In trappola

Thouh not a movie of captivating interest but has some good scenes. Especially train scene is marvelous.Suspense is arose after every important incident. Film has some flaws but these can be easily ignored. The performance of man with long hair and shining sword is impressive. Film can be watched but you must not compare it with classics like T2, Pulp Action. It is entirely different movie. I will give it at least six out of ten. You cannot be bored while watching it. It is the only movie in which I was able to tolerate Christopher. It is a bit more real in theme as compare to some idiot science fictions. I think if you want to see some good movie, it is a must see but I repeat again, do not expect much from the film. If you do not expect a standard of T2, Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings then it will do fairly well.

If you are a fan of action films, like the kind Steven Segal is usually seen in, this one is for you. The movie cast is superb with veteran actor John Lone, playing Kinjo. He is usually a good guy but most recently is seen wearing black hats. His acting is incredible as is Yoshio Harada who plays Takeda, a master of Kendo or combat art. Another actor who is more famous for his 'Highlander' series is Christopher Lambert who plays Paul Racine. Adding sympathy, compassion and remarkable loyalty is Joan Chen who plays Kirina. The story is of a businessman who happens to be at the wrong place, when he witnesses a Japanese woman being murdered. Although he is severely wounded, the assassins do not kill him as instructed, but allow him to become a pawn in a thousand year old feud between two rival clans. The drama is top notch, the sword action is exciting and extremely good considering it's set in modern Japan. The element of spiritual combat is well blended with good old fashion martial arts. Recommended for anyone seeking a fine film. ****

"The Hunted" is one of those movies that tries to give you an insight in the Japanese code of honor. So when a western business-man, a witness in the murder of a call-girl, becomes the hunted, the question arise "How far can a code of honor go?". What struck me in this movie is the excellent use of the Japanese scenery i.c. Tokyo, the bullit-trains, the temples, the ninja way of life...The score is by the heart beat drummers Kodo. A great action packed movie with a lot of tension in a very beautiful package! Don't lose your head!

Samurai flicks may be considered a guilty pleasure, but this one is well worth watching.

It is not a Toshiro Mifune classic, but it features plenty of Samurai action and lots of blood is spilled.

Christopher Lambert (Highlander I, II, and III; Mortal Kombat) plays an American businessman who picks up an extremely lovely Joan Chen (Lust, Caution; Xiu Xiu: The Sent-Down Girl) in a bar and they have a pleasurable time before ninjas arrive to kill her for a transgression. The leader, John Lone (The Last Emperor, Year of the Dragon) is identified and the hunt begins.

The businessman enlists the help of super Japanese actor Yoshio Harada and Yôko Shimada (Shogun and "Shogun"). What he doesn't realize ifs the Samurai isn't really interested in helping, he just wants to do battle with the Ninja.

It's fast paced and exciting with enough exploitation to make it special.

Businessman Paul Racine is in Japan for work when he is picked up by an attractive young woman. He goes back to her flat but leaves early. Going back after second thoughts Racine witnesses her being killed by the mysterious ninja assassin Kinjo. He survives Kinjo's ninjas but is badly hurt. In hospital he is approached by Takeda and his wife, who offer him protection as everyone else who has seen Kinjo face has been killed. After a ninja attack on his hospital Racine goes with them and they prepare for a final showdown.

I've seen this film twice now. This second time I watched it because I wanted to review it but couldn't remember it clearly enough to be fair on it. The second viewing reminded why it had faded in my mind – it is trashy yet enjoyable fun. The plot is poor (laughable parts and inconsistencies) but it is short, has energy and requires no thought. The idea that this businessman would survive several ninja attacks when training samurai are easily killed is silly. Worse still is the idea (no matter how justified) that Racine could even temporarily match any of these men after only a few basic lessons in how to hold a sword! However it is quite exciting if you're in the mood. The high point is probably a train journey that is exciting simply because it is shockingly violent in it's intent. The addition of some comic relief in the final third (the old swordmaker) helps the film along to the conclusion.

Although it is not great, it is slightly refreshing to see a film of this genre without tonnes of flashy wire work or moves (having just suffered Bulletproof Monk and Cradle 2 The Grave I was glad of the basic fights). Little inconsistencies spoil it slightly – in one scene Racine is saved when a samurai sword jams in a wooden door, however later the same swords easily cuts though thick wooden pillars. Those looking for something trashy and slightly exciting should be pleased I think.

Lambert is not great in the lead and the film suffers form his character being the focal point. He mumbles his way through his lines (I think he thinks it makes him tough and mysterious) and his transformation from green businessman to ninja warrior is of no value. On the flip side of this is Yoshio Harada. Harada gives a really cool performance – he is strong and driven with an air of mystery, the script even makes him a little dark and complex too! The film would have been better if it had gradually swung the films focus from Racine to Harada's Takeda. Lone is OK as Kinjo but is not as meaty a role as Takeda. Considering the quality of the film I was watching I thought Harada did very well.

Overall I was ready for a trashy ninja movie with low value but reasonably entertaining – and that's what I got. Anyone looking for more than that should look elsewhere, but if you're in the mood this forgettable ninja movie will pass 90 minutes without being disappointing.