Why So Blu?

Ninja Assassin Sneaks Onto Why So Blu

I went into this movie without high expectations.  Although, when I originally saw the trailer in theaters, I was nearly to the moon with excitement.  So in all honesty, my adrenal glands were pumping a bit of juice in preparation for this film.  Ninja Assassin stars Asian pop star Rain as our hero, Raizo.  Raizo, as with all the film’s ninjas, start out as kidnapped orphans, obtained by any of the nine mentioned clans.  These clans then teach the young boys and girls the ways of ninjitsu as they are continually groomed to be very skilled hired-hands that are called upon when someone of importance needs to die.  

Raizo is a notable in the group as he blasphemed these teachings, making a violent departure in the process.  His former clan now seeks him out to deliver his due punishment for being a deserter.  Enter a modern-day organization of international police that stumble upon the ninja clans and their dirty work, and all hell soon breaks loose as the shadowy warriors are adamant to maintain their secrecy. 

Ninja Assassin has somewhat of slow progression early on.  The film is often dotted with childhood and adolescent flashbacks that walked the line of using these one too many times.  Fortunately, they were not utilized in overabundance (barely) and were crucial in laying the groundwork of the story.  Each actor carried their role well and the writing wasn’t half bad either.  What was a bit over the top was the violence.  There was so much red paint (blood) in this movie at times that I thought they were showing a really kick ass Glidden commercial.  Lost limbs and open jugulars are a plenty in this film that offers extremely well choreographed fight scenes with a hectic pace overall.  Speaking of fight scenes, there is something I wanted to bring up.  I have always had a big problem with Batman Begins regarding its fisticuffs.  It was almost as if the camera was right on top of Christian Bale so I couldn’t see anything more than a mass of black fabric flowing about.  Ninja Assassin got it right.  Back up the view, let the actors fight, and rain down all types of hemoglobin on the camera lens. 

Realism?  Sure it’s real!  Why, I remember when I was a young ninjitsu lad myself, taking on the Toyota Clan.  I lost three limbs in the scuffle that ensued, but a few ha-do-kens later and they were out for the count and I was back on my feet.  Seriously though folks, suspend disbelief and let your imagination have fun with this movie.  Only a ninja can lose a gallon of blood and endure nothing more than a painful grimace.  And only a ninja can lose more blood that’s in the human body and get away with just a limp in their stride.  But it’s all in the name of martial art movie dramatics and entertainment.      

Other critics have panned this film prior to the nationwide Thanksgiving Day release.  Really?  I’m sorry but if you’re looking for Up or The Notebook, well those are down the hall and to the left.  As far as I’m concerned and based on those around me, Director James McTeigue succeeded in entertaining both myself and the rest of the audience tonight.  At one point early on, I thought, “This is a good film to enjoy on video on a rainy weekend evening.”  Upon the film’s closure I thought, “Holy hell I can’t wait until this comes out on Blu-ray!”  If kitanas, kamas and throwing stars are your thing, you will certainly be coming back for more after your first encounter with Ninja Assassin.   This flick gets a ‘B.’