Long zhi ren zhe

This is the sort of Kung Fu movie I love, one with lots of action, plenty of daft, broad, but enjoyable humour, a cracking pace, and a storyline that although it isn't groundbreaking, does hold your interest and give the film a bit of structure. Its also great to see a mix of fighting styles and plenty of weapon use mixed in with the kung fu. This is low budget (although high at the time for a Hong Kong film) with dodgy music and sound effects, and some dodgy lines (although that might have been through translation), but it doesn't take itself too seriously until near the end, so you can't help but love it.

It really hasn't been given enough respect this film, hardly anyone seems to have seen it on any of the Kung Fu fan sites. It is readily available on the Hong Kong Legends series in remastered widescreen format with plenty of extras though, so I recommend anyone who loves old style Martial Arts films (especially ones like Drunken Master) to buy this now!

This is a great retread of the old and use Chinese vs Japanese story lines with incredible Action choerography and skill from the leads. I had never seen Hiroyuki Sanada in a film except The last samurai (he was the one who kept beating up tom cruise), and was very very impressed with his flexibility and grace, he was genuinely believable as a ninja. Conan lee did fine but the real star is Corey Yuen or Yuen Kwai, his masterful direction especially in the action was incredible and was definitely a showcase for his talent. Overall a great film and incredible action featuring a great supporting role from Hwang Jang lee.

This Kung Fu movie showcased Hiroyuki Sanada's extremely beautiful and graceful Kung Fu techniques. Under the direction of Yuen Kuei, martial arts director for "Lethal Weapon 4", he was more lively and deft than in the hands of his master - Sonny Chiba. Every movement is a delight to watch. The story line also helps to make this movie a top-rate one. I will put Sanada in the same league with Jet Li. A must-see for all Kung Fu movies fans!!!!!.

Hiroyuki Sanada plays a Japanese ninja on his way to China to seek revenge against the man who betrayed his father. What he had no way of knowing ahead of time is that this man had also saved a little baby from death, and now that small child has grown into a martial arts champion of high repute (Conan Lee) who is not going to let anyone harm his father. The two trained masters duke and kick it out, with neither seeming to get the upper hand. Finally, they decide to join forces when they are unexpectedly faced with the same dastardly villain, not leaving much hope for the enemy unless he arrives in a tank.

Looking to expand the formula of the Hong Kong chop-socky, the makers added ninjas to the mix. But don't expect a Sho Kosugi type of film, but this lively mix of Kung fu and Ninja has more in common with Jackie Chan, especially in regards to the inventive fights, action scenes. The stilt scenes come to mind. Comedy takes centre here, some wacky scenes are evident - however, this film has some heart, especially when it comes to the relation ship between the kungfu brat and the ninja. It's an unusual story, loaded with energy and a good pace. Both youthful leads are very good in their roles, Sanada in particular oozes charisma. The finale scene with Hwang Jang Lee is bizarre and the way he loses his powers is hilarious. Nice title song.

This movie is everything what people want from a martial arts movie. It contains incredible stunts sometimes with wire works. It has Kung Fu magic. It's full of ninja trickery and there is a lot of comedy. Ninja in the Dragon's Den therefore is without a doubt one of the best martial movies ever made in history. Still it is very difficult to get a hold of a decent or affordable copy on DVD or Blu ray in the original language. I have watched the film dubbed in English and German. And you know what despite that handicap I was not bothered by this at all. Since the action alone is superb. I know I already said it but let me state it again that the martial arts is more than excellent in this film. A young Conan Lee and Hiroyuki Sanada (The last samurai, The promise) show their magnificent skills whenever they can. Both of them bring to the screen what the fans want. Do I really need to tell you that the story does not matter that much? The introduction of this movie reminded me of several other movies about ninja's made in the Eighties! You know the ones where each ninja show what they are capable of. But something about it is off like it is meant as a parody of (or tribute to) the other ninja movies made around that time. Or maybe I am looking too much into it and I got distracted by the use of the theme music. Perhaps it was just a way to capitalize on the popularity of the Ninja films. Whatever they were going for compared to those cut and paste Godfrey Ho ninja films Ninja in the Dragon's Den is far superior. But how can it not be since director Corey Yuen made sure the action and the stunts were top notch.

So do check this one out if you have never done before. It's a martial arts classic that deserves your attention.