Shogun's Ninja Review: A Quick Pick for Ninja-Action Fans

This Shogun's Ninja review starts with a simple question: can a 76-minute ninja film deliver enough action to justify a night in? Director Koichi Sakamoto pits a family of Fuma ninja against the shogun's Yagyu samurai in a story built around honor, rivalry and kidnapping. It is lean, direct and clearly made for genre fans.

Coverage of the film is thin, so this review rests on the premise, the credits and the available audience scores.

Shogun's Ninja Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Shogun's Ninja plot is set in feudal Japan, during the Edo era. The descendants of the legendary Fuma ninja clan are trying to protect their families and their name. Their lives change when elite samurai of the Yagyu clan kidnap one of their friends.

According to the research notes, the Yagyu are taking women in the hope of finding a concubine for the shogun. That abduction revives an old feud between the two clans. From there the film becomes a chase, a rescue attempt and a test of loyalty.

The script is by Junichiro Ashiki, and the production was filmed at Toei Kyoto Studio. That is a famous home for Japanese period action, and it suits the material.

What Works in Shogun's Ninja

The biggest strength is focus. At 76 minutes, the film has little room for filler, and the setup arrives quickly. Viewers who like their historical action brisk will appreciate that.

Sakamoto is a name tied to action filmmaking, and Deadline described the project as an action film from him. The ninja-versus-samurai matchup is a durable idea. Fast blades, secret clans and a clear villain faction make the stakes easy to follow.

The period setting also gives the film an easy visual identity. Wooden halls, castle politics and clan rivalry fit neatly into the History movie reviews we cover on FilmKini, even if this one leans more toward spectacle than scholarship.

Shogun's Ninja Cast and Performances

The Shogun's Ninja cast is led by Yamada Himena as Kagaribi, one of the Fuma heirs. Kanon Miyahara plays Okyo, Nashiko Momotsuki plays Oran and Fumi Taniguchi plays Oshizu. Together they form the core of the ninja side.

On the other side, Raiga Terasaka plays Iemitsu Tokugawa and Ryuuma Hashido plays Matajuro Yagyu. Those two roles give the film its power structure: a shogun with authority and a samurai family eager to serve him.

A film this short depends on physical presence. The ensemble setup, with several women at the centre of the ninja clan, gives the action a fresh feel compared with older ninja films.

Where Shogun's Ninja Stumbles

The main risk is depth. With a runtime this tight, character arcs and clan history can feel like sketches. Viewers who want rich political drama may find the story more functional than moving.

The premise also leans on a familiar and uncomfortable device, the kidnapping of women for a ruler. It drives the plot, but it is not a new idea. The film's value depends on how the action and the heroes' resistance are handled.

Audience scores are modest and uneven: roughly 6.4 on IMDb through one listing, 5.6 on Simkl and 7.4 on TMDB from only 13 votes. That spread suggests a film that works for some viewers and not for others. I found no critic consensus, so treat those numbers as a loose guide.

Is Shogun's Ninja Worth Watching?

Yes, if you want a short, no-frills ninja action film. It does not appear to be a prestige period epic, but it offers a clear conflict, a recognisable genre hook and a runtime that respects your time.

If you like Action movie reviews and samurai stories, it is an easy recommendation. If you are looking for a deep character study, adjust your expectations. For a similar sword-swinging mood, see our take on Samurai Fury: Muromachi Burai.

Note that this is the 2025 Japanese film, not the 1980 Sonny Chiba title with a similar name. Details are also listed on MyDramaList.

Who Will Enjoy Shogun's Ninja

• Fans of Japanese period action who like clan rivalries and sword fights.

• Viewers who want a short film that gets to the point quickly.

• Anyone curious about director Koichi Sakamoto's take on ninja versus samurai.