Ninjas are stock characters. They have been since the 1980s. They are stock characters that have been so overused in the past that people burst into laughter the minute something is compared to a ninja. I sincerely hope that Ninja Assassin has changed all that. I saw the film knowing it will not please everybody. And it won’t. Ninja Assassin, however, pleased me, and my group of friends of diverse opinions.
Ninja Assassin tells the story of Raizo (played by Korean pop star rain, after impressing the Wachowski Brothers with his martial arts work in Speed Racer), a rogue ninja who is seeking revenge on his former ninja clan, who killed the woman he loved. Raizo is now protecting a Europol agent who has uncovered a link between Raizo’s former clan and political assassinations.
This is not the kind of movie to watch for the story. I say that because the story is extremely basic, and perhaps formulaic. But it somehow works. Raizo’s story is cliche, but is handled with style and resolve that makes it feel sort of new. The flashback scenes are handled well, also. But the real thing that makes this movie is action, action, action. Most horror movies that put their fights predominantly in shadows fail, but Ninja Assassin manages to make it work. The movie is also EXTREMELY gory, in the best possible way. It’s over the top and I don’t think it could work any other way. Look, if you’ve seen the previews, then you know what you’re in for. This movie is not mismarketed, but all I can say is if it’s your thing, SEE IT.
