james_juhn

(2012-05-01 11:20:31)

Scott Adkins' Ninja: a very good movie with couple of flaws

After getting Ninja DVD sent from my uncle in Russia, I decided towatch this movie. But since there was quite a bit Japanese languagebeing spoken and DVD had no English subtitles, I decided to watch itwith a friend who is good at Japanese and is an action movie fanatic.Now I will say this movie is not perfect, but as a action movie, andNinja movies fan, I was thoroughly entertained nonetheless. on par withBlood and Bone in terms of entertainment value, falling just a littlebit short from Undisputed 2(8.5/10) due to some of its little faults.But despite its faults, I love this film and will be watching it timeand time again (actually although I gave both of them same grade, Ilike this movie slightly better than Blood and Bone, because of myfavoritism of Ninja movies ).

hobo

(2012-04-30 15:40:07)

Truly Ninja *****ty

Looking for awesome butt-kicking ninja action? You've found the WRONG movie! This is a low budget low definition movie that barely looks like it was made for TV. How the hell did it become a movie?I was really hoping to see some good martial arts fight scenes, but there aren't too many and the few that there are, are poorly choreographed...a few standard punches and kicks, and it's over.The story is so freakin' ridiculous. It's like watching an overgrown baby throwing a temper tantrum because he wasn't allowed to play with his box of toys.Seriously, don't waste your money on this one. I'm a big fan of butt-kicking action movies, but this is not one of them.

Psychokineti

(2012-04-30 12:58:02)

Old school ninja style

I have to say that I really enjoyed it, it was cheesy, badly acted witha crap story line... all in all the perfect recipe for a good ol NINJAmovie!It reminded me of the good ol days with classics such as American Ninja1,2 and 3.I did think the female ninja got beaten up to easily by thugs on thetrain scene though, I mean, she trains with the "last" Koga ninja allher life and can't handle a few thugs... whatever.I thought the baddies were particularly cheesy and it added a nicethrow back feeling to the movie!All in all, if your stuck for some old school ninja action, check itout, it's a laugh.

(2012-04-30 05:23:15)

