Cast
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Chris Farley
as Haru
Nicollette Sheridan
as Allison Page / Sally Jones
Robin Shou
as Gobei
Nathaniel Parker
as Martin Tanley
Chris Rock
as Joey
Soon-Tek Oh
as Sensei
Keith Cooke
as Nobu
François Chau
as Izumo
Dale Ishimoto
as Old Japanese Man
Daming Chen
as Head Kobudosai
Burt Bulos
as Mr. Ozaru
Tom Bailey
as Billy's Dad
Jason Tobin
as Busboy
Richard Kline
as Driver
Curtis Blanck
as Billy
Crew
Director
- Dennis Dugan
Producer
- Bradley Jenkel
- Brad Krevoy
- Tony Shimkin
Reviews
Andre Gonzales
I forgot how funny this movie is. I used to watch this all the time. Still as funny now as it was back then.
Jul 18, 2023
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Comedy/Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Beverly Hills Ninja distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Dennis Dugan 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 1997, 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 Beverly Hills Ninja took approximately 25 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $18.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 138 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The musical score contains over 34 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- The internet was beginning to transform communication and information access.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Beverly Hills 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 Porch Pirates, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Beverly Hills Ninja subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Underground Aces and School of Rock explore similar territory, Beverly Hills Ninja stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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 17, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $18,000,000
- Revenue: $31,480,022
Where to Watch
