USA/Germany, 2009
Seen: November 25, 2009 at AMC
Reason to see: Ninjas!
Ninja Assassin has achieved a feat extraordinarily rare these days. It is not only the exact movie you think it is going to be from trailer (yes, that's a good thing... I had trailers that misrepresent!), but it goes beyond that and has even more to it. Albeit not a lot, but enough that it kept my attention 100% of the time. I knew it would be a fun movie, but it's more than fun as it serves up a bloody good time and even has a little heart too. Sure, some of the plot seems a little ridiculous but doesn't even try to hide that which makes it all the more awesome. It's completely aware of what kind of film it is and doesn't pretend to be anything else. And, it's about ninjas! How can you not like a film about ninjas? Fun times.
In terms of performances, this is Rain's movie as he steals the show as the ninja Raizo and he certainly did a lot of preparation for the role including 8 month of training. That preparation paid off as he's in ridiculously good physical condition and is very convincing in the fight scenes. The martial arts and action sequences are a great combination of intensity, interesting sets and creative lighting. I've heard a fair amount of people complain that they appear too dark but I think it's just right as it adds and air of mystery, and darkness kind of fits in with the, y'know... whole ninja thing. Overall, the fighting was freaking kick butt, and as gory as the results ended up the chain with the knife weapon was amazing. This film totally delivers in action, intensity and lots and lots of blood.
Warnings: Blood, gore, and several pretty strenuous/violent scenes with kids
Shannon's Overall View:
I loved it
I'll buy it
I'd recommend it as a fun action/martial arts film - but be ready for the buckets of blood
19 minutes (!) of preshow including 3 commercials and 6 previews: Sherlock Holmes, The Book of Eli, The Wolfman (2010), Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Avatar and Shutter Island
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© Shannon Ridler, 2009
Ninja Assassin
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