Scott Adkins=Ninja

James McTeigue's "Ninja Assassin," the Wachowski Brothers, Hollywood backed big budget Ninja flick was a ridiculously over the top, and stylish take more on the mythology of ninjas and the supposed mystical abilities they had than it was about those behind the dark mask and shadows. It was violent, bloody, and just plain awesome. After watching Ninjas in anime and videogames melt into shadows and perform ninjutsu (ninja magic) or whatever it's referred to in said media, it was great to see it brought to life here in America. Previously all we had was "Shinobi: Heart Under Blade," which is a great movie and should definitely be checked out. "Assassin" is visceral and just plain fun.That said I was also looking forward to the lesser known and much smaller budgeted "Ninja" starring Scott Adkins and directed by Isaac Florentine. Both are mostly unknown to the world but both have been around for a bit using their martial arts backgrounds to get some decent direct-to-disc action films out. Adkins a amazing martial artist in his own right, hails from Britain and has most recently been seen as the fight and stunt double for Weapon XI in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," and will appear reprising his role Uri Boyka in "Undisputed 3." Florentine is an Israeli born director who has directed martial artists Michael Jai White, and Jean Claude Van Damme in his films that include "Undisputed 2," and "The Sheppard: Border Patrol," respectively.That opening was to illustrate the major difference between "Ninja" and "Assassin." While "Assassin" eschews its 80's roots for a modern yet mythical angle, "Ninja" stays firmly entrenched in its 80's roots. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. First let's start with the good. Scott Adkins is underrated as a martial artist, as is his co-star from "Undisputed 2," Michael Jai White. In "Ninja" Adkins plays the role of Casey Bowman, an American raised at a Japanese dojo run by the last surviving descendant of the Koga Ninja Clan. The story is simple and to the point. Sometimes to the detriment of the film, but again, it's a throwback and I think Florentine consciously made it such. After the other top student at the school is expelled, he returns sometime later to stake his claim as the next Soke (teacher/leader) of the school and protector of the Yoroi Bitsu, the last remaining artifacts of the Koga Clan. The chest is sent to New York to keep it from Masazuka, who kills his former teacher trying to get to it.What works for the film is its minimalistic approach to the work. Much like "American Ninja" before it, this story gives us an American (British) protagonist who grew up studying the ways of the ninja. Much like those films before this, Casey isn't wearing a Ninja suit for most of the film and much of his adventure takes place during the day and he's fighting gangsters and thugs. This film does a great job of showing off Adkins' skills. There are two fight scenes in particular that are top notch, and the editing and multiple angles really sell his moves. There are scenes where he starts a fight and the camera is facing him as he dispatches his adversaries, but as he spins to kick an attacker approaching from behind another camera catches the action from the new angle just before he connects. This isn't the film, cut, edit technique that most films use to make their star look more adept than they are. This was simply placing multiple cameras so that you can catch the action from as many angles that would allow you to make a fluid fight scene. No behind the back, cut to close ups here. Masazuka has an incredible, but all too short standoff in the rain early in the film that has some cool camera work too. It zooms in and out kinetically and allows you to get right up on the action and zooms out just in time to see the broader picture.I mentioned before "ninja" was a more realistic look at the ninja, albeit realistic in a "no shadow melting" way. One thing I really liked was Masazuka's gear (seen on the cover of the DVD) which is basically modern ninja gear, including night vision visor, grapnel gun, and fire arms. Yes I said fire-arms. I didn't much care for it (if you're a ninja shouldn't the guns at least be silenced) but hey it works for the character as he really has no honor. Of course this sets up the traditional versus the modern fight at the end but hey it was still very cool to see. Though "Ninja" may be 80's inspired it did make some improvements to what in emulated. The day scenes were pretty sparse and short and not much action happened during them and was mostly indoors. They actually had night scenes, though they were brightly lit. And the choreography was greatOn the other side of things, the low budget diminished the scope of the film and really limited what could be done. The sets were obviously backlots, and being from NYC I could tell during the rooftop scenes that they had no idea where in the city they wanted this to take place, despite their labeling each place at the beginning of scenes. It seems like the whole film took place within a ten block radius. The chase scene in the middle of the movie starts in the exact same spot the climax of the movie happens. The dialogue was rather bad, and all supporting characters were cardboard. The female lead is also a student at the ninja school, and even bested Casey with a staff during practices, and yet she gets tossed around like a ragdoll. I mean yeah she gets a punch in here, and a kick in there, and is just dangerous wielding a crutch, but seriously she's just a damsel in distress. It's like she there for Casey to get angry about and whoop some ass. Lastly and most importantly are the plot issues. There are several that just made my head hurt, but the biggest was the introduction of an Illuminati like group, who seemed to have an endless number of hooded thugs to send after Casey. It was like a video game at some parts with these guys just coming out of the woodworks. How do they track this guy? They just always know exactly where to go.Plot aside I wasn't going into this looking for Oscar worthy performances and big budget awe. I went into this looking for something to take me back to the world of the Ninja just like when I was a kid. And I was not disappointed. Scott Adkins carries the torch that Michael Dudikof lit many years ago, and he carries it well. I'm hoping Hollywood notices this guy, as he'd be great for "Iron Fist" or the character of Roper in that "Enter The Dragon" remake I keep hearing about. So as long as you're just looking for some decent martial arts wrapped in a cheesy but yummy 80's candy shell "Ninja" is for you.

alexanderwaldrous

(2012-04-27 10:19:03)

Ninja

Personally don't get into a movie and complain about it after; letsleave the complaints to the bitter wives. In my belief for a low budgetmovie it was excellent. If you happen to disagree name six low budgetmovies to deliver such beautiful choreography despite budget inducedflaws. To criticise this is foolish, I new there was a high risk fordisappointment, but it delivered 100% on what it was supposed to be. Ifyou want a detailed plot with crafty dialogue, then read someShakespeare or go and watch fried green tomatoes because this film isnot for you. Action junkies are welcome. All in all if you approachthis movie to see some action your going to receive it. If you approachthis movie to see some ninja action it's there, there could be more ofninja presence in the film. In closing the movie moves forward, therearen't any unnecessary pauses in the flow of the story. Some elementsof the film are lacking and others have it's own strengths &weaknesses. The main plot is plausible - "Bitterness"

