Quentin Tarantino has expressed admiration for Five Element Ninjas, declaring its ending as one of the greatest movie conclusions of all time. Unlike widely recognized classics like Casablanca or The Shawshank Redemption, this 1982 martial arts film stands out for an ending that left a strong impression on the acclaimed director. Tarantino’s endorsement brings fresh attention to this lesser-known title within the kung fu genre.
Five Element Ninjas, produced by the Shaw Brothers studio, diverges from traditional classics not only by its genre but also because it is not among the most revered films even in the martial arts community. Nonetheless, Tarantino sees something exceptional in the way it concludes its story, sparking interest in the movie‘s distinct style and final moments.
The Story and Final Showdown of Five Element Ninjas
Directed by Chang Cheh, one of the most respected names in martial arts cinema, Five Element Ninjas follows a group of martial arts students as they confront a deadly group known as the Five-Element Ninjas. The villainous leader, Mudou, serves as the main obstacle for the protagonists. Over the course of the film, several heroes fall to the ninjas, leaving only four survivors to face Mudou in the ultimate confrontation.
The climactic battle ends dramatically with the heroes immobilizing Mudou by holding him down while one of them pulls at his feet. Miraculously, they manage to tear Mudou apart into two pieces, delivering a shocking and gruesome finish rarely seen in films of that era.
This intense conclusion impressed Tarantino to the extent that he placed it alongside some of the best cinematic endings ever created. On the Pure Cinema Podcast, he shared that he had shown the film to the cast and crew of Django Unchained, including the film’s star Samuel L. Jackson, who reacted enthusiastically to the iconic scene.
Regarding the memorable scene, Tarantino recalled the shared amazement: Samuel L. Jackson remarked that it was
just as good as I remembered!
—Samuel L. Jackson
Five Element Ninjas’ Impact in the Martial Arts Film Landscape
Five Element Ninjas is distinguished not only by the shocking demise of its villain but also by its approach to martial arts storytelling in the 1980s. The film’s willingness to show that no character, including its heroes, is safe raises the stakes throughout, giving the final battle a rare sense of suspense and danger. This uncertain outcome makes the fight scenes all the more gripping for viewers.
The movie’s final battle combines a variety of fighting and weapon techniques, showcasing the skills of the remaining martial arts students. This diversity in combat styles adds to the engaging pace and complexity of the sequence, culminating in the brutal end for Mudou that leaves a lasting impression.
Though the film does not visually depict Mudou being torn apart due to budget and era constraints, the sound effects effectively communicate the horror of the moment, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the grisly details.
Legacy and Modern Recognition of Five Element Ninjas
While Five Element Ninjas may not have the widespread reputation of other Shaw Brothers films or martial arts classics, Tarantino’s praise and the involvement of well-known actors like Lo Mang—a member of the famed Venom Mob—shed light on the film’s unique place in cinema history. Its mixture of intense action, high stakes, and an unforgettable finale provides a fresh perspective on what makes a great martial arts movie ending.
The film’s recognition today, especially among enthusiasts of kung fu cinema, highlights how lesser-known titles can influence and inspire both fans and filmmakers alike. The enthusiastic endorsement by Tarantino and the positive response from Samuel L. Jackson hint at a renewed appreciation and curiosity for this cult classic.
As fans revisit classic martial arts films on streaming platforms, Five Element Ninjas stands out as a must-watch, reminding audiences that great endings can come from unexpected places, especially when executed with creativity and boldness.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Quentin Tarantino neurodivergent?
A. Some famous filmmakers known for their neurodivergence include Steve McQueen, David Lean, Charlie Chaplin, and Stan Brakhage. Others such as Stanley Kubrick, Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Alejandro G. Iñárritu also share this distinction.
