Shinobi Remake Announced

Shinobi was apparently a hit in Japan in 2005 but has had lackluster response on DVD in the US, odd because it really is a lot of fun. Who can argue with a Romeo and Juliet-inspired ninja film? Variety Asia reports that the film is being remade for the American market by Hong Kong-based filmmmaker Max Makowski, who can count among his credits director of the TV show, "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy."

Makowski will begin scripting the Shinobi remake immediately in hopes it can begin production early next year. While the original pitted two rival ninja clans against each when members from each fall in love, Makowski is modernizing the Romeo and Juliet premise and resetting it in Hong Kong. There, the victor of a 160-year-old feud between two multinational security forces is being decided, with a love affair complicating matters. Makowski will infuse the film with elements from Asian gangster and ninja genres.

So, if you're moving the feudal-era Japan ninja story to modern day Hong Kong, thus making it an entirely new story that retains only its Romeo and Juliet elements, why bother licensing the rights from Shochiku? Last I checked, Shakespeare is in the public domain. Hence, it's free.