Teen ninja