Plot: An American reporter teams up with a martial arts expert, whose half-brother is a Yakuza drug dealer to battle swordsmen from around the world in a Turkish arena.
Last year director Sam Firstenberg (American Ninja) took to his Facebook account and discussed the all-new directors cut of American Samurai. “Thirty-two years later, American Samurai is being re-edited to include all the authentic graphic violence in the fights, removal of scenes that were not part of the initial production, scenes are being placed in their proper order, and sequences are straightened out to not only fix major continuity issues but also to fix the flow of crucial fight sequences and dramatic moments. Using two different versions of the film, editor Lyle Goodwin is working closely with Sam Firstenberg to finally realize, for viewers and fans, the initial vision that was realized so long ago of this martial arts cult classic, American Samurai. Buckle up and enjoy the original ride you were supposed to take.”
I only just watched the Director’s Cut this past weekend. It’s been yeas in the making, but this is finally Sam Firstenberg’s true vision for the film after it was chopped up by the Studio at the time of release. It has been re-edited by filmmaker Lyle Goodwin who has done a great job of making the film as it was always meant to be seen.
This director’s cut has more gore than the original with some truly brutal moments and the fight scenes look fantastic. The opening and end credit sequences are different feeling more modern than what was initially released and at times is noticeable. There are a few more dramatic moments and the film has removed some continuity errors.
American Samurai was the first big role for Mark Dacascos where he plays the villain Kenjiro Sanga, a man who bitterly resents his adopted brother Drew (David Bradley). After Drew’s parents die in a plane crash, Drew is raised by Tatsuya Sanga (John Fujioka) who trains Drew in the ways of the samurai. Kenjiro’s resentment grows because his father seemingly prefers Drew as a true samurai as he can see that Kenjiro is quite unhinged.
The stage is set for these two “brothers” to grow into opposing adults; Drew is the calm and focused samurai and Kenjiro has now joined the Yakuza. When Drew is forced to fight in a tournament, he will ultimately face his brother in a battle to the death.
As I said above, the fight scenes in this movie are bloody and awesome and there are some hilarious costumes that the fighters wear with one of the opponents looking like Conan the Barbarian.
Although it takes a little while for the action to kick in, it’s totally worth the wait and this has become one of my favourite tournament movies, alongside Bloodsport.
The supporting cast includes Rex Ryon who plays Ed Harrison, a good natured American fighter who feels similar to Ray Jackson from Bloodsport. Ed doesn’t have a huge role and is quickly dispatched by Kenjiro.
Some of the acting is a little wooden but Bradley is sympathetic and makes Drew come across as a controlled man of honour who has truly mastered the ways of the samurai. Dacascos has some great sword fights in the movie and really the best scenes are the ones he is in. His opponents love to show off their skills while he stands there calmly waiting for the right moment to strike.
The climactic fight between Drew and Kenjiro is a little bit short, and I would have preferred it to be longer, but it was satisfying enough and let’s just say Dacascos would certainly not be in a sequel…
Overall, the director’s cut of American Samurai flows better than the original release with more violence and swanky credits sequences. David Bradley and Mark Dacascos deserved to be bigger stars than they were as they were both charismatic on screen. I’m glad to see Mark in movies like John Wick 3 so I think it would be cool for David to come out of retirement and return to action.