Cast:
Masanobu Ando Akakage
Jun Murakami Aokage
Kumiko Aso Asuka
Masahiko Tsugawa Lord Tono
Megumi Okina Princess Koto
Takanori Jinnai Takeunouchi
Jinpachi Nezu Negoro
Naoto Takenaka Kageichi Ninja Master
Directed by Hiroyuki Nakano
109 mins
In a period of warring states, all that remains of the Kageichi ninja are the three ninjas Asuka, Aokage, and Akakage (the Red Shadow) and their master played by Naoto Takenaka (Gonin). The three have been friends and have trained together since childhood. As time progresses they are given the mission to infiltrate the fortress of the evil ninja Negoro, who possess a powerful sword made from a meteorite. A love triangle begins between Akakage and Aokage for the affection of Asuka, but it all falls apart when Negoro kills Asuka. Aokage leaves the clan and becomes a thief. All that remains of the clan now is Akakage. Also during this time, Princess Koto’s father has passed away and she forces herself to discard her femininity so she can take charge of her land. One of her retainers, Takeunouchi, does not take this too well. He has been secretly meeting with Negoro and has already started a treacherous plan to take over the Princess Koto’s land. Akakage must risk his life to protect her from the evildoers…
A remake of a 60’s television show and based on the manga by the great Mitsuteru Yokoyama (Giganator, Giant Robo, Babel II, and a long line of comics based on Chinese history), this movie was really a lot of fun too watch. Its sort of a slapstick/action movie that made me laugh especially towards the beginning that included the dangerous booby traps of Negoro’s fortress. Masanobu Ando’s performance was great! Those of you who know him as the deranged Kireyama in Battle Royale or have seen him in his early performance in Kids Return will not be disappointed. He’s got lines! He looks suave! Its great too see him finally taking a lead role that isn’t so dreary or maniacal.
The style of this movie was slick. The editing that included speed-ups looked like something you’d see in an MTV music video but not in a teenybopper way. The music ranged from drum & bass to rock and worked for the films more tense scenes. I was really surprised that director Nakano did such a wonderful job with the film. His last samurai movie ‘Samurai Fiction’ had the same kind of hip style that Red Shadow has but was too slow and somewhat pointless. Although there isn’t a lot of fighting in Red Shadow, the relentless energy and the quality that makes it a pure and fun adventure film is something I really enjoyed and I think its worth seeking out.
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