Film Review - The Flying Assassin
Featuring Hayabusa, Mike Awesome, Mr. Ganosuke, Masato Tanaka | TokoPop DVD FF Unrated 97min 2001
Review By Xmortis
Hayabusa was one of Japan’s top wrestling stars during the 90’s. His highflying Lucha Libra style was stunning to watch. This DVD chronicles his rise to the belt in the FMW, and also takes a look at who the man behind the mask really is. The presentation starts with announcers Dan Lovranski and John Watanabe showing a highlight reel of Hayabusa’s top moves from the falcon arrow to the moonsault.
Then we get into Match One, which is a classic fight between Hayabusa and Masato Tanaka. The winner would go on to fight Mike Awesome and be one step closer to a world FMW title fight. The fight with Tanaka is fast and hard with both men coming close to pinning each other several times. But Hayabusa wins after a hard-hitting Falcon Arrow. A great match and a great show put on by the highflying Hayabusa. We are then shown a training video in a temple where Hayabusa learns some more moves. Then it’s on to Mike Awesome, who is a towering power of muscle and pure power, but goes down after a great pin. Next it’s the time for Hayabusa to take on his one time friend Mr. Ganosuke, and we are treated to a history of what led to their falling out. Then on to the match that leads to Hayabusa becoming the champion.
Eiji Ezaki, the man who is Hayabusa, is one of the most entertaining wrestlers of all time, and while this DVD is good for showing US fans who he is, it does not show enough matches to give you a look at just how good he was. The announcers for the DVD are too goofy and should have been cut to include the original Japanese track with subtitles. But I can’t complain too much. I’m just happy that this DVD is out there for fans.
The DVD extras are Trailers, Photo Gallery, and a look at how Eiji becomes Hayabusa. Overall, not a lot of extras but all are worth a look.
Long out of print, this DVD is worth tracking down for wrestling fans to see this legend in action. And for those who may not know, in sad news Eiji Ezaki (Hayabusa) suffered a severe neck injury after a moonsault accident that has left him paralyzed. Eiji vows that he will enter the ring one more time in his life. What a treat that would be for fans. I say worth a buy for Japanese Wrestling fans and fans of great wrestlers.