(2012-04-26 23:30:41)

A far inferior ninja movie

I made the mistake of watching 'Ninja Assassin' first and saw one of the most complete and best ninja movies ever. After watching 'Ninja,' I was supremely disappointed w/every facet of the movie: the so-called acting is atrocious, the story is pathetic and very lackluster and the best thing to do w/this movie, is to avoid it at all costs. Save your money and save your time, then watch the far superior 'Ninja Assassin.'

mohammeda

(2012-04-22 23:55:46)

unfortunately rating was wrong and un fair

I m sorry about this film .the rating B+ I thought very good film but unfortunately rating was wrong and this un fair to rate move in wrong specify .the good think in the film the S.V of the marital arts .director lucky to be with him .story week if not believing go ahead and enjoy it with pop corn.

EVOL666

(2012-04-22 11:29:56)

Fun Throw-Back To The '80s Ninja-Films With Some Modern Twists...

NINJA is not a ground-breaking, or even very good film for that matter.What it is-is an entertaining action-film that should prove to be funfor those of us who are old enough to remember and enjoy the '80sninja-films that came before it. The plot is nothing new or original-and goes like this: an American whowas orphaned in Japan is brought up as a ninja. When his Japanese'classmate' and nemesis dishonors the ninja-school...he is kicked outand of course turns to the 'dark side'. The honky is named the newninja-school leader, and is charged to protect their clan's ancientweapons. Of course this doesn't sit well with the Japanese bad-guy whofeels he should be the new leader...you probably see where this isgoing by now. Throw in a silly and unnecessary side-plot about somegroup called 'The Ring' that of course have world- domination typeplans, and a bit of love-interest between the white guy and his cuteJapanese classmate/side-kick...and you have all the makings of yourproto-typical ninja- film...If you're looking for something serious and meaningful, or evenoriginal-you will not find it in NINJA. Hell-even the title is generic.But what you will find is a decent, fast-paced action-film with lots ofchop-socky ass-kicking. Again-if you are a fan of the older films thattread much the same territory-I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy this onetoo. Personally-I found it to be more enjoyable than last year's NINJAASSASSIN-and would've rather seen this one in the theater...7.5/10  

(2012-04-20 19:29:58)

Expected ALOT more!

I am a big fan of Scott Adkins ever since I saw Undisputed 2 and 3 and I really expected a whole lot more from him and Isaac Florentine in this movie since both Undisputed movies were so badass! But this movie was sooooooo lame. The acting was terrible. The effects were terrible. The plot was stupid. And the little details were just dumb. Alot of the other bad reviews pretty much covers in detail as to why this movie sucks but man Isaac should've used Scott's talent in martial arts a WHOLE lot more than the POS fight scenes he was in. They were your basic jump, kick and bad guy falls down in agonizing pain. C'mon! And plus Scott's character was lame. That did no justice for him as an actor or a martial arts expert.

(2012-04-20 07:52:16)

