The Last Ninja

When it comes to Ninja movies, this one is one of the BEST!. Most Ninja movies are terrible. This one however, tries to show the ninja as being a regular man that has endured rigorous training in order to heighten his mental and physical prowess, allowing him to perform astounding feats. There is no supernatural magic here. No flipping up 20 feet in the air to land on a roof. This seems to be the closest you can get to the actual thing. And it's still amazing to watch. HE DOESN'T EVEN CARRY A SWORD ON HIS BACK.

I recall this made-for-television movie from a time when I was only a few years into my martial arts training. I wish I had a VCR at the time, as I still have shows from that period in my collection for posterity. THIS ONE WOULD HAVE BEEN A CROWNING ADDITION to that collection. Although I only saw it that one time, I do remember that I admired Michael Beck from that moment forward, even more than I did when I repeatedly enjoyed "The Warriors". And "Mako" was MADE, in my mind, by his role in this movie. I have searched high and low without success in finding a copy of it. If someone is going to submit a request for re-release of this one, I am on your bandwagon. In the meantime, I will continue to hunt to the ends of the earth for a copy of it. Heck, I was surprised to find ANYone else who remembers this movie.

Some people have put this show down, but I would love to have a copy of it.

The premise may have been overdone...but the story worked well and the action sequences were great. I especially recall the guys standing in what they thought was back to back, only to find they were sharing it with the main character.

Again...if anyone knows where to find this...let me know.

Yes, this is a great film, I looked about a year ago and it was available on the "Ioffer" web site, which is like eBay. Michael Becks pronunciation of the city "Los Angeles" on the plane ride back after his mission was memorable. Unfortunately it was not made into a TV series as was the intent. American Ninja was kind of a remake without the distinct character of "The Last Ninja". Some of the scenes are very 70's ish but still watchable today. Maka, his adopted father and Nancy Kwan is adopted sisters performances were excellent. It seams many martial arts films have copied this one where it starts out in childhood, such as in "Bloodsport" or "American Ninja" or "The Octagon" but this one beats them all.

I have seen a few ninja films. Some were o.k., and others were downright awful. The legend of the ninja in most films was not portrayed very well. It would seem most directors wanted a lot of action in the film and played on the audience's ignorance. This film seems to do a little better than that. I have read a little on the history and techniques of the ninja, and even though this movie is dramatized, it seems to do well by the ninja. It makes the art of ninjistu, not only entertaining, but lets you see the awesome skill of its practitioners.