The Octagon (1980)
Chuck Norris takes on a deadly ninja clan in this gritty 1980 martial arts thriller that helped define a generation of action cinema.
The Octagon - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Octagon
- Release Year: 1980
- Directed by: Eric Karson
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Adventure, Action, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 44m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 14, 1980 (Australia - MA15+), August 14, 1980 (United States - R), November 10, 1980 (Germany), August 14, 1980 (Brazil - 16)
- Alternative Titles: Octagon: Escola para Assassinos (BR), เดี่ยวเดนตาย (TH), Octagon - Die Rache der Ninja (DE)
- Production Companies: American Cinema Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Octagon - Plot
Scott James, a veteran martial arts expert, is recruited as the protector of the wealthy and beautiful Justine after she becomes the target of a ninja clan. When Scott finds out that his ruthless arch-nemesis, McCarn, is involved with the stealthy and dangerous criminals, he is eager to settle old scores. Soon Scott is facing off against McCarn and the entire ninja horde in an effort to take them all down.
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The Octagon - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Eric Karson
Main Cast
- Chuck Norris
- Karen Carlson
- Lee Van Cleef
- Art Hindle
- Carol Bagdasarian
- Kim Lankford
- Tadashi Yamashita
- Kurt Grayson
- Yuki Shimoda
- Larry D. Mann
Writers
- Leigh Chapman
- Paul Aaron
Producers
- Joel Freeman
The Octagon - FAQs
What is The Octagon about?
The Octagon follows Scott James, a seasoned martial arts expert played by Chuck Norris, who is hired to protect a wealthy woman targeted by a ruthless ninja clan. When he discovers his old nemesis McCarn is behind the operation, Scott sets out to dismantle the entire criminal network in a series of intense confrontations.
Is The Octagon worth watching for action fans?
Absolutely, if you love early 1980s martial arts cinema. The Octagon is a cult classic that showcases Chuck Norris at his action-hero peak, with memorable ninja fight sequences and a gritty neo-noir atmosphere. It helped define the ninja craze that swept American cinema throughout the decade.
Where can you stream The Octagon right now?
You can catch The Octagon on several platforms. It's available for free with ads on Tubi TV and YouTube Free. Subscribers to fuboTV, Philo, MGM+, MGM+ Amazon Channel, or MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel can also stream it as part of their plan.
Who plays the villain in The Octagon?
The film features two memorable antagonists. Lee Van Cleef plays McCarn, Scott's ruthless arch-nemesis pulling strings behind the scenes, while Tadashi Yamashita portrays Seikura, the fearsome ninja clan leader. Both bring a genuine menace to their roles, giving Chuck Norris worthy opponents to face.
Who are the main actors in The Octagon?
Chuck Norris leads the cast as martial arts hero Scott James. He's joined by Karen Carlson as the endangered Justine, Lee Van Cleef as the scheming McCarn, Art Hindle as A.J., and Tadashi Yamashita as the ninja clan leader Seikura. Richard Norton also appears in an early career role.
Did The Octagon launch the 1980s ninja film craze?
The Octagon is widely credited as one of the films that ignited the ninja movie boom of the early 1980s. Its commercial success — earning nearly $19 million against a $4 million budget — proved there was a hungry audience for ninja-themed action, paving the way for a wave of similar films throughout the decade.
What is the age rating for The Octagon?
The Octagon is rated R in the United States, reflecting its martial arts violence and intense action sequences. It was also rated MA15+ in Australia and 16 in Brazil upon its original release in August 1980. It's best suited for mature audiences comfortable with action-movie combat.
What movies are similar to The Octagon?
If The Octagon hits the spot, you'll likely enjoy Revenge of the Ninja (1983) and Ninja III: The Domination (1984), which rode the same wave. The Last Dragon (1985) and Death Wish (1974) share that gritty one-man-against-many spirit, while Ninja Assassin (2009) offers a modern take on the genre.
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