Not as bad as Boondock Saints 2, but dog poop none-the-less

My friend rented this movie from Redbox, thinking that it was "Ninja Assassin," the ninja movie released last year to a wide audience. I've never seen "Ninja Assassin" and, until I saw "Ninja," I never had a desire to. Now I have to see "Ninja Assassin" like I have to brush my teeth after I vomit at the end of a long night of drinking. I sat down to "Ninja" with an open mind. It reminded me of my younger days, of going to the video store and seeing all those ninja movies from the 80's and longing to rent them but being unable as we had a Betamax. Those ninja movies weren't released on Betamax.Anyway, that was a quarter century ago. Watching "Ninja" is like stepping into a time machine and going back to the days of crappy martial arts movies that tried to ride the coattails of bigger releases. For every Bruce Lee there were half a dozen Bruce Li's or Bruce Le's. 2010's "Ninja" shamelessly attempts to ride "Ninja Assassin's" gravy train into the hearts and homes of Americans everywhere.Like all stupid ninja movies, this ninja movie is about an American who was orphaned at a young age and raised by a cadre of ninjas. Not only is this a very close approximation of the origin story of Snake Eyes of G.I. Joe fame, but this is the back story of a couple of dozen other fictional ninjas as well (apparently in the 1980s, Americans were not prepared to identify with a Japanese hero). Supposedly our present hero's dad was an alcoholic marine stationed in Okinawa. The hero's mother abandoned him and, like any rational and loving parent, entrusted his care to the ninjas. These aren't your run-of-the-mill assassins for hire ninjas though. No sir, these are 21st century ninjas. They've fully embraced feminism and Title 9, allowing ninjettes to train along side ninjas. Of course there's the old school ninja, the evil Japanese guy who is our hero's nemesis. The evil ninja resents a gaijin (foreigner) learning the secrets of the "beautiful art of death." During a routine sparing session, evil ninja grabs a real sword and attacks white ninja. The sensei of the ninjas tearfully expels evil ninja. What's the evil ninja to do other than swear revenge?There's also something about a secret society that's into world conquest and ancient, powerful, and mysterious ninja weapons, their ancient mystery being only exceeded by their power. Of course who better to entrust these weapons to then a skinny and wimpy Professor of Stuff at Generic University in New York City.The only reason this movie does not get a one is because it doesn't pretend to be anything more than what it is, a turd. It's a turd through and through. It doesn't dress itself up in expensive fineries and try to pass itself off as something useful like manure or compost. You, the viewer, will be treated to goofy martial arts scenes, stupid ninja outfits, a shirtless and ripped fitness model (and AMERICAN) ninja doing pointless katas with the oh so deadly and effective BO STAFF. I just ran out of toilet paper.I found it funny that "Ninja" is frequently purchased along with "The Boondock Saints 2." My guess is that a household that's able sit through both of these movies (I was not), let alone OWN both of these movies (ownership implies future viewership), is an illiterate household. The only time books "get read" around them parts is when their 3rd grade schoolmarms read "Charlotte's Web" to them.But this review isn't about "BDS2" as the fanboys call it. It's about NINJA!!!!HEIIIII YAH! (generic karate sound)

(2012-04-15 23:07:22)

excellent training/weapon demo sequences

This review is from: Ninja (DVD) Yeah, the acting is what you would expect for a Martial Arts movie but it is nice that they use very highly skilled martial artists first, acting, comes in second, here! I liked it! I was entertained! Not quite as violent as Ninja Assassin (spelling) but I liked it regardless!

aj_ajc_aj

(2012-04-15 14:36:19)

This movie totally sucked!

I hated it! i rented it from blockbuster because it looked like it wasgoing to be a good movie but oh my lord! IT Wasn't'T! First the scriptwas sooooo cheesy. And another thing, i don't like when the put whitedudes in the place of what should be a Japanese woman or man. As youcan see the Japanese girl barely fought she practically sucked, but thewhite dude was like the best fighter in the whole damn school. GET AGRIP! Crouching Tiger is a martial arts movie, House of flying Daggersis a martial arts movie. This is NOT a martial arts movie, and franklyit was stupid and unthought of. I just finished watching Blood: TheLast Vampire and it got negative reviews and i see this with positivereviews? What kind of stuff is that? This gives martial arts films abad name, sorry but it does

(2012-04-13 23:22:23)

Great Movie

This review is from: Ninja (Amazon Instant Video) First of all I want to say this movie was super awesome!I don't care about technical details, I watched the movie and loved everything about it.I definitely will watch it again sometime soon... 5 stars because I can't find anything I don't like in it ;)

(2012-04-13 22:05:28)

not bad

This review is from: Ninja [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) it was a good movie and the action scences were great, but the story could have used more work.

(2012-04-10 02:44:15)

It's good

This review is from: Ninja (Amazon Instant Video) Even though this is a B-rated movie, the action was very good. If you're into action and ninja movies, this is the one to have.

(2012-04-09 12:29:38)

great ninja movie

This review is for the Blu ray version for Ninja. This movie is great it shows how training to become a ninja is very physical and mental. one must be at peace with both mind and spirit. A ninja has to be very discipline. A rouge ninja gets kicked out of his ninja clan's home he goes on a killing spee killing people out of revenge. Blood and gore was done very well not over done. sound quality was great. fight scenes were plentiful for anyone who enjoys watching movies for fighting. RENT!! BUY!!! THIS MOVIE YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!!!

(2012-04-08 00:42:24)

Such a cool movie.

I didn't know what to expect when I started to watch this movie. I mean, a movie called ninja. I was hoping it was not all in subtitles. I was lucky and it was not. There were some parts with sub titles. But don't worry. They did not speed by so fast that someone couldn't read them. The movie is about a man who is in a school for martial arts. After his dad died and his mom left him at this school when he was a child, he stayed in the school. Time comes to choose a new head in the school. Another man attending the school is jealous. During a spar he gets a real sword and tries to kill the man. He is banned from ever coming back to the school. Then, he comes back. There is a sword and a special box. The box has items in it that are rare and mean a lot to the people who went to the school. The man who tried to kill the other student wants the box. The young man who was almost killed is sent to protect the box. That's the story. It is cheesy and the acting is just ok. But, the reason that I will be buying this when it is available is the fighting. WOW! This was some of the best and coolest fighting I have ever seen in a movie. I mean scenes that have a man cut someone with a sword and blood just squirts all over the place. Don't worry though, it is not super bloody and meant to make you sick. It almost seems real when you are watching. For an actor I have never heard of, the man sure can fight. I will be happy to add this movie to my collection and even happier to see the main actor in more movies. For any fans of martial arts movies, this is a must see!

b-molloy

(2012-04-07 19:59:21)

It was Quite Good

Another commentator has said it was good but he has a bit picky.Quite a good, kick ass v bad guy, girl survives, guess the rest. I liketechnique and I was impressed that he was quite skilled AND the badguys stayed down when it looked liked you had hit them BAD, as itappeared. Apparently you can't register a comment on a movie unless youhave 10 lines. This type of decadence lead to a many a company like(IMDB) going bad and defrauding companies and leading to the unemployedsending=ding a lot of bull222s22t o sites that they shouldn't't't't;t.why do i bother well i enjoyed the movie and i like "Blood" and "Azumi"and "Underworld" and "Dune". "Asumi " has 2 movies and I want a 3rd hasanyone seen it yet?

cattrelc

(2012-04-07 07:31:26)

just plain...and bad...

There is really nothing positive to say about this movie. I bought iton blu ray as part of a 5 for 20$ deal @ blockbuster. I would just sellit somewhere but i wouldn't want to subject anyone else to thisnonsense. I have seen martial arts films w/a white guy as the lead thatwere not horrible (not many, but they are out there...Last Samurai forexample) but this is not one of them. Not one actor was decent and notone scene was worth while. My wife and I were ESPECIALLY annoyed at thefemale lead who kept getting beat up. Seriously, save yourself 1.5hours of your life and watch anything other than this junk. It isn'toften (in fact, this is the first time) that I would give a movie 1star but this truly deserves it!

Wizard-8

(2012-04-06 14:25:36)

A worthy addition to the genre

I have been wanting to see a new ninja movie (that's good) for a longtime, and I was impatiently waiting for this one to be released, seeingthat it's a Nu Image/Millennium film (they make above averagedirect-to-DVD movies) and that it was to be directed by action expertIsaac Florentine. And I was overall satisfied. Granted, I could listsome flaws, such as the fact the Boaz Davidson screenplay containselements that will be familiar to those who have seen other ninjamovies in the past, and it has the hero on several occasions draggingthe female lead behind him despite the fact she's an accomplishedfighter like him. But there's a lot more to like. The movie is slicklymade, well-photographed and lit, and the chosen Bulgarian locationsmanage to pass off as New York (believe it or not!) The fight scenesare pretty brutal and exciting, resulting in some great splatter(though I wish the blood and gore had not been mostly done with CGI).Yes, this movie is far from great art, but if you are looking for ninjaaction, this movie delivers.