Regarding the first movie, Ninja Assassin, as I told Ate Dee, it had all the elements of a great film, although even all those couldn’t turn it into one. In fact, it’s one of those movies you can play while playing minesweeper. Yep, it’s that forgettable.
Synopsis: Mika Coretti (Naomi Campbell) is a Europol forensic researcher obsessed with figuring out the truth behind years’ worth of Ninja legends. While she investigates recent newsworthy assassinations, a rogue Ninja named Raizo (Rain) is roaming Berlin free, trying to find people who will help him take down his old clan, the Ozunu. As Mika’s leads get hotter and more dangerous, she attracts the attention of Raizo – not to mention, the eye of the Ninja clan he has betrayed.
Cinematography-wise, it looked too fake, from its too-red blood down to its very fake looking landscapes and gadgets. Acting was good, for a film that requires very little from its actors, and music was all right – not too much, in fact, which was good. The story wasn’t shallow either; perhaps a bit underdeveloped, but passable, if not predictable. The highs include Rain’s voice and English (which is very smooth) and Naomi Campbell’s facial expressions - especially during the scene where she’s driving a car to get away from some Ninjas on her trail. Oh, and yes, the climactic sword-slash scene was wonderful – I swear I will someday marry a man who will have Sho Kosugi’s physique even at the age of 60. The only low I can think of is its very poor plot development; everything seemed to happen in a blur. Or maybe that’s because I was playing Minesweeper while watching it?
For me though, Ninja Assassin redeemed itself towards the end. I love the embedded significance of the scene where Raizo climbs the wall of his old home. Poignant ending for a forgettable film.
Regarding the second movie (because yes, the irresponsible girl watched two), Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete, I found it even worse than Ninja Assassin because it was thirty minutes longer and admittedly less engaging – although maybe the lack of subtitles made being attentive extra difficult.
Synopsis: (From DBD case) Continuing the story line based on the hit Playstation game Final Fantasy VII, two years have passed and the ruins of Midgar stands as a testament to the sacrifices made in order to bring peace.
However, the world will soon face a new menace. A mysterious illness is spreading fast. Old enemies are astir. And Cloud, who walked away from the life of a hero to live in solitude, must step forward yet again.As expected of a first timer to a Final Fantasy movie, the art blew me away. The landscapes, in contrast to those of Ninja Assassin, were breathtaking, and the story was good, too. Acting wise… er, I can’t really say anything because you can make CG characters play their parts perfectly, with your only obstacle to proper expression being technical limitations. But yes, the characters played their roles well – although it slightly bothered me the way the kids nodded so much; even Tifa’s movements were distracting.
Music was not bad, not good, nothing spectacular; dubbing was good, as expected. The lows include a REALLY dragging, complicated storyline. You don’t have to be an FF VII fan to understand the plot, but seriously, it’s not your usual “the world is facing a major crisis and So-and-So is the only one who can prevent mankind’s demise” story. In fact, for three fourths of the film, I was confused regarding “Mother’s” identity. And the fact that almost half the whole film was composed mainly of fight scenes featuring dragon-like creatures that fell from the high heavens did not make me happy at all. Some of the highs were Rufus (the President of Shinra, if I’m not mistaken?) and that pretty little girl who later on becomes Denzel’s friend. Oh, and yes, the ART. The ART saves the whole film. Square Enix rocks!
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