New Shadow Warriors (2003): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2003, New Shadow Warriors is an action, drama and war film directed by Takeshi Miyasaka, running about 84 minutes. “The new Iga shadow warriors against Koga and Fuma” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. In the time of the peaceful Toyotomi Era, Shinotada, the master of Kochi Family, a source of revenue for the Tokugawa, is trying to marry his younger sister Princess Fuji to Akinobu Sunekazura, who has connections with the rival Toyotomi, in order to bring peace. One of sixteen great warriors of Tokugawa, Hattori Hanzo, entrusts his wish and gathers the remnants of Iga Village, which was destroyed by Oda Nobunaga, and orders them to guard Princess Fuji. The Council of Elders of Sunekazura, hire the Fuma Ninja led by Fuma Kotaro, joined by the Koga Ninja, led by Sarutobi Sasuke, who is serving Hideyoshi Toyotomi, to assassinate Princess Fuji! Can Hanzo Hattori with the Iga remnants prevent this evil plot and protect the princess? Once again, Shinichi "Sonny" Chiba plays the leading role of Hanzo Hattori with his old enemy, Sarutobi Sasuke, played by Hiroki Matsukata. The presence of both famous actors will overwhelm any audience!

Who’s in it. New Shadow Warriors stars Hiroki Matsukata as Sarutobi Sasuke, Yoshiyuki Yamaguchi as Shippuu (Hayate), Sonny Chiba as Hattori Hanzo I and Masakatsu Funaki as Kimutsuyoshi Maru, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 10.0/10, New Shadow Warriors sits among the best-reviewed titles in the catalogue.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch New Shadow Warriors page.

If you liked it. Fans of New Shadow Warriors tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.