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $700,000
• Domestic Gross: $13,168,027
• Worldwide Gross: $13,168,027

💥 Revenge of the Ninja Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being blown away by the ninja action. Revisiting it now, it’s definitely cheesy and over-the-top, but that’s part of its charm. The fight scenes are still entertaining, and Kosugi’s intensity is captivating. I especially liked the final showdown on the rooftop; it was ridiculous but awesome! It’s a fun, nostalgic trip back to the 80s.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s action movies”
  • “Martial arts enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy ninja films”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Some suggestive content”

Professional Reviews

• JoBlo.com: “Revenge of the Ninja is a fun action film filled with enough cheese and sleaze to entertain fans of this genre. Sho Kosugi acts with all the emotion of a wooden Indian, but he’s one bad dude and is very credible as a hero.
• N/A: “Sho Kosugi is at his best, action-packed, and fits right into the 1980’s action vibe, a nostalgic cult movie with crazy ninja fights, this is peak 80’s ninja film with cheese, mobsters, and a betrayal that will hit you harder than a Shuriken!

Audience Reactions

Many people loved the ninja versus ninja action on the rooftop at the end.: The movie is considered a classic and has a ton of fans, people love the action and campy dialogue.

Overall Consensus: Revenge of the Ninja is a cult classic loved for its over-the-top ninja action, cheesy dialogue, and 80s nostalgia.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was initially planned to be shot in Los Angeles, but production moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, due to cost-saving incentives offered by the Utah Film Commission.”
• “Shô Kosugi personally crafted many of the weapons used in the film.”
• “Sam Firstenberg took over directing duties from Menahem Golan shortly before production began.”

🖥️ How to Watch Revenge of the Ninja?

Revenge of the Ninja is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability on cable or satellite services. Physical copies (DVD and Blu-ray) can be purchased from major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, offering options for collectors and those preferring physical media.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Enter the Ninja (1981): Preceding film in the ‘Ninja’ series featuring similar themes of ninjas in modern society.
• American Ninja (1985): Another classic American martial arts film from Cannon Films, with a focus on ninja skills.
• Ninja Assassin (2009): Modern, high-octane ninja action with intense fight choreography and a revenge plot.
• Pray for Death (1985): Another Shô Kosugi film featuring revenge and martial arts action in an American setting.

🛒 Revenge of the Ninja Related Products

• Enter the Ninja / Revenge of the Ninja (Double Feature) [Blu-ray]: Experience double the ninja action with this Blu-ray set featuring both ‘Enter the Ninja’ and ‘Revenge of the Ninja’. A must-have for fans of classic martial arts films.
• Sho Kosugi Ninja Master Collection: Showcases Sho Kosugi at his finest as a ninja. A collection featuring all of Sho Kosugi’s greatest hits! Enjoy hours of action and ninja moves!
• Ninja Costume for Kids: Let your kids live out their ninja fantasies with this authentic-looking ninja costume. Perfect for Halloween or costume parties. Let your little one be Kane Kosugi!
• Ninja Throwing Stars: Channel your inner ninja with these realistic ninja throwing stars. Perfect for collectors or martial arts enthusiasts.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Ninja Theme” – performed by Laurence Rosenthal
• “Street Fight” – performed by Uncredited

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Revenge of the Ninja – Liberty Park

Ever wondered where they filmed that awesome fight scene? Check out this video showcasing Liberty Park, one of the actual locations used in Revenge of the Ninja! It’s pretty cool seeing the real-life backdrop to all the ninja action.

SHO KOSUGI: THE NINJA

If you loved Sho Kosugi in Revenge of the Ninja, you’ve GOT to see this! It’s a compilation of his best ninja roles, showing why he’s a total legend in the genre. Honestly, it’s amazing how much he’s done!

Exploring Revenge of the Ninja – 50% Action 100% Awesome

Thinking about re-watching Revenge of the Ninja? First, peep this fun review! They break down what makes it so awesome (and maybe a little cheesy), and it’s definitely got me wanting to watch it again. These guys make some great points about it.

✨ Rate