Iffy for 16+
Extremely bloody, but will entertain mature action fans.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Ninja Assassin is a fast-paced action movie with tons of extreme martial arts violence and gallons of blood, though its cartoonish tone may be more likely to inspire laughter than shock among teens. The story is about a man who takes on many enemies in the name of the common good -- but he does so violently and is motivated by revenge, which sends some mixed messages. Still, the movie is somewhat smarter and better told than others in this genre, and there's a female supporting character who's much braver and stronger than women typically are in these movies. Don't expect Shakespeare quality, but older teens are likely to have a good time.
- Families can talk about their reaction to the movie's bloody, violent scenes. Were you shocked? Did you laugh? Why do you think you reacted this way?
- What was Raizo's motivation? Was it personal revenge, or was it more for the common good? Were his tactics appropriate?
- Do you think the character of Mika is strong and brave? Is she a good female role model, or is she more of a stereoytpe?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie more or less speaks out against conformity and encourages individual thought, as the main character leaves the only home he ever knew in an effort do to the right thing. He also risks his life to bring down an organization with evil intentions. But the fact that he meets violence with violence is a much iffier message. And there's a bit of confusion surrounding the organization -- although there are nine clans, Raizo is only concerned with taking down one of them. So either his motive is revenge or there are eight sequels planned. ...
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Role models: Main character Raizo is a formidable martial artist, and he's diligent about keeping himself in top form -- which may inspire younger viewers to do the same. But his actions in the film include violence and revenge, even if his end goal is the common good. Secondary character Mika comes out a little better. She constantly demonstrates bravery and always tries to do the right thing, even in the face of terrible danger.
What to watch for
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Violence: Wall-to-wall extreme martial arts violence, with gallons and gallons of blood spewing, splatting, splashing, spraying, and gurgling everywhere. But it's all comic book-style fantasy battle violence. Several characters lose limbs or heads, some of which go flying a good distance from their original locations. A female ninja-in-training gets her face sliced. A man's head is repeatedly battered into the urinals in a public restroom. A throwing star is extracted from a gaping stomach wound. Most disturbingly, a ninja master whips the feet of a young boy, a ninja-in-training, creating painful-looking gashes on the boy's soles.
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Sex: A teen couple -- both ninjas in training -- shares a tender kiss. In another scene, they rest their heads on each other's chests, listening to each other's heartbeats (while clothed and in the open).
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Language: Significant stretches of the movie are profanity-free, but "f--k" is used several times overall. Other words include "s--t," "dumbass," "damn," "oh God" (used as an exclamation), and "scheisse" (the German word for "s--t").
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Consumerism: In one scene characters drink Pepsi and prominently display Pepsi bottles, but the name is never mentioned aloud.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Five Word Review by redyeah
mindless violence... just my type
5
Best ninja movie ever! by Slapnotz
This sets the bar for all ninja movies. Non stop action and the gore factor is up there, so definitely not for the squeamish. Not too many movies are worth the $10.50 or more you are forced to pay now a days but this one definitely is.
4
ACTION-PACKED, THE ONLY REASON WHY IT'S GETTING SO-SO REVIEWS ON FANDANGO IS BECAUSE by dory17
people who haven't even watched the movie yet had written reviews of how they aren't GOING to watch it or just voted so-so without any legitimate reasons. Overall it had good action scenes and it kept the audience on edge somewhat. The story line/character development could have been better but it still got the main idea across.
Rain's performance in this movie is a lot better than his previous movie Speed Racer plus you can ACTUALLY understand what he's saying in English.
There's a bit too much of gore which makes the movie seem less realistic. Of course the romantic story is a bit lame but it's an action movie, all romantic parts in action movies are lame.
Even though the background story is told in flashbacks, the movie still flows and transitions in and out of those scenes smoothly.
I personally went in to watch the movie with no expectations expecting it to be somewhat of a failure but it definitely surprised me. It's not a MUST GO! but it is still worth watching.
4
Bruce Lee on Steroids by butteredkorn
As someone who grew up in America in the 70's and saw an occasional martial arts movie, Bruce Lee was the only game in town. This movie is the natural progression of what a Bruce Lee movie would be today in a more violent world and in an industry where blood and gore are allowed to reign supreme. The action is fast paced.visual,,sadistic in nature where the Ninja's are taught that no human life has value but their own. In the clip on this website ie; their already here,the way they make the Ninja move in the shadows by blurring the human body as they move in for the kill was awesome. If you like martial arts movies there is alot here to enjoy, if you abhor graphic bloody gore, then avoid at all costs.
5
Wickedly Awesome!!! The Re-birth of the Ninja Action Film! by kbenti
I had a blast!! This movie brought the classic Ninja Action movie to life with modern-day Special FX and Extreme Martial Arts Moves. The plot was basic, because a Ninja's life is simple, and the story had to reflect that simplicity. The small bits of emotional scenes helped to highlight the fact that Ninja's are cold-blooded and mostly heartless assassins. The FX were flawless, and you felt the action as if it was right in front of you. The fight scenes were very brutal, and the choreography was amazing. If you can appreciate a good fight movie, a good action movie, or a good Ninja Movie, then this one is a must see.
5
MUST WATCH!!!!!! PEOPLE, GO WATCH!! by HelloMelonx3
Honestly, I had low expectations for this movie...HOWEVER, BOY WAS I WRONG!!!!!!!!!!
For those people who are all spazzing about TWILIGHT, how about watch Ninja Assassin. NEW MOON WAS A DISAPPOINTMENT...Seriously the cast sucks, so I don't understand HOW New Moon is doing better than Ninja Assassin. >:[
Ninja Assassin was very good. The action was amazingly portrayed in this movie, and there was never a dull moment!!
DEFINITELY MUST WATCH!
I know I will again!!!!!!!!!!!
5
action by movie_slank
If you don't like action movies of the martial arts variety, don't see this movie. If you don't like seeing some blood from said marital arts fights, don't see this movie. If you don't like really hot dude doing said marital arts, don't see this movie. But if you answered yes to any of these, then do go see this movie!
5
Ninja Assassin is awesome by MonaVG
Though the movie is only 99 min, there is enough action, a little romance, and an intricate plot to fit in seamlessly. The movie, like any good one, picks up speed as it goes along and the action is absolutely delicious. Lots of gore and diesel moves by a man in peak physical condition. Pretty much everything in this movie is believable in terms of an action flick with a couple of very well done 3G flashes (i.e. ninja stealth moves-you'll understand when you see it). All in all, you'll want some more but you will be satisfied.
5
Go Ninja!!! by BigBodyBenz
For all the haters that might be judging by the trailer alone, go watch it before you make your assumption of the movie. This was a straight action movie that has a Awesome story of honor, wisdom, betrayal and finding ones self. I was impressed on how they made everything to where it wasn't meshing all together to where you couldn't figure out what was going on while the action parts were in play. A must see for any action/ ninja/ martial arts movie lover. I honestly loved the movie it was bad to the bone!!! I would definitely go see again.
5
Oh Sh*t! by I_B_Me_UBU
If you are more into vampires and werewolves, this aint your movie. If you want a feel good rags-to- riches kind of story about a down and out homeless guy turned football pro, this aint your movie. If you want to see a glimpse of the end of the world, this aint your movie. If you want a light hearted, gigglely warm and fuzzy animated tale, skip this movie.
Now, for those of you who want an adrenaline filled, delicious bloody gore like, hardcore kick-*** to the bone action packed movie, take a deep breath because this IS the MOVIE for YOU.
E-NUFF said.