Secret Ninja, Roaring Tiger is a watchable kung fu which also contains ninjas. Not only aren't the fights good, the plot isn't good too. It's about a bunch of people who fight against the bad guys. the fights are totally ordinary, and the characters aren't really special too. Moreover, it contains some bloody deaths and sleazy scenes which contain nudity. Seeing nudity in kung fu movies isn't sight which is seen often. Its ninjas fight poorly, and also most of the characters in this film. The technique of the fights is very similar in every fight. In addition, its dubbing is so bad that it's the most pleasant part in this film. This Bruceploitation film surely doesn't inspire enjoyment successfully. In fact, I cannot recommended this film to anyone, but die hard fans of kung fu movies or exploitation movies. 4/10
6 Reviews
Cult ninja action from Godfrey Ho
Leofwine_draca28 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
SECRET NINJA, ROARING FIRE is one of many ninja films from prolific Hong Kong director Godfrey Ho. This one's a little different to the others as it was made before his cut-and-paste period of film-making; this one's actually a proper movie, which is something of a surprise. It's listed as a Hong Kong production but most of the cast and crew are South Korean, so make of that what you will.
The story is straightforward enough, involving the kidnapped daughter of a wealthy man and the hero's attempts to rescue her. Dragon Lee, one of the many Bruce Lee imitators to appear in kung fu movies following the star's sudden death, is the erstwhile protagonist, doing his best Lee mannerisms throughout. One of the best things about the film is the presence of the inimitable Hwang Jang Lee playing another master villain, this one with a fine line in black magic.
The rambling storyline throws in a transvestite foe and some ninjas who randomly appear and disappear in puffs of smoke. The story is quite average and the production values are quite low, but things pick up for a rousing ten-minute fight climax which has some hilarious scenes involving a game of human pinball, magical oddities, and more than a few twists. The villain's extended death is a real delight. It's also worth noting that the ending is also extensively ripped-off from the film NINJA IN THE DRAGON'S DEN which came out earlier in 1982, and which coincidentally (or not) featured Jang Lee in exactly the same type of role.
The story is straightforward enough, involving the kidnapped daughter of a wealthy man and the hero's attempts to rescue her. Dragon Lee, one of the many Bruce Lee imitators to appear in kung fu movies following the star's sudden death, is the erstwhile protagonist, doing his best Lee mannerisms throughout. One of the best things about the film is the presence of the inimitable Hwang Jang Lee playing another master villain, this one with a fine line in black magic.
The rambling storyline throws in a transvestite foe and some ninjas who randomly appear and disappear in puffs of smoke. The story is quite average and the production values are quite low, but things pick up for a rousing ten-minute fight climax which has some hilarious scenes involving a game of human pinball, magical oddities, and more than a few twists. The villain's extended death is a real delight. It's also worth noting that the ending is also extensively ripped-off from the film NINJA IN THE DRAGON'S DEN which came out earlier in 1982, and which coincidentally (or not) featured Jang Lee in exactly the same type of role.
Slightly above the bottom of the barrel
Sorsimus9 January 2002
But not much. Acting is poor, script is nonexistent, but at least the kung fu is watchable. And some of the jokes actually work.
By no means a masterpiece, but as obscure 70's kung fu films come, this one is at least entertaining. Special mention on the "cleverly" named "tribute" (read: rip off) actor DRAGON lee.
By no means a masterpiece, but as obscure 70's kung fu films come, this one is at least entertaining. Special mention on the "cleverly" named "tribute" (read: rip off) actor DRAGON lee.
