Shinobi No Mono

Considered by many Japanese film aficionados to be the first true ninja film, Satsuo Yamamoto's 1962 black-and-white Shinobi No Mono is quite different from the cheesy 1980 martial arts quickies that brought the ninja figure into American culture. Set in the 17th century, the story revolves around a young samurai named Ishikawa Goemon, who is invited to train as a ninja, with the ultimate goal being the assassination of the warlord Oda Nobunaga. The mysterious ninja master Sandayu Momochi serves as Goemon's trainer, but the older man's young wife also has her eye on the ninja student. Shinobi No Mono is somewhat lethargic as it follows the education of Goemon, and the film is derailed by the subplot of Goemon's fall from grace after having an affair with his instructor's wife. But, it regains its cinematic footing later on thanks to several spectacular battle sequences that are beautifully choreographed and framed. Yet for all of its commotion and violence, the film's most riveting sequence portrays the most devious yet simple murder imaginable, involving string and poison. DVD extras include an image gallery, program notes, and trailers. Recommended. (P. Hall)