Not everyone is into martial arts films. Understandably, since it is such a niche market and there haven't been many mainstream martial arts films to enjoy. Warner Brothers pressed ahead and released "Ninja Assassin," directed by little known filmmaker James McTeigue ("V for Vendetta"). Surprisingly, the movie was a minor success critically and financially at the tail end of last year. The storyline was original and well-presented, the action scenes were exciting and over-the-top enjoyable, and the cast of unknowns managed to bring authenticity to their roles. It has been quite awhile since viewers have been legitimately afraid of ninja, but this action movie masterpiece puts the fear back into them.
With low expectations, I watched the storyline unfold about a rogue ninja at war with his clan. A couple Interpol agents stumble into a world of high-priced invisible assassins. The researcher, Mika (Naomie Harris; "Street Kings") and her boss Ryan (Ben Miles; a "Speed Racer" alum) are in personal jeopardy once they dig too deep into the backgrounds of supposedly imaginary, modern day ninja clans. Raizo (Rain; another "Speed Racer" alum) has a personal vendetta against the clan who raised him and protects Mika. What comes next is a battle between an international police force and a group of deadly ninjas. Get ready for brutal, stylized action and bucket loads of blood.
McTeigue and his writers manage to make the storylines and action pieces believable. Not an easy task. There is also hints of Asian mysticism within the story but its grounded enough to be credible. While the action scenes ultimately make the picture, the background story of Raizo is what gives the film its heart. The viewer has someone to root for who was legitimately wronged and which justifies the bloodshed to come. Not your standard revenge picture, "Ninja Assassin" refreshes both the martial arts and revenge genres while having a bloody good time. I highly recommend this picture to the wary action movie fan as a break from the ordinary. By the way, another good martial arts film for the ninja curious is 1995's "The Hunted" starring Christopher Lambert. Similarly low budget but with some great fight scenes, a double feature might be worthwhile.
Rated R for strong bloody stylized violence throughout, and language.
