Starring: Rain, Naomie Harris, Rick Yune
Producer: William Fay
Choreography: Chad Stahelski
Director: James McTeigue
Raizo (Rain) was raised since childhood by the Ozunu ninja clan. After he turns his back on the clan to seek revenge of their heartless murders, he comes to find he has a heart, despite being taught that he doesn’t the opposite. A series of murders occurring in a peculiar fashion grabs the attention of Europol agent Mika (Naomie Harris). She believes it could be the work of ninjas, but nobody wants to believe her until Raizo asks for her help. Leading to a trail of blood and death, he finally faces his arch enemy Takeshi (Rick Yune) and his master.
First off, this movie is extremely bloody. It probably could have done fine without all the excessive blood. There is a lot of CGI/computer animation in the film, but it all is done well.
The movie keeps the mystery of the ninja alive by rarely showing the actual ninja in action, but instead shows the devastating effects he leaves behind. An older man in the opening tells of the horror and mystery of the ninja to disrespectful young Yakuza.
The flashbacks to Raizo’s training are awesome and his discipline is brutal. The movie uses authentic martial arts and ninja walking techniques. I also like that it shows the power of martial arts weapons and unarmed combat over that of firearms.
This movie is definitely worth a watch, if not a purchase. It is a story of revenge and love. While all the parts are not true-to-ninja in the realistic sense, it is very entertaining and loaded with action.
Shuriken: 4
Bruises: 5
