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Tongan Ninja
Film (Trailer and Excerpts) – 2002
Director Jason Stutter's collaborations with Jermaine Clement reached new realms of silliness with this martial arts take-off. The low budget romp from 2002 mines comedy from action cliches and laughable dubbing, as a kind-hearted Tongan (played by judo exponent Sam Manu) battles baddies after he arrives in Wellington. Co-writer Clement chews scenery as the lead villain, and adds his voice talents elsewhere. Clement's Conchord companion Bret McKenzie helps out on the musical front. NZ Herald reviewer Graham Reid rated Tongan Ninja "possibly one of the dumbest, funniest local films" to date.
But despite making a splash at Cannes in 2002, especially with audiences, and selling to more than 25 territories, Tongan Ninja hasn’t received much love from the country of its birth . . . It’s a travesty that this cult hit (it was a hugely popular DVD-rental in the mid-noughties), minor Kiwi masterpiece and time capsule that features so many great Kiwi comedians has been so shabbily treated.– Reviewer James Croot plays tribute to Tongan Ninja, Stuff, 11 March 2023
Key Cast & Crew
See all 46 credits
Produced by
Midnight Films
Acknowledgements
Made with post-production support from 2D Post
Music
Closing credits song 'Give It Up' performed by KC and the Sunshine Band, composed by Harry Wayne Casey and Deborah Carter
Theme song 'Tale of the Tongan Ninja' performed by Jemaine Clement, composed by Jemaine Clement, Bret McKenzie, David Donaldson & Stephen Roche
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