Launched this month, Toy Robot Video is the new sub-label from Arrow Films, expanding its slate with a more mainstream mix of films and genres. It has combined Arrow’s renowned commitment to content and presentation, so hopefully Toy Robot Video can keep up with—or even exceed—what we’ve come to expect from them.
Its initial five-film slate is eclectic and appeals to a wide range of genre fans. For now, I’d like to take a look at two classic Japanese martial arts films featuring the legendary Sonny Chiba: Ninja Wars (1982) and Roaring Fire (1981). I was sent only the discs for review, so there will be no comments on the packaging. Instead, I’ll focus on the films and their bonus features.
Ninja Wars Is a Weird, Fantastical Martial Arts Film
Ninja Wars follows Jotaro (Hiroyuki Sanada), a ninja who finds his comrades brutally slaughtered and sets out on a bloody quest for answers, plunging him into a deadly war between rival clans. But the deeper he digs, the more horrifying the truth becomes.
Behind the carnage lies a sinister demonic sect, wielding forbidden rituals and grotesque supernatural powers to transform themselves into something far beyond human. Now, Jotaro must battle his way through an army of ruthless killers and nightmarish monsters before the unholy cult can seize control of the entire region.
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The film combines multiple elements—martial arts, fantasy, horror, and romance—just sort of throwing everything at the audience to see what works. Somehow, it all does in a rather pleasing way.
I’d seen some out-of-control clips from Ninja Wars over the years, but this was my first full viewing, and it’s a real treat. Hiroyuki Sanada (Shogun) leads the way and absolutely kills it. Sonny Chiba, Etsuko Shiomi, and Abdullah the Butcher appear in supporting roles, but their energy is always felt.
Ninja Wars is an entertaining curiosity. It’s not great or bad, just sort of fun and interesting, and that’s part of its charm.
Ninja Wars Bonus Features
There’s a decent set of new bonus features included with the release, including:
- Audio commentary by Jonathan Clements
- A Japanese Ninja author Matt Alt on Ninja Wars
- The Way of the Ninja author and academic Daisuke Miyao on the ninja in Japanese cinema
- Theatrical trailers
- The VHS version of the film presented in standard definition
Roaring Fire Is a Wild Story of Revenge
In Roaring Fire, Texas rancher Joji (Hiroyuki Sanada) gets the shock of his life when he visits his father on his deathbed: he has a twin brother and sister he never knew existed. Determined to track down his long-lost brother, Joji heads to Japan, only to discover that his sibling has been brutally murdered.
What begins as a search for answers quickly becomes a deadly descent into a world of organized crime, family betrayal, and high-stakes diamond smuggling when Joji uncovers his crooked uncle’s scheme to steal the legendary 130-carat Queen of Sheba. With vengeance burning in his veins, Joji takes on his own blood relatives in an explosive fight for justice and revenge.
Norifumi Suzuki directs what can best be described as an action-crime-martial-arts comedy that’s weird and completely Japanese. As much as I enjoyed Ninja Wars, Roaring Fire is just a consistently good time. Sanada is a fantastic lead, but when you have Sonny Chiba and Etsuko Shiomi appear, you have to leave a little room for them to shine.
One standout moment is a fight scene around a pool that involves professional wrestler Abdullah the Butcher. My dad punched him once during a match—he’s not a wrestler, and that’s a story for another time. This one isn’t weird like Ninja Wars, but it is wild in its own right and a complete blast.
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Roaring Fire Bonus Features
The Roaring Fire release also includes a strong collection of new bonus features, including an audio commentary with film historian Brian Bankston. Additional featurettes include:
- Fire-storm! — Japanese film critic Akihiko Ito explores Sonny Chiba—the man, the actor, and the legend.
- A Roaring Success — easternKicks.com critic James Mudge looks back at Roaring Fire.
- Wrestle with Fire — pro-wrestling critic and film writer Chris Lines examines the life and times of Abdullah the Butcher.
- A Buffet of Comedy and Action — critic Clement Rauger reveals the secrets behind Roaring Fire.
- Theatrical trailer and TV spot
Arrow Films’ Toy Robot Video Is One to Watch
Again, I wasn’t given the opportunity to check out the packaging, but the content included—and the films themselves—are proving to be pretty superior stuff. Both Ninja Wars and Roaring Fire are excellent examples of the wild, eccentric side of Japanese genre cinema, and having Sonny Chiba and Hiroyuki Sanada featured across these releases makes them particularly appealing to fans of Japanese martial arts and action films.
I’ll be digging into the other films in the next few days, and hopefully they hold up to the wild and weird blast of Ninja Wars and Roaring Fire.
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