Cast
View All
Rain
as Raizo
Naomie Harris
as Mika
Sung Kang
as Hollywood
Randall Duk Kim
as Tattoo Master
Rick Yune
as Takeshi
Yuki Iwamoto
as Yakuza Couch
Sho Kosugi
as Ozunu
Ben Miles
as Maslow
Linh-Dan Pham
as Pretty Ninja
Lee Joon
as Teenage Raizo
Jonathan Chan-Pensley
as Yakuza Henchman
Ill-Young Kim
as Yakuza Mohawk
Fang Yu
as Laundromat Manager
Adriana Altaras
as Landlady
Kylie Liya Page
as Young Kiriko
Crew
Director
- James McTeigue
Writer
- Matthew Sand
- J. Michael Straczynski
Producer
- Joel Silver
- Lana Wachowski
- Lilly Wachowski
- Grant Hill
Reviews
DanDare
An over the top Ninja action film with visceral bloody scenes. Humdrum story but goofily entertaining.
Raizo has been trained by the Ozunu clan to be a Ninja assassin since childhood but has turned his back on them.
Raizo teams up with a Europol investigator Mika to go after his former master to get revenge for the killing of his friend.
Jun 8, 2017
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Adventure/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Ninja Assassin distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director James McTeigue brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2009, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ninja Assassin took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $40.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 233 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1819 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2009, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ninja Assassin shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Shooter, which focuses more on action than character development, Ninja Assassin offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Fearless and The Hatred explore similar territory, Ninja Assassin stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 29, 2009
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Budget: $40,000,000
- Revenue: $61,601,280
