Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Extremely bloody, but it will entertain mature action fans.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ninja Assassin
What's the Story?
For centuries, the so-called "nine clans" have taken orphaned children and trained them to be ninjas, with the power to hide in the shadows and follow their targets by scent alone. The ninjas are then sold to world governments to be used as assassins. Raizo (South Korean pop star Rain) escapes and decides to bring down the entire organization, especially his cruel, former sensei Lord Ozunu (Sho Kosugi). Meanwhile, Europol agent Ryan Maslow (Ben Miles) and researcher Mika Coretti (Naomie Harris) stumble upon the conspiracy and find themselves in the middle of a war between Raizo and an army of angry, evil ninjas. Lots of blood and flying body parts follow.
Is It Any Good?
As directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) and produced by the Wachowski Brothers (The Matrix), NINJA ASSASSIN is of a generally higher quality than the typical "ninja" martial arts movie. It's slick and fast-paced with some gorgeous set pieces and choreography, as well as characters who more or less behave as if they know what they're doing. Rain gives a fairly one-note, brooding performance, but Miles and Harris help make up for it.
The movie is extremely and self-consciously violent and gory, although in a comic book/fantasy way that will probably inspire more laughter than cringing. Moreover, most of the bloody hackings and severings are accomplished via CGI, and none of it actually looks or feels too real. The larger plot arc has a few holes and leaves a bit to be desired, but individual moments can be ridiculously exhilarating.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
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 is Raizo's motivation? Is it personal revenge, or is 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?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 25, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : March 16, 2010
- Cast : Ben Miles , Naomie Harris , Rain
- Director : James McTeigue
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody stylized violence throughout, and language
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate