Chinese Super Ninjas A.K.A. Five Elements Ninjas • 忍者無敵 (1982)

Chinese Super Ninjas, better known internationally as Five Elements Ninjas, is a 1982 Hong Kong martial arts classic produced by Shaw Brothers Studio and directed by Chang Cheh. Starring Michael Chan Wai-Man, Lo Meng, Chen Pei-Hsi, Lung Tien-Hsiang, Lau Tin-Chi, and Wong Lik, this cult favorite combines traditional Chinese kung fu with imaginative ninja warfare unlike anything else in the Shaw Brothers catalog. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who appreciate authentic Hong Kong martial arts cinema on physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

When a respected Chinese martial arts school humiliates a Japanese dojo in competition, revenge comes swiftly. The mysterious Five Elements Ninjas are hired to wipe out the victorious school, leaving only Tsaiu Chin Hau alive. Witnessing the massacre of his friends and fellow students, he vows to master new fighting techniques capable of defeating an enemy unlike any he has ever faced.

Gathering a small band of loyal warriors, Tsaiu prepares for a final confrontation against assassins whose Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth fighting methods make them among the deadliest opponents in martial arts cinema. Every battle demands intelligence, courage, and adaptability as each ninja style presents a unique challenge.

MARTIAL ARTS HIGHLIGHTS

Five Elements Ninjas is remembered for introducing one of the most imaginative collections of villains ever seen in a Shaw Brothers production. Each ninja clan fights using its own specialized weapons, camouflage, and combat techniques. Gold Ninjas attack with armored precision, Wood Ninjas emerge from towering bamboo, Water Ninjas strike from beneath the surface, Fire Ninjas combine explosives with blazing assaults, and Earth Ninjas disappear beneath the ground before launching surprise attacks. Combined with inventive choreography and elaborate practical effects, these unforgettable battles have made the film a favorite among generations of martial arts fans.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

Chinese Super Ninjas stands apart from traditional kung fu films by blending classic Shaw Brothers action with Japanese ninja mythology. Rather than relying on ordinary hand-to-hand combat, Chang Cheh fills the film with creative weapons, traps, disguises, and spectacular fight sequences that continue to influence martial arts cinema decades later. Its relentless action, memorable villains, and inventive staging have earned it a permanent place among the studio's most celebrated cult classics.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1982, Five Elements Ninjas arrived during the height of the international ninja craze and quickly became one of Shaw Brothers Studio's most recognizable productions outside Hong Kong. Its unique fusion of Chinese kung fu traditions and Japanese ninja folklore introduced countless fans to Hong Kong action cinema and remains one of Chang Cheh's most visually inventive martial arts films. Today it continues to rank among the most recommended Shaw Brothers titles for both longtime collectors and newcomers to the genre.

• Verified AKAs:
  • Chinese Super Ninjas – English home video title
  • Five Elements Ninjas – International English title
  • Super Ninjas – Alternate English title
  • 忍者無敵 – Original Traditional Chinese title
  • 忍者无敌 – Simplified Chinese title
  • Rěn Zhě Wú Dí – Mandarin pinyin
  • Yan Je Mou Dik – Cantonese romanization
• Director: Chang Cheh
• Producer: Run Run Shaw
• Screenplay: Chang Cheh, Ni Kuang
• Action Director: Chang Cheh
• Cinematography: Cho Wai-Kei
• Editor: Chiang Hsing-Lung
• Studio: Shaw Brothers Studio
• Starring: Michael Chan Wai-Man, Lo Meng, Chen Pei-Hsi, Lung Tien-Hsiang, Lau Tin-Chi, Wong Lik
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Running Time: 108 Minutes
• Region: All Regions
• Country: Hong Kong
• Release Year: 1982

Carefully researched and prepared for collectors of classic martial arts cinema by ClassicKungFuMovies.com.