Synopsis
Scott James, a veteran martial arts expert, is recruited as the protector of the wealthy and beautiful Justine after she becomes the target of a ninja clan. When Scott finds out that his ruthless arch-nemesis, McCarn , is involved with the stealthy and dangerous criminals, he is eager to settle old scores. Soon Scott is facing off against McCarn and the entire ninja horde in an effort to take them all down.
Your Movie Library
Cast
- Chuck NorrisScott James
- Karen CarlsonJustine
- Lee Van CleefMcCarn
- Art HindleA. J.
- Carol BagdasarianAura
- Tadashi YamashitaSeikura
- Kim LankfordNancy
- Larry D. MannTibor
- Richard NortonKyo - Seikura's Enforcer / Long Legs
- Yuki ShimodaKatsumo - Seikura's Aide
Recommendations
- 70
Variety
A wildly incredible but entertaining tale. - 50
TV Guide Magazine
Lee Van Cleef (master of the menacing grin) makes the most of his role as the leader of a vengeful group of antiterrorists. - 50
The A.V. Club
Even if it’s not a good movie, it’s an important one, culturally and within the history of action movies. Along with Eric Van Lustbader’s novel The Ninja and the miniseries Shogun, both of which also came out in 1980, this was the first time the idea of the ninja, the shadowy mystical assassin figure, really permeated Western pop-culture consciousness. - 50
Washington Post
Clearly, The Octagon is no real threat to War and Peace or even Beau Geste, but it will appeal to those who are still in mourning for Bruce Lee, who like carefully choreographed fight scenes and who enjoy standing in front of a mirror looking at their muscles. [25 Aug 1980, p.B1] - 40
Washington Post
There's nothing subtle, either, about Norris' brand of martial arts. This is serious macho business all the way. By the end of the movie, when Norris has killed off an assortment of terrorists and mercenaries, the mood is decidely grim. [29 Aug 1980, p.15]
