Rewind
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)
When it comes to slapstick humor, few can match the comedic genius of Chris Farley. In Beverly Hills Ninja, his larger-than-life presence takes center stage in a film that blends martial arts, fish-out-of-water antics, and Farley’s unique physical comedy to create a film that still delights audiences today. Directed by Dennis Dugan, known for his work on comedies like Happy Gilmore (1996) and Big Daddy (1999), Beverly Hills Ninja offers a delightful mix of absurdity and heart, with Farley’s charm making the film an unforgettable experience.
Beverly Hills Ninja follows the story of Haru, a clumsy, overweight orphan raised by a group of ninjas in Japan. After being trained in the arts of ninjutsu, Haru (Chris Farley) is sent to America to protect a woman named Allison Page (Nicollette Sheridan), who may be in danger from a powerful crime syndicate. The twist? Haru’s unorthodox, often disastrous ways are hardly what you’d expect from a skilled martial artist. But his determination and heart ultimately win over both his allies and the audience as he stumbles through his mission to save Allison and prove himself worthy of the ninja tradition.
Despite its initial reception, the movie’s blend of physical comedy, ridiculous scenarios, and endearing character development has turned Beverly Hills Ninja into a cult classic, with audiences praising Farley’s ability to transform even the simplest actions into comedic gold.
A standout aspect of Beverly Hills Ninja is the chemistry between Chris Farley and Robin Shou, who plays Haru’s ninja mentor and friend, Gobei. Shou, known for his role as Liu Kang in Mortal Kombat (1995), brings a grounded, straight-faced approach that perfectly complements Farley’s wild antics. Their dynamic adds an extra layer to the film, as Gobei tries to guide Haru in becoming the hero he was destined to be, even as Haru’s unintentional blunders keep derailing their efforts. The contrast between the two creates some of the film’s funniest and most heartwarming moments.
Chris Farley’s portrayal of Haru is a testament to his talent. Known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL), Farley’s career was defined by his energetic and outrageous humor, and his physical presence made him a standout in comedy films like Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996). Beverly Hills Ninja was his first major starring role outside of his collaborations with David Spade, and he carried the film with his undeniable charm and comedic timing. Farley’s untimely passing in 1997, shortly after Beverly Hills Ninja was released, left a huge hole in the world of comedy.
Farley was originally cast as the voice of the title character in the animated film Shrek (2001), recording 85% of the character’s dialogue, but he died just before the voiceover was completed. Yet, his legacy lives on through performances like the one in Beverly Hills Ninja, a film where his energy, heart, and humor continue to shine, making it a perfect tribute to his unique comedic style.
Even nearly three decades after its release, Beverly Hills Ninja holds up as a highly re-watchable comedy classic. The film has recently been re-released on Blu-ray and DVD by Via Vision Entertainment.
