How Real Was "Ninja Assassin"?
Some friends asked me what I thought of the movie Ninja Assassin. “So how real was it?” some asked.
“Real? What can I say? It was a real movie, and it was about ninja assassins,” was all I could reply.
“No, I mean is that what ninjutsu really looks like? How real was the stuff in the movie?”
What am I supposed to say? Would you ask the CEO of Toys R Us how “real” he thinks the Nutcracker Ballet is in terms of its depiction of the way toys come alive at night and dance around under Christmas trees? What could he say?
“Yes, but, you were trained in ninjutsu in the 1970s, and you saw all the 1980s ninja movies, so how real was it?”
Well what did YOU think when you watched the movie Ninja Assassin?
Is it possible that a very old ninja tradition could become corrupted to the point where it no longer lived up to its original ideals and became something grotesque? Could that be real?
Is it possible that one of the very best students could become so disappointed with the corruption that he felt compelled to leave as a statement against the degeneration of the tradition? Could that be real?
Is it possible that the other students would feel so threatened by – and perhaps even envious of – the moral stand of the rebel, that they all banded together to eliminate the rebel lest their own degeneracy be exposed? Could that be real?
Is it possible that the students could be so blinded by their resentment of the rebel that they foolishly stuck with outmoded training that had them fighting modern assaults with antiquated defenses? Could that be real?
Is it possible that because the art was allowed to pass into the hands of degenerate students, conventional fighters in the world would be so busy snickering and eye-rolling and ridiculing “ninjuhz” that they would not recognize what an incredible martial art it was and would not appreciate the power for good that the rebel was trying to offer them? Could that be real?
How real was Ninja Assassin?
I don’t know what to say. What do you think? Real, or totally impossible?
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:33 am
I found the many decapitations-by-shuriken to be beyond belief and the fighting techniques were too flashy, acrobatic, etc. I also thought the spiritual aspects were downplayed too much, only given some voice by the protagonist, but in a rudimentary way. This could be due to what An-shu has said: that he was trained in a degenerate and morally corrupt form of ninjutsu, so the spiritual roots were also rotted, corrupted.
December 2nd, 2009 at 7:36 am
I’m still waiting for a movie that captures the heart of true ninpo taijutsu, genuine spiritual transformation, and driven by a pure motivation of compassionate service to others. The closest we’ve gotten was the TV show Kung Fu, which hasn’t been successfully replicated or improved on.
December 3rd, 2009 at 5:00 pm
The movie was completely unrealistic, and too flashy and acrobatic to be considered Real Ninjutsu, which is common in most Ninja movies the art is sacrificed for the sake of entertainment value. I was actually waiting for AnShu to confirm what I was thinking about the movie. Alot of Hollywood Ninja movies have little or nothing to do with how Authentic Ninjutsu is practiced, and what it really stands for ;And its a shame a lot of people are misinformed and by how hollywood depicts the Ninja out of its lack of knowledge People dismiss the art as people running around in black clothes ruthlessly murdering people, and disapearing. It’s a shame people don’t get too see the value of ninjutsu because of the ignorant view of hollywood movie makers that gets perpuated in all these so called Ninja Movies
December 3rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm
I was afraid they would ruin it, and they did. All of the sensational stunts and vampire-movie like blood letting aside…the film showed a few glimmers of hope and then spoiled it soon after with…you guessed it, more blood letting. Rains character at times showed deep feelings and emotional turbulance. The stealth special effects were an unexpected treat. However, Sho Kosugis character was fun to hate but completely under developed as far as motive goes. Now The idea that scores and scores of “Ninjas” keep replenishing themselves in fights that looked like battles from Braveheart was completely insane. And of course as An-Shu and the others have already sited…nothing like real Ninjutsu, except for maybe the time when the girl assassin student tried to convince Rain that he did have a heart while she was setting the bonsais free.
December 3rd, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Stephen, this is an interesting post- be careful, or you’ll actually make people think out here…!
(I have not seen this movie, and based on the ads/promos I’ve seen, I will not see it- it just seems silly.)
You have had a “tough row to hoe” as my grandfather would say – a complex path to navigate- but to OUR benefit, so thank you. Hopefully the information that you do and will pass on can be absorbed, used, and passed on again, all in an appropriate fashion.
It is the question of, “What do I do with the seed given to ME?” that each of us have to answer… Also, “HOW will I do what I do with it?” These are very complex questions, that none of us came in thinking about when we started at this!
You have been one of the first that we, a western audience have had the opportunity to see answer these questions – and of course your students (our teachers).
It is unfortunate that people don’t let you be real sometimes- don’t let you have the opportunity to be human- but this is (sort of) the price of fame… You are exposed… especially with the internet (sigh) it is very easy for people to “talk trash” from the relative safety of anonymity… Frustrating.
My teacher respects you so much that I can’t help but respect you… and there is no question in my mind that he’s the most – how can I put this… “effective” (!?!) – person I know.
December 4th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Isn´t it interesting how content can be transferred by “not” talking about it?
Saluting you!
Wintoshi
December 4th, 2009 at 10:58 pm
The movie was “Bread and Circus” – bloody action but out of logical reality.
The only movie I have ever seen as close to reality (for “Ninja” movie) is “The Last Ninja”.
Do you remember it?
December 5th, 2009 at 4:10 am
Ninjutsu needs a movie like ‘Kuro Obi’ so that it has the effect on the art and the perception of the art that Kuro Obi had for Karate. Best!
December 5th, 2009 at 4:36 am
I’m sorry about the intrusion upon your website. I’m sorry
about my failed attempts at adopting your mindset.
Yes, they are failed attempts. If they offended. . . well, I will
keep my guard up. No need for you to. I’ll keep mine up though.
I loved wrestling and boxing as a kid. As for being a Ninja, it is almost 2010. Technology has rendered the arts virtually obsolete. I say this having been robbed 3 times by a stun-gun. I’ve been robbed by a hand-gun enough times that I probably won’t piss my pants anymore.
If I could piss my pants and have the money back, that would be great.
Good luck with the Ninja thing.
December 5th, 2009 at 5:58 am
The movie is just as it should be. Hollywood has failed to get it right in the scope of historical accuracies; “shocker”.
Hollywood never has showed ninjutsu in its true scope and never will. Until then, we choose to watch them or not.
Mr. Hayes, in reference to your article… ouch! lol
Hmmm, I guess it could be possible,
December 5th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
The movie, in my opinion was great! I loved the Hollywood special effects and the the fight coriography was definitely a lot of martial arts blended in together. I didn’t see a lot of Ninjutsu movements just because the art is simple, effective and not always so flashy. So a Ninja movie is never going to reflect the true art or its beautifull history and culture at least not in this country- I agree whole heartedly at what An-Shu pointed out. There are defenitely some loop holes in the concept of the Family clan. I dont think that the ruthless teacher would have had that much support and power acting the way he did. He definitely would not have the support of all his clan unwaiveringly like so either. Great movie, Not real is my verdict.
… and ohh yeah … Jeffrey, I can see why you have been robbed multiple times on the street, That mouth can be your worst enemy! Before you learn any self defense you need to learn the humbling lesson of silence and respect. If you think that ninja are an obsolete bunch of tight wearing assassins then close your eyes and let your narrow minded view take you more and more twoard the innerside of your little boxed mind
December 6th, 2009 at 3:47 am
It`s a movie. If it was not flashy or have blood, sex shurikens flying like machine gun bullets, then who would watch it. The people who make movies want to make money. Of course its not real. All the movies from the 80`s were great to watch. Was it real Ninjutsu ? Of course not. Those that have studied the real art knows this. We do not have to convince the public. They will always believe the negatives and think that it is useless in todays world. Those that study and stay with it have made it their life style. Others have come and gone. Most that have gone , were not meant to be here. This style will weed out the ones who are not meant to be here.
I think we spend to much time in the entertainment world and lose sight of whats real. I owned a 69 Dodge Charger , but it did not mean that I could jump cars, houses, trains , planes and tall buildings because one on tv could. Impossible, yes, but still entertaining none the less when your a young child. The same goes for the martial arts. When people come to study and realize that it is hard work and a slow process and that when you snap your fingers and you do not disapper then they are disapointed and move on. We do not want them anyhow. Those that stay are meant to.
An-Shu answered the question very accuratly. Life is difficult at times, then their are those that make it more so. It`s a movie people, meant to entertain you. If you went to see this movie and hoped it would portray real Ninjutsu, then you must not have seen the commercial for it. If you went because it looked like a good kick ass movie then great. Anything else, then I`m sure you were unhappy.
An-Shu, you have been a great inspiration to me since the early 80`s and I want to take the time to Thank You. Keep up the great work that you and your wife do. Ed
December 7th, 2009 at 12:26 am
As far as the Ninja Assassin movie; enjoy it for what it is, entertainment.
December 7th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I feel I should make a comment here, being a stage combat professional, but I hesitate to join this particular conversation.
Ah well, too late.
The art of stage combat (stunt fighting) and the martial arts are different animals. Being trained in one can be a good complement to the other, but they do completely different things. They’re made for different purposes. As such, they should not be compared. A martial artist shouldn’t “diss” a movie for being unrealistic any more than a fight director should criticize a real self-defense move as not being cool-looking enough. The comparison is moot.
For two well-written articles on the “martial arts/theatrical combat dichotomy” see:
http://www.thearma.org/essays/twain.htm
and
http://bonzuko.com/?p=46
December 8th, 2009 at 10:53 am
I thought this would come up, and I did leave a comment on the facebook page as well. It’s a good action movie. I can’t imagine it as anything more or less than that. Very wushu movie. CG ninja weapons. But still a good ride in the vein of a hundred other movies just like it. I just hope this doesn’t cause a lot of people to show up at dojo trying to learn how to rip someone’s face off with a kusari gama. But maybe some very nice people will decide to stay and train, and that would be a great bonus from the movie.
Anyone seen the Shinobi movie? A ninja love story does get my attention. You don’t see that every day.
December 8th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
I have not seen the movie and don’t care to. The true essence of Ninjutsu will never be portrayed in movies. It is something that we must personally experience. Never feel as if you have to justify our art to anyone based on their opinion of what they see in movies. Be true to yourselves and strive to continually grow spiritually, mentally, and physically. Through our everyday actions we can inform people of the true essence.
December 9th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Could it be that this post is nothing more than a clever dig at the Bujinkan?
As for the movie, well, it seems to be little more than a video game inspired guilt-trip – avenge this, honour that, remember this, never forget that…
December 9th, 2009 at 11:30 pm
Utterly real. (I’m taking for granted you’re not asking about the CGI)
As to the blood and gore–yeah, there could have been less. But that didn’t seem to be the movie’s basis. I chalk the violence up as poetic license. It was just too in-credible to take seriously, like Nutcracker’s parade of dancing dolls.
The movie’s demonstration of ninpo itself was elegant, and real. The main character’s evolution in purpose was authentic, soulful and touching in a simple, raw way. How many of us have had our beliefs challenged like that? How many of us have exercised that kind of internal courage? I found it to be very inspiring.
I’m personally glad the movie didn’t define the villain’s motive. Corruption can take a variety of forms, and isn’t limited to a specific Person X or Situation Y. I was glad the movie sacrificed a more textured villain for the sake of a more universal message. Just a matter of my personal taste.
As to the inaccurate recreation of mechanical technique–that seemed beside the point of the movie. For what it’s worth… well, I guess the villains could have bent their knees more. I’m sticking with Quest DVDs for instruction in mechanical technique.
December 10th, 2009 at 8:46 am
Loved the movie! Of course non of it was accurate, but I never expected it to be, I also loved red shadow, a cute movie, and shinobi heart under blade (I think that was the title) great movies but obviously not accurate. But that’s what makes it entertaining and fantasy. Just my two cents. Also I have a question for stephen hayes or one of his instructors that I think is inappropriate to voice in an open forum but I can’t seem to locate a “contact us” link or email, if someone could point me in the right direction I’d greatly appreciate it, thanks. -Justin
[Editor - You can send an email to An-shu Stephen K. Hayes and his Hombu staff at skhquest@skhquest.com. Please be aware that his travel schedule often makes it difficult for a right-away reply.]
December 10th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I’d like to make myself a little more clear here. As others have said, you shouldnt have gone to this expecting to see real Ninjutsu. I certainly did not, and of course I realized I was going to see a “popcorn” movie with more flash than substance. That being said, as far as an action flick goes, I still think they ruined it. Entertainment or not, for me to enjoy it I would still like it to have at least a shred of credibility and this movie did not. It eventually became tiresome to watch and even though I didnt expect them to portray anything close to a believable version of Ninjas, I would have prefered them to not go the other way and get stupid about it. I’m sorry folks, I guess I demand a little more intelligence behind my entertainment.
December 11th, 2009 at 11:43 pm
But film fighting is so different from real fighting. It’s completely different. Even a fight that’s supposed to show a style is not going to look “authentic” at all no matter what. This is the main idea I keep struggling to express to both my stage combat and real martial arts students. It’s a completely different monster.
December 13th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Interesting and insightful commentary by Mr. Hayes!
-B.
December 14th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Kind of sad that we are asking Stephen Hayes for his verdict on
an action film. Was it ninja enough? is that real? could that happen?
People are still curious about the origins of the ninja.
My question is then why doesn’t someone get a screenplay up that is authentic, a film that will answer and satisfy all the curious ninja
out there.
If some venture capitalists can make bucket loads of cash from
action style ninja flicks, imagine what a gritty hard hitting snapshot of Japan with Ninja’s might make.
My Hayes feeling directorial?
Regards
Ron
December 15th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Hey, I’m ready to start production on the ultra-real ultra-entertaining ultra-iconic and ultra-profitable ninja movie. I have the story written. I have the locations all set. We just need a screenwriter to get the lines down for the actors.
And, oh, yeah… I guess we will need a few of those financial angels, too.
Let me know when you’re ready, adventurous movie-makers of the world!
Stephen K. Hayes
December 16th, 2009 at 10:15 am
What is the plot of your movie Mr Hayes?
December 16th, 2009 at 11:49 am
I’ll write the script.
December 16th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
You want a real Ninja movie? How about a story about an idealistic young man who runs off to Japan in his youth and against all odds ends up training with the last authentic Grandmaster of an ancient Ninja art? We could even throw in a little romance for the ladies, and have him meet and marry a beautiful young Japanese woman while he’s there!
Seriously, why hasn’t *that* movie been made?
December 17th, 2009 at 9:59 am
An associate sent me this amusing link to a “Ninja Assassin” video review:
http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/escape-to-the-movies/1155-Ninja-Assassin
Hey, what more can you expect?
- Stephen K. Hayes
December 17th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
An-Shu…I think an idea has been proffered. What a film it would make. Of course you are humble, but think of the good it would do. A real film about a real western student discovering real Ninjutsu! Don’t let the hate-mongers put this flame out. You are the true story.
December 23rd, 2009 at 11:08 am
WOW I have to hand it to you. I didn’t realize just how great of a writer you truly are! It takes a master with a real degree such as your own to post more innuendo then conceivably possible in one blog then anyone else ever has! YOU ROCK!
January 4th, 2010 at 1:41 am
LOL I love the video review! Excellent!!!
January 11th, 2010 at 3:06 pm
I hope you get lots of your real students to act in your movie Mr. Hayes! I would love too!
January 23rd, 2010 at 9:10 am
I have not seen the movie in question YET. However, I do plan on it. Either the movie is successful or not, It is what it is “entertainment”. To all of us who have had the chance to learn what truly ninpo is; We understand its greater value,of how the mind will interpret what the individual has chosen to believe. Every instance of life in the daily grind,has its inspirational moments, just as a movie can have an idea to exchange. Just as this post was created by a director, whos script is being played out through the posting of an idea with ties to an emotion. Have a Blessed Day….. Mr. Hayes
and SHUKRAN…..
January 27th, 2010 at 1:54 am
Have you ever considered adding more videos to your blog posts to keep the readers more entertained? I mean I just read through the entire article of yours and it was quite good but since I’m more of a visual learner
January 29th, 2010 at 11:38 am
It was as real as the “flying moves” in the Chinese martial arts movies.
The ninja were real, deadly and misportrayed in almost every sense.
That said, I’d not have liked to be on their bad side.
February 2nd, 2010 at 12:17 am
I would hate to be on their ‘good’ side.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
I say movies are for entertainment, documentaries are for knowledge.
did you watch to be entertained or enlightened?