Cast
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Crew
Director
- Lee Tso-Nam
Producer
- Chang-Liang King
- Ching-yuan Li
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Deadly Life of a Ninja distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Lee Tso-Nam brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Deadly Life of a Ninja took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 89 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 115 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 61 unique compositions.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1983, when this film was released:
- Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
- Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Deadly Life of a Ninja shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Whistle Blower, which focuses more on action than character development, Deadly Life of a Ninja subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Raging Phoenix and Second Life explore similar territory, Deadly Life of a Ninja stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 1, 1983
- Runtime: 1h 29m
