by Mark Murton
Directed by: William A. Graham
Synopsis: Well above average television movie pilot (that never made it to a series) about art dealer Kenjiro Sakura (Michael Beck) who the authorities (rightly) suspect is also a ninja they wish to recruit to help them rescue a group of hostages being held on the top floor of an office tower block by terrorists.
Cat Burglar (Scene Stealer): During his ascent of the outside of the building, Kenjiro has flashbacks revealing how he became the last Ninja. As a baby he was abandoned on the doorstep of a Japanese family living in America. Altaro Sakura (Mako) and his family decide to take the child in and raise him as their own. After his two sons are killed fighting in Korea, Altaro reluctantly sets out to teach Ninjutsu to Ken. At the start of his training, Altaro presents the young Kenjiro with a black kitten.
“He’s beautiful. I’ve wanted a pet,” enthuses Kenjiro. “He’s a fine pet,” Altaro agrees before continuing, “but he’s much more than a pet.”
Altaro instructs Kenjiro to carry the kitten to the end of the veranda and watch as the cat bounds back towards a bowl of food Altaro is holding.
“See how he moves? So quiet. Now you try,” instructs Altaro. Failing, Kenjiro complains, “I weigh more than a cat.” Altaro responds by demonstrating how it can be done.
The training proceeds, again centering around the cat as Altaro explains to Kenjiro that, “It is only a kitten, Kenjiro. Of little value to most men, they are so common.”
He continues, “Look well and observe this cat. Observe small things. The placement of its feet when it shifts its weight. How slowly and then quickly it can move, without a sound, silent like a puff of breeze. He was born with this knowledge, you must learn it.”
Kenjiro continues to practice moving like a cat, accompanied by footage of an older black cat. We see the young adult Kenjiro practising the same move, again accompanied by cat footage.
A final flashback shows the aged Altaro cradling a much older black cat in his arms. Glancing down at the cat, he tells the adult Kenjiro, “We are old, we have shown you what we know.”
Final Mewsings: All cats are ninjas!
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