REVIEW: DVD Release: Kamui: The Lone Ninja

Film: Kamui: The Lone Ninja
Release date: 9th August 2010
Certificate: 15
Running time: 120 mins
Director: Yoichi Sai
Starring: Ken'ichi Matsuyama, Koyuki, Kaoru Kobayashi, Kôichi Satô, Hideaki Ito
Genre: Action/Adventure/Martial Arts
Studio: Manga
Format: DVD & Blu-ray
Country: Japan

Kamui is a 2009 live-action movie directed by Japanese Academy Award winner Yoichi Sai and featuring a stellar cast including Ken'ichi Matsuyama and Wunderkind Suzuka Ohgo. It is based on the manga series (originally) written by Sanpei Shirato in the '60s and '70s in which an introspective and rebellious ninja escapes his clan only to be hunted relentlessly by his former brethren, who now consider him a worthless traitor.

The story takes place in 17th century feudal Japan. Kamui is a man on the run. From a young age he has been considered something of an outcast, even within his own clan. Disillusioned with the laws and principles of the ninja, which dictate that he must use his skills to kill his fellow man, Kamui chooses to leave his murderous past behind him and search for true freedom.

However, for a ninja, liberation comes at a high price, and the only escape from the bonds of his ninja brotherhood is death. So, Kamui finds himself hunted by his fellow ninja, who believe they must eliminate him for his betrayal. Trapped in a constant struggle for survival, in a world where he can trust no-one Kamui must use all his skills just to survive.

His journey brings him into the life of a fisherman, who invites Kamui to settle with him and his family. It is here that Kamui finally starts to open up and find some peace and solace. However, the arrangement brings Kamui face to face with a long-forgotten nemesis - another renegade warrior with a deadly score to settle.

Meanwhile, the pursuing ninja are finalising their plans and setting their trap...


As with all live action adaptations, the first question to address is it’s loyalty to the original material. Fans of the original may find themselves split. The film remains true enough to its source material to keep most casual fans happy, but there are many subtle political nuances in the original that just aren’t apparent here, at least not to viewers new to Kamui‘s story. While much of the original political commentary and observation may be diluted, though, the storytelling and plotting plays as well as it could in the condensed format of a single live action movie.

Predictably, though, Kamui: The Lone Ninja is not a film filled with delicate performances or characterisation - Kamui (portrayed by Ken'ichi Matsuyama) is a decidedly sullen hero, leaving the audience to view his story almost impassively. Any ‘bonding’ is with Hanbei (played by Kaoru Kobayashi) or Lord Fudoh (Hideaki Ito), who provides enjoyable and solid if not stellar support.

Kamui may well have contained elements of Shirato’s ‘leftist’ social commentary in the original manga, but this is a very different animal. Kamui: The Lone Ninja is an action/fantasy first and foremost, and in this live action format, it is the action scenes that bring the story to life. In this respect, the film really delivers. The action is entertaining and wonderfully executed. A combination of outstanding live action fight choreography - expertly executed - and marvellously over the top CGI combine to provide a genuine feast for fans of the martial arts genre. If anything, the somewhat one dimensional nature of the characters may actually help the film achieve its primary aims. They allow us to enjoy it for the action packed piece it is, rather than identifying too closely with them, and being tempted to look too hard for a 1960’s subtext that’s been deliberately toned down in this modern representation.

When Tony Rayns says Kamui: The Last Ninja is “probably the best ninja movie ever made,” it makes you take notice. This is the highest of praise from a man who knows more than a little about the genre - but it’s hard to disagree with him after viewing. The film is a feast for the eyes, and it’s not hard to imagine giants of the genre like Sho Kosugi throwing envious glances in its direction, and wishing many of these film making techniques had been available to him in his heyday.


While some fans of the original may be disappointed that it lacks bite as a social satire or commentary, that’s not what this incarnation of Kamui is about. It is an action film pure and simple, and an excellent one at that. Legendary source material, solid direction and performances combine with incredible and occasionally incredulous action scenes and special effects to provide a hugely entertaining film. PD