By | Published October 1, 2009

NINJA ASSASSIN (2009)

NINJA ASSASSIN had its debut this week at the Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas and critics online have begun to weigh in. The film, which stars Korean pop idol Rain, is directed by V FOR VENDETTA’s James McTeigue and is produced by the Wachowski brothers, has been one of the most highly anticipated martial arts actioners of the year despite its star being relatively unknown outside of Asia and having no significant experience as a screen fighter or martial artist. So far, early assessments are not particularly flattering with the general consensus being that the film is merely average.

“The dialog is soap opera-worthy at places, and it doesn’t help that the actors struggle to say even the simplest of lines …. [action] ranges from the amazing to the poorly-lit and frantic …. Rain just isn’t an actor. He’s also not a martial artist. Both of those facts are painfully clear in this movie …. NINJA ASSASSIN is ultimately frustrating because it hints at moments of greatness and squanders any good will it earns. When it’s stripped down and simple, it works, and we get some blood in our eyes, but too much of it is over-produced, under-written, and depends far too much on bad CGI and quick edit camera work. – Film School Rejects

“Complete with some hard-to-see fight scenes and some harder-to-hear dialogue, all delivered with a poker-straight face and capped off with some super-splattery kills, it’s like a graphic novel adaptation with comic book punctuation, a film so flagrant in its fakery that it almost forgets to have any fun.” – Cinematical

These reviews confirm my fear that NINJA ASSASSIN would rely too much on digital effects and editing which is pretty much what we saw in the previously released teaser trailer. I’m still going to reserve final judgment for my own review but I can’t say I’m surprised by what I’m reading so far.

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  • Name

    Oh no! Digital Effects??? What's next? Sync-sound? You know, I hate it when movies aren't edited in camera, with actors who don't actually have the super powers the characters do! I only like my Martial Arts films Dogme '95 style!

  • tikkiexx

    haha. i still want to see this movie, but not as much as before. i can deal with the CG but people are saying the movies too dark and i hate that. my expectations have officially been lowered. haha

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Anderson-Craft/1078925675 Daniel Anderson Craft

    there's always “Ninja” with Scott Adkins still coming. whatever its faults may turn out to be, I doubt it'll be the action.

  • http://www.kungfucinema.com Mark Pollard

    You misunderstood me and I may be partly to blame for not explaining myself. There is such a thing called balance. Digital effects, live stunt work, editing… they are all tools to be used by filmmakers to aid in producing an action sequence when appropriate. If one of those tools is damaged, misused or overused, the finished product doesn't come out right. There is nothing wrong with tight editing or the application of digital effects when they're used correctly. THE BOURNE IDENTITY and THE MATRIX are good examples. However, these films are generally the exception because most filmmakers really don't understand how to shoot action well. Michael Mann, James Cameron, the Wachowski brothers, and a handful of others are the few who do. That's why Hong Kong action directors are so popular in Hollywood today.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Zelter/1352966720 Daniel Zelter

    “Rain just isn’t an actor. He’s also not a martial artist.”

    You needed to see the movie to know that? Didn't Speed Racer tip you off? ^_-

    “but too much of it is over-produced, under-written, and depends far too much on bad CGI and quick edit camera work.”

    So it's like V for Vendetta?

  • tikkiexx

    well, CHUD gave the movie a bad review too so thats not helping. Im still looking forward to seeing it but im not expecting much. id just settle for a few good action scenes. sigh.

  • Clari

    So typically people are hating on Rain because he isn't a martial artists? He's actually is good actor in my opinion and I actually think his english is great! especially of you compare it to jackie chan's or jet li's english lol I saw speed racer and he stood out more than even the main characters and I didnt even know who he was back then! you guys do realize the makers made Matrix, 300 and Speed Racer which are all pretty much digital affects. xP

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Zelter/1352966720 Daniel Zelter

    I don't actually hate Rain, but he doesn't stand out much, either, as an actor.

  • Jay

    I think I'll wait until some real critics review the movie to have an opinion on this.

  • Bogodile

    this reviews dont affect me! I still want to see the movie :)
    I'll make my own judgement after seeing it! I think the W. Brothers are good & I'm expecting a good movie from them. People didnt enjoy Speed Racer & I really love that movie :)

  • http://twitter.com/Get_Off_My_Lawn Kessa Sun

    I saw it and I fucking loved it.. Blood in movies are suppose to be fake anyways right? So what if it's CGI, it's a ninja movie and I got what I want out of it…

  • tikkiexx

    thats good to hear.

  • http://www.facebook.com/Apexe Eric Johnson

    I can't wait until this movie comes out!

  • Tim

    If anyone has seen Ninja Assassin ..Can you please tell me if it's at least better than Transformers 2 and GI Joe?

  • http://www.facebook.com/reuben.guillen Reuben Guillen

    Just remember, Nicholas Tse made his “martial arts” debut in New Police Story with Jackie Chan. He knew no martial arts previously but look at him now. All he does are martial arts films! All im saying is everyone has potential.

  • Randy Walker

    Ok this movie isn't one of those hollywood tainted garbage movies. You have to really know the meaning of a ninja to fully enjoy and understand this movie. Which is real simple as we know a ninja. Their assassins, no emotion, no honor, any means necessary to get the job done. Cold blooded killer!! To me this film was the best I've seen all year.

  • Randy Walker

    Ok this movie isn't one of those hollywood tainted garbage movies. You have to really know the meaning of a ninja to fully enjoy and understand this movie. Which is real simple as we know a ninja. Their assassins, no emotion, no honor, any means necessary to get the job done. Cold blooded killer!! To me this film was the best I've seen all year.