I would never considered myself a martial arts fan. In fact, I rarely venture into a theater to witness the genre, and when I do, it is purely for the sake of the fight sequences. So when I was heard about Ninja Assassin, I had my doubts. But seeing as James McTeigue, the guy who made V for Vendetta, was stepping back behind the camera, I couldn't resist at least a peak into his newest project - and I am lucky that I took the time because his film is anything but a martial arts protégé.
The intense violence, the lacking story, and the intense fight sequences are present. But thankfully, the film offers so much more, such as amazing cinematography, suitable acting, and an itch for realism, which is seen throughout. Now don't get me wrong, I am not saying that Ninja Assassin could or could not happen in real life "“ about that, I most definitely have no opinion. However, the sets, the camera work, and the believability of the actors helped to sell the story as actual fact, brining an unusual sense of reality to the picture.
Rain, a famous Korean actor, portrays Raizo, a man who was abducted as a child and taught how to kill. The film's central story is told through a series of flashbacks, each shining some light onto the devastating days that helped make the young child an expert fighter and a brutal killer. But as the past catches up with the present, and his true stance is revealed, you can't help but feel for our lead protagonist; for he had no say in his reality. It was at that moment that I realized that I had been sucked into the film, and I was surprisingly okay with that.
Rain's supporting cast was not quite as strong; however, for the sake of argument, they were each acceptable in their respective roles. Naomi Harris earns the title of most present background player as she creates the character of Mika Coretti, a detective who is attempting to uncover the inhumane practice that is occurring throughout the nine clan camps. By her side is Ben Miles, her co-worker, who suffers an ill fate for his involvement with the unapproved investigation. Together, those three mix it up a bit, bringing about some salty action sequences that rival the best in the biz.
The most notorious of all the action scenes, for me at least, is a prolonged shoot out within the 'top-secret' safe house. The high stakes action takes on a new meaning as characters are swinging from the ceilings, running across beams, and dodging a wide array of sharp objects. As the assault escalates out into the streets, passing cars become an added obstacle, making the scene all the more intense and impressive.
As the film sprints to its finish, rarely slowing down to sneak a side breath, you can't help but appreciate the work done by both the cast and director James McTeigue as Ninja Assassin returns the genre to what it was before Hollywood money became an unnecessary commodity. I am not a ninja fan, and I found the film to be a riot from beginning to end. The opening sequence is sure to stick with you long into the actual feature, while the no-holds-bar violence and gore give the story the extra kick that it so desperately needs.
In just a few words, I would describe Ninja Assassin as guilty fun. Sure it is a bit over-the-top, and it won't be up for any Oscars this coming March, but sitting in that seat, I became part of the film and got entirely caught up in the heat of it all. Call it a guilty pleasure if you will - but if you are a guy between the ages of 17 and 30, this is one movie that you need to experience in a theater!
