Revenge of the Ninja (1983) dir. Stan Firstenberg, Cannon Films
The 2nd of Cannon's ninja films, but it isn't a continuation of Enter the Ninja, rather a wholly new story
Cho Osaki (Sho Kosugi) is a ninja. While he is away from his clan's HQ, a rival clan attacks and slaughters everyone save for Cho's mother (Grace Oshita) and his son Kane (Kane Kosugi). Pity for them Cho arrives and quickly avenges his clan.
Deciding that Japan is too violent, he relocates to America and opens an art gallery. His partner Braden (Arthur Roberts) and his assistant Cathy (Ashley Ferrare) help him set things up, but Braden is holding some secrets.
The first secret is the dolls in the gallery are being used to smuggle heroin. The next is Braden is fully aware of this and wants to enter into a partnership with local mob boss Caifano (Mario Gallo). The last one is Braden himself is a ninja.
Dressed as a silver masked ninja, Braden slaughters his way through Caifano's men when the boss refuses to deal with Braden's terms. Cop, and martial artist in his own right, Dave Hatcher (Keith Vitali) is confused by this and tries to bring Cho in to help. The only help Cho gives is that a ninja clearly doing the killings.
Things collide between Caifano and Braden and Cho's mother is killed in the fight. Braden also kidnaps Cathy, brainwashing her into helping him.
Cho, at this point, has had all he can stand, and he can't stand no more. Donning the proper ninja garb, Cho unleashes hell.
A smart move giving Sho Kosugi the leading role. He was little more than a goon in the previous, but here we get to see him act and fight. A pity that he didn't have more high-profile work, as I really think he could have taken his place next to Arnold and Bronson, easily.
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