Reflections on the movie "3 Ninjas"
My husband and I recently introduced our 8-year-old son to 3 Ninjas, one of my favorite childhood movies from the early ‘90s. If you have never seen it, think Home Alone except instead of robbers, there are kidnappers, and instead of one boy, there is a band of three young brothers. It’s a martial arts comedy portraying a group of brothers visiting their Japanese grandfather Mori, who trains them in ninjutsu.
I love how the movie emphasizes the importance of family and teamwork. One night when their parents leave them at home with a babysitter, the boys’ home is invaded by a group of men sent by a criminal gang. The boys use their ninja skills to protect their family and fight back against the criminals. Just when they think they defeated them, they encounter a bodyguard and are ultimately kidnapped. Once the parents arrive home and call the cops after realizing their kids are missing, Grandpa Mori suddenly appears out of nowhere to check on the family. Mori offers to go rescue his grandsons.
One particular scene stood out to me when the boys are taken captive to a ship. While they are able to fight off many of the men to try to escape, they soon face an intimidating, Goliath-looking figure. They try to attack, but the enemy is rock solid and they just bounce off. From up above, Grandpa Mori advises them, “Boys! Remember the training dummy. Light up the eyes, boys! Light up the eyes!” With that, the brothers know what to do. They instinctively work together to defeat the invincible-looking enemy.
This scene reminds me of the story of David and Goliath. From a physical standpoint, David was no match for Goliath. Goliath towered over him, had protective armor, and used heavy weapons. But David was a bold shepherd boy. Everyone else was too fearful, but David knew he needed to take action. David was an expert at the sling, so he trusted God and used what he knew best to fight and ultimately kill Goliath. In the movie 3 Ninjas the brothers relied on each other to fight in a way that caught the bad guy off guard.
Grandpa Mori teaches the boys to make use of their environment because they can “use everything around him to trick his enemies.” Similarly God often uses simple, ordinary people and objects to accomplish his purpose. He strengthens the weak.
What do you have that God can use?
Favorite movie quotes
“A ninja is honest and good. His mind, body and spirit are one. He has self-control. He has discipline.” - Rocky
“A ninja is one who can use everything around him to trick his enemies. He is fast and he is friendly to his environment.” - Colt
“A ninja loves nature, 'cause he is part of nature. A ninja never fights a battle if he cannot win.” - Tum Tum
Rocky: We should run.
Tum Tum: We should hide.
Colt: We should kick their butts!”
“If you think being a Ninja is hard work, try being a mom.” - Jessica Douglas
My Son’s Comments
Me: What do you think of the movie?
Him: So love!
Me: What would you rate it?
Him: One million (out of 10)
Where to Watch the Movie
According to JustWatch.com, “Currently you are able to watch 3 Ninjas streaming on Hoopla. It is also possible to buy 3 Ninjas on AMC on Demand, Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, Microsoft Store as download or rent it on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Apple TV, Vudu, Microsoft Store online.”