The Dragon Rules
dmusucksdonkey12 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
If you are going to watch this movie, have a few beers first, the experience will be so much better. I know not of a bad Godfrey Ho movie, but this is by far and away the best I've ever seen. In my opinion, this is the funniest movie ever. Of course, it isn't intended to be a comedy, but the plot, acting and fight scenes are so hilarious, the whole lot adds up to 95 minutes of fun. oh, and there are some breasts thrown in for the sake of it (this part is the spoiler - the woman's breasts cause the bad guy to lose his power somehow!) Some may say these comments could spoil it for you, but I think it's necessary for you to notice these things, as it can be difficult to get everything on the first viewing, as the dubbing is so awful.
keep an eye out for the guy with half his index fingers missing. somehow him waggling his fingers from across the room tickles the guy he's fighting. oh, and his punishment for having a drawing of a naked woman on his person? a month without food or water. A bit harsh, don't you think? why not just kill him and get it over with, rather than let him die of thirst. And he pops up at the end to fight anyway!! Also keep an eye out for ninja's bursting out of cardboard boxes under the ground, in the opening credits, and the fact that the two male heroes know that their companion is a woman, then moments later are calling her "him", and the surprise the Drago experiences when he finds out she's a woman. Not much of the film makes sense, but do do do watch it. It's so funny
keep an eye out for the guy with half his index fingers missing. somehow him waggling his fingers from across the room tickles the guy he's fighting. oh, and his punishment for having a drawing of a naked woman on his person? a month without food or water. A bit harsh, don't you think? why not just kill him and get it over with, rather than let him die of thirst. And he pops up at the end to fight anyway!! Also keep an eye out for ninja's bursting out of cardboard boxes under the ground, in the opening credits, and the fact that the two male heroes know that their companion is a woman, then moments later are calling her "him", and the surprise the Drago experiences when he finds out she's a woman. Not much of the film makes sense, but do do do watch it. It's so funny
Get your kicks
InzyWimzy27 June 2004
One of my favorite guilty pleasures is Bruceploitation. Dragon Lee, probably the lesser known in Bruceploitation genre, looks the least like Bruce, but his fighting skills are solid. The story has a revenge motif and really fun characters. Dragon and his fighting buddy are a dynamic duo and hold their own against countless numbers of ninjas. But Hwang Jang Lee shows his prowess as a dastardly villain. I've heard he kicks fast and strong and its shows. At one point, he kicks two guys on one jump and lands perfectly! His killer move is kicking both feet on his enemy's temples. OUCH! Add some funny moments, lots of fights, and a gal who can hold her own in the fight and you've got one of Dragon Lee's best flicks.
Search his pockets, and do it thoroughly!
Bezenby4 January 2012
This is a Godfrey Ho flick, so if you know that name, then you know what to expect, which to say is, expect the unexpected.
This isn't a cut and shunt Ho movie starring Richard Harrison, rather it's a straight ahead Kung Fu flick regarding two (or more) warring factions. Straight ahead in Godfrey Ho's world means 'absolutely mental'.
The story is not really worth noting here, but what is worth noting is the catalogue of brain-damaging sights on view, including: 1. Missing index finger tickling fu 2. Twitchy, man thinking he's a chicken Fu 3. Marble fu 4. Men springing to their feet like planks of wood. 5. Dramatic wig removal (like Ninja Terminator!). 6. Sudden Breast reveals causing lightening and loss of powers. 7. Perpetual ninja attacks, leading to one of the characters remarking "Be careful, this is ninja country". 8. Tranvestite kung fu 9. A man setting fire to a porno mag using his mind....
Godfrey Ho is to Kung Fu as Troll 2 is to Italian horror. See it now.
This isn't a cut and shunt Ho movie starring Richard Harrison, rather it's a straight ahead Kung Fu flick regarding two (or more) warring factions. Straight ahead in Godfrey Ho's world means 'absolutely mental'.
The story is not really worth noting here, but what is worth noting is the catalogue of brain-damaging sights on view, including: 1. Missing index finger tickling fu 2. Twitchy, man thinking he's a chicken Fu 3. Marble fu 4. Men springing to their feet like planks of wood. 5. Dramatic wig removal (like Ninja Terminator!). 6. Sudden Breast reveals causing lightening and loss of powers. 7. Perpetual ninja attacks, leading to one of the characters remarking "Be careful, this is ninja country". 8. Tranvestite kung fu 9. A man setting fire to a porno mag using his mind....
Godfrey Ho is to Kung Fu as Troll 2 is to Italian horror. See it now.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
