Search - Ninja in the Deadly Trap on DVD

The "Five Venoms" in a non-Shaw film

D. Wilson | 12/11/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Members of the "Five Venoms" made this film after leaving the Shaw Brothers studios. Don't pay attention the the review by "A reader from Tacoma,Washington". This film is not cut. He is confusing this film with the film Super Ninjas."

The Venoms versus Yasuaki Kurata!

D. Wilson | NY by way of Cali | 08/13/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For some that title may mean very little (if anything?), however for most ardent kung fu fans it's a wet dream put to celluloid! The great Ti Lung (unfortunately kinda wasted here in a non-fighting role), as famous Chinese General Qi Jiguang, has become the target of ninja assassination from Japanese pirates who have had their exploits halted due to his actions. Knowing little about the art of ninjitsu, Qi sends his son out to find three mysterious fighters that can protect him from these stealthy attacks. Of course those 3 fighters happen to be none other then former Shaw Brothers action stars (collectively known as Venoms)Lu Feng, Chiang Sheng, and Kuo Chui (aka Philip Kwok, who also directs and choreographs this)! The leader of the ninja assasins is played by the always excellent Yasuaki Kurata, an actual Japanese martial artist who made his name, oddly enough, acting in Hong Kong action films (you may know him as the elder Japanese fighter that squares off against Jet Li in Fist Of Legend)... can this movie be bad?! Well, obviously I don't think so; though one knock I will mention is the film's deliberately paced first hour, taking it's time to get the pieces in order and set the stage. For those on the hunt for a non-stop fight fest, this could be problematic, although I never found it dull thanks in part to the aforementioned cast, and an all around well put together production. Direction, music, script, choreography, and effects are all very nicely done here... the lack of ineptitude is actually somewhat surprising as a fan of chop socky cinema; it is always appreciated though! Ninja In The Deadly Trap isn't quite on the level, and shouldn't be confused with, Chang Cheh's infamous cult classic Chinese Super Ninja's (where's that region 1 DVD?!), though it does take some obvious cues from that film (and was even produced by director Cheh). This movie has a more realistic feel to it, with less scenes filmed on a studio set, toned down gore, and ninja's that seem a tad more believable (although they do melt when they die LOL!)... on the flip side, the action isn't as good and doesn't happen nearly as much either. Ninja In The Deadly Trap just falls short of being an absolute martial arts classic, but it does provide a great watch, and delivers a finale (The Venoms versus Yasuaki Kurata!)that will leave most genre fans changing their bed sheets!"