I wasn't expecting much from KARATE WARRIORS, but I have to say that this film really delivered! Judging by the comments it seems to be mixed up with the STREET FIGHTER franchise, but it's a stand-alone thriller loosely based on the YOJIMBO storyline. Chiba plays a karate-fighter who arrives in a seaside town brutalised by a couple of warring yakuza brothers. Dualism is the focus here, as there are two sisters, one of whom is a virgin and the other a prostitute, while our hero's dark side is tempered by his relationship with an innocent little boy. The story is packed with stylish action sequences which innovate in terms of super slow-motion and shaky camerawork, while the human story is oddly affecting come the end. A strong little fight flick at the end of the day.
