This film is also known as "Ninja in the Claws of the CIA", though I think a better title would be "Bad Martial Arts Film With Even Worse Writing and Direction". It's simply a very incompetent martial arts film--the sort that is good for a laugh but not much else--and it never would be mistaken for a Shaw Brothers film! Early on, it's obvious that this is an incompetent film. The movie is badly dubbed and although it's supposed to be set in the USA, the folks didn't originally speak English. The punches and kicks are pretty funny, as the sound effects for them often occurs BEFORE or well AFTER the punch or kick is delivered (though some of the fighting is pretty good)! I also liked seeing US military guys with long hair--very long hair. The folks who made the movie simply didn't try very hard to make this one look realistic!
John Liu wrote, directed and starred in this mess. He plays a Vietnam vet who is forced to work for the CIA. It's actually pretty funny, as the acronym 'CIA' is thrown about all the time--so often that you can't help but laugh. "We at the CIA, want you to work for us, the CIA. The CIA needs you." It's also funny because you can't help but wonder why this organization needs to teach its members to use swords and other ancients weapons when a gun would suffice! The film naturally involves lots of fighting, double-crosses and women throwing themselves at Liu. Most of it isn't all that good and the worst part is the writing--which is pretty much what a talented lemur might do. Pretty dumb.
