DUEL TO THE DEATH

18 FILM EXTRAS 1983 OUT NOW BD EXTRAS Commentary, Featurettes, Alt credits, Booklet

Built around a China vs. Japan oneon-one swordfight, Ching Siutung’s (A Chinese Ghost Story) directorial debut was originally titled Ninja:a blander handle, yet many of the best, barmiest moments belong to the group of kite-riding, self-combusting assassins who pop up throughout to throw a spanner (or shuriken) in the works. Still, with its arresting use of perilous-looking location work and trampolines, the climactic duel thrills - even if, as scripter Manfred Wong admits, the story is “a little corny”.