Something to Celebrate
If the internet has proven nothing else it’s that there’s a best-of list for pretty much everyone and everything.
Best Movie Embrace? Yep. Most iconic on-screen sweater? Check. Top time traveler tales? Definitely.
There are even lists of top ninja movies, including several variations of “Ninja movies you must see before you die” posts on YouTube.
This Saturday offers international honors to the stealthy ninja and his (or her) martial arts prowess, and given the number of lists dedicated to their movies, there are plenty of viewing options.
The website Screenrant.com offers a ranking of 15 of the best big screen ninja tales, including the 1980 Chuck Norris flick “The Octagon” and 1989’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.”
The site described the latter as “a shockingly-compelling action movie that feels like it has real stakes and a surprising amount of heart.”
Their top pick is “Duel to the Death,” a 1983 movie about an international martial arts contest that results in a duel for national pride between China and Japan.
Screenrant.com credits the film as ushering in “new-school ninja action” like a flock of ninjas hang-gliding on giant kites and a giant ninja who breaks down into several regular-sized ninjas (which, incidentally makes him sound like Voltron).
Why not take a break from holiday preparations? Maybe you’ll pick up some new sword skills for cutting wrapping paper.
“Duel to the Death” is available on Amazon Prime.
Here are some other days to celebrate this week:
n Dec. 3: Let’s Hug Day, Make a Gift Day, National Green Bean Casserole Day
n Dec. 4: Santa’s List Day, Wear Brown Shoes Day, International Sweater Vestival
n Dec. 5: Bathtub Party Day, International Ninja Day, National Rhubarb Vodka Day
n Dec. 6: National Microwave Oven Day, National Pawnbrokers Day, Put On Your Own Shoes Day
n Dec. 7: Letter Writing Day, National Cotton Candy Day, Walt Disney Day
n Dec. 8: National Brownie Day, National Christmas Tree Day, National Lard Day, Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day
n Dec. 9: Christmas Card Day, National Pastry Day, National Llama Day