Review of Ninja Assassin (2009) by Matthew F — 30 Sep 2010

Ninjas are usually held in high regard to pretty much everyone. You don't screw around with a ninja. Period. Ninja Assassin only justifies that claim. Ninjas are people who demand and deserve respect, because if they don't get it, you're done for. Of course, the title of this film itself may seem quite strange and could possibly be viewed as either contradictory or redundant, as ninjas and assassins are usually one in the same, but this movie is about a ninja, who assassinates other ninjas, therefore the person is a ninja assassin. Get it now? I hope so. Plus, the title pays homage to all of the ninja movies before it. Personally, I can't think of a title more perfect.

Only an idiot would go in to Ninja Assassin expecting a deep story, so don't watch it with hopes of being moved to tears. Luckily, the story isn't bad enough to actually bother you throughout the film (unless you're an extremely picky bastard), and upon my first viewing, I didn't notice any out-standing plot holes. So as shallow as it is, it's pretty solid. Throughout the movie, you'll notice a few things that'll seem a bit absurd, but the exaggerated lethal nature of the ninjas in the film is part of its ?charm,? and are there to make the movie a more entertaining experience without seeming too over-the-top; though I'll admit, ninjas healing themselves instantaneously by prayer was pushing it. And, like most action movies, there is a bit of a romance subplot, but it's actually an important part of the story, and thankfully doesn't take away from the action itself because the film doesn't dwell too long on it.

Acting ranges from average to sub-par, but not cringe-worthy (if you're used to this type of movie); it's not melodramatic or wooden, just somewhere in the middle. The only really noticeable character development is in Raizo's (the main character) background, as you get to see just how brutal and demanding his training was, and what drove him to betray his clan.

Now let's get to the meat of this movie: the badass ninja action. I mean it when I say this is a blood-soaked film. Limbs are cut off, heads are severed, people are stabbed, cut, shot, hit by cars, and shoved into washing machines. Action makes up a vast majority of the movie, and I haven't seen one with violence so entertaining and over-the-top since Shoot 'Em Up. Raizo has an entire ninja arsensal at his disposal, including the iconic ninja stars, and he uses all of them. Blades clash, stars cut the air, and bullets fly. People die in a stylized fashion and are shown no mercy, as expected from ninjas.

All in all, the movie may not be worth your $8 (give or a take a few) for a ticket, but if you love action, you definitely need to check this out eventually.

VERDICT.

A story that's as deep as a puddle, but not bad enough to insult your intelligence; acting isn't Ocsar-worthy, but still decent enough to not make you bury your head in shame; gory stylized violence that's sure to satisfy you blood-thirsty ninja-lovers.