SYNOPSIS: Trained in methods of killing from an early age, Raizo (Rain) is a member of the secret clan of assassins known as the Ozunu. After the Ozunu kill his friend, however, Raizo breaks free from them and vanishes. Meanwhile, Europol agent Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris) discovers a money trail linking the the group to murders. Raizo saves Mika from his former comrades and joins forces with her to bring down the Ozunu forever.
With a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 26% it’s safe to say that Ninja Assassin was not very popular at the time of release; even genre fans weren’t exactly singing its praises, mostly due to the overuse of CG in the action scenes and a forgettable plot.
I will admit that some of the visual effects aren’t the greatest and the plot is nothing special but I’ve always found this movie to still be a lot of fun. It could have benefited from using only practical effects as the CG was unnecessary and took you out of several scenes but I’ve seen plenty worse.
The addition of Sho Kosugi is a wonderful throwback to the Cannon ninja movies of the 80’s and he’s a massively entertaining villain too.
I also liked Rain as our ninja hero Raizo who is practically invincible. Like I said in my review a while back the whole movie is just an excuse for blood spattering, head exploding, limb severing goodness and that’s just fine with me.
There are plenty of fight scenes and it’s got some interesting visual touches too with a side order of mild cheese.
The supporting cast includes Rick Yune and Sung Kang who are always watchable and the blood splattered opening scene is now a bit of a classic too.
Most importantly this movie has lots of ninjas in it… what more is required?
To close my defence I think the movie is cheesy and entertaining with plenty of fight scenes and a fun villain in the legendary Sho Kosugi. So Sue Me! I like Ninja Assassin and as usual I guess I’ll see your ass in court… can you give me a ride home though? I lost my cab fare.