Korean pop sensation Rain stars as the lead in the Hollywood film from the production team responsible for “The Matrix” in “Ninja Assassin”. The film is a product of three seasoned crew who had previously teamed up for past films. Makers of “The Matrix” trilogy brothers Andy and Larry Wachowski produced the film under the direction of James McTeigue whom they’ve already worked with in the past for “V for Vendetta”.
Transitioning from flashbacks of the past to present events, “Ninja Assassin” focuses on the story of Raizo, an orphan trained under the strict rules of the centuries-old Japanese ninja Clan of the Black Sand led by dark master Lord Ozunu (Sho Kosugi). Paving the way to become a ninja assassin in the future, Raizo was taught to fear nothing and was involved in an intense fight training involving blindfolded fights, push-ups on bed of nails, and slashing other orphans with swords, chains or bare hands.
Despite being the star student of the clan, Raizo was forced to turn his back on the family that raised him. He could no longer stand the ruthless code of the ninja wherein gangsters and politicians are assassinated in exchange for money.
Meanwhile in Berlin, Europol researcher Mika (Naomie Harris) is in the process of discovering the tactics of the ninja assassins behind the political killings and she attempts to end their ruthless actions. Her knowledge on the clan makes her their number one enemy aside from Raizo. By fate the two cross paths as they race to survive the attacks of the ninja clan with Raizo fighting his way against former comrades with his trademark weapon: a long steel chain with a blade on the end.
Teaming up with Rain in this film to portray the dark lord Ozuno is the legendary Sho Kusugi. He has proven he still reigns supreme in ninja-themed movies as he gives justice to his role using cool moves. Backing the two actors up is Rick Yune playing a ninja on the dark Lord’s side.
Adventure seekers would love the collection of skilfully choreographed fight scenes utilizing swords and showcasing gravity-defying moves. The action-packed sequences are no doubt high-level coming from the creators of “The Matrix”. Surprisingly, most of the stunts are performed in real time by the actors themselves. However what’s depressing is how the film had been overloaded with CGI animation. It could have been better if they embraced the raw action of traditional martial arts.
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