Ninja Assassin slipped its way onto DVD last month. It's no surprise you didn't hear anything about it, this movie was AWFUL.Korean pop sensation Rain, stars in the film as trained assassin Raizo. Adopted as an orphaned child, Raizo was initiated into the Ozunu Clan through his ninja training. After a falling out with his master, this young ninja embarks on a journey to free himself from the clan and rectify the mistakes of his past.
Although short on plot and acting, this movie had no shortage of unused talent. Most of the main characters have shown some serious acting ability in other films. Naomi Harris (Tia Dalma from POTC, and Selena from 28th Days Later) plays a dedicated detective and secondary love interest....badly. Aside from poor scripting, you'd think a girl used to warding off zombies would know how to look suitably terrified during a ninja attack.
Randall Duk Kim is no stranger to the stage and has done plenty of voice acting and supporting roles. Remember the key maker in the Matrix series? Yeah, that older Asian guy on the back of a motorcycle with Trinity...He's the bad guy! Slapping kids' feet and giving dire speeches over dinner, Duk Kim does a fair job of having a personality but falls short of any kind of depth. (but I can't be too mad...he played my favorite character in Disney's Kung Fu Panda!)
Anna Sawai, the beautiful female ninja, escapes my scathing remarks. Not because her acting was good, it was just as bad as the rest. (Cornier than corn.) This young actress is new to the silver screen and probably did it for fun. (Who wouldn't want to work with pop sensation Rain!) So I'll give her a pass and the benefit of the doubt. Good luck with your next film, Ms. Sawai!
Overall, Ninja Assassin has failed to meet my expectations. If you want to see an entertaining Kung Fu flik I suggest you check out something by the always amazing Jackie Chan. (Who Am I? Drunken Master and Rush Hour are all great choices.)
If blood is the payment for shame, Ninja Assassin is going to need a transfusion!
I rate it...a stick of gum!
