Rain's first take on Hollywood was a big disappointment. People expected a lot from his "Speed Racer" performance but instead of making a loud, pounding growl it was more like a puny meow. He was almost non-existent in the film but who could really blame him? The movie just did not give him much capacity to show what he was made of. With "Ninja Assassin", the Asian superstar gets his chance to become the main protagonist on a Western film. For sure, this is his chance to impress both in his acting and martial arts skills. Can Rain impress or would this be another big flop for him? Read on to find out our verdict.
Raizo (Rain) is taken from the streets as a child and transformed into a trained killer by the Ozunu Clan, a secret society whose very existence is considered a myth. The Ozunu are known as being assassins in the ancient world. Raizo, haunted by the execution of his friend by the Clan, breaks free from them and vows to stop the clan someday, somehow. Meanwhile, Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris), a Europol agent, is investigating money linked to various political murders around the world and discovers that the Ozunu are behind these killings. Soon, she finds her life threatened by the Ozunu Clan's ninja assassins while an unlikely hero saves her life.
If you expect "Ninja Assassin" to bring out balls-out action then you won't be disappointed but expecting anything beyond is a no-no. To really get a picture of what "Ninja Assassin" is, think blood and gore of the "Kill Bill" movies interspersed with the intense action and visual style of "300". Sadly, this does not equate to it being better than these films - in reality, it is actually a mediocre version of both. Rain was amazing in the fight scenes (a sight to behold indeed) but his acting skills need to improve. At this point in his career he is all just flash and nothing more. The supporting cast didn’t do much help as well, making things even worse. The plot of the movie is a bit quirky and predictable which may tick some people off. Finally, if you really hate guts flying abound, then avoid this one for sure. Our recommendation is to watch "Ninja Assassin" if you just want intense action and fight scenes but avoid it if you want substance.
Rating: 2.5 reels
Rating: 2.5 reels
Why you should watch it:
- balls-out action from start to finish
- fans of Rain will definitely drool
Why you shouldn't watch it:
- blood and gore may be too much for some to digest
- so-so acting and plot means there is no substance to the movie
- fans of Rain will definitely drool
Why you shouldn't watch it:
- blood and gore may be too much for some to digest
- so-so acting and plot means there is no substance to the movie
"Ninja Assassin" is brought to you by Warner Bros. Pictures. Catch it on cinemas starting November 25, 2009.
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Comments
I just watched it and I LOOOOVVEED it! Rain was excellent actor in the movie. Good job! The story was a little weak but the action was FULL of excitement!Rain's action was FANTASTIC!!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the film! The action scenes were definitely the selling point for Ninja Assassin
ReplyDeleteI think rain is an amazing actor, but just couldn't show it because of the language barrier. Hopefully, he starts to practice more English, and shows us all what he's really made of, because he really does have the potential. :) It was an awesome movie. Rain is very hot. >:D
ReplyDeleteI personally thought the movie was amazing! little bloody but still amazing. For his frist big role in a movie was great! ppl may say his acting wasnt the best but you guys just looked too much into it. Rain's really amazing in acting and whatnot. it's quite sad your were disappointed but your misisng out on something big. He's a hard working person, more so than anyone you probably even know. but hey, at least he can act wayy better than you ever can xP
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteThe language barrier could have been the great divide for Rain. We also cannot wait for his next film - he is becoming better and better to say the least
Hi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteWe have to agree that the man is truly gifted! Too bad we just cannot see eye to eye on this film.
Here's hoping he gets a meatier story and script the next time around! :)
If you're a fan of non-stop action at the expense of a good story line movies, and who isn't occasionally, you'll enjoy this as well. It's not a life changing movie, or least it shouldn't be, but it is a fun escape from the mundane. The acting wasn't the worst, but plenty of room has been left for improvement. And no, I'm not looking too much into it. It seemed like much of the cast, including Rain, was reading from a TelePrompTer. And the sole argument of he's "really amazing in acting and whatnot" says nothing about this movie and little about his body of work. His range as an actor has been displayed over the action, drama, and comedy genres but comes up lacking in this film; possibly due to a language barrier as stated previously. Also, when did Rain's work ethic come into question? The validity of "He's a hard working person, more so than anyone you probably even know" not withstanding, he's a professional actor, and like all other professional actors, he wants to be the best. Comparisons will be made between the industry standards of Jet Li, Jackie Chan, and Jason Statham. With his potential not in debate, Rain's acting in Ninja Assassin fell well short of this benchmark. The movie in whole did, however, leave me anticipating his next film. What more do you want from a flick about ninjas killing things? Fo shizzle
ReplyDeleteHi Anonymous,
ReplyDeleteYou actually made some good points right there and we really hope to get more feedback from you in the future. We just feel that you could definitely help us in improving our reviewing skills.
In the end, we all agree - Rain has a future in Hollywood and we already are anticipating his next film.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteNice post i like it,
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