Vietnam vet + Japanese WWII ghosts + samurai training = the wildest revenge fever dream of '78.
James Iglehart is Doug Russell, an American who steals a shipment of gold in the Philippines with two Vietnam War buddies, who cut his throat and throw him overboard. Russell washes ashore an island inhabited by two Japanese soldiers stranded there since World War II. They nurse him back to health and he is taught martial arts and the art of the samurai. Back in the States, his treacherous pals, Marelli and Maghee, use their loot and viciousness to muscle their way into Los Angels mafia turf.
Practical Effects
Glorious low-budget samurai sword fights in Filipino jungles.
Production
Cirio Santiago's signature 'shot in the Philippines' exploitation aesthetic.
Director
Cirio H. Santiago
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Director Cirio H. Santiago was the king of Filipino exploitation cinema, producing dozens of cheap action films for the US drive-in market.
Star James Iglehart was a former Playgirl centerfold who pivoted to blaxploitation and martial arts films; this was his attempt at leading-man legitimacy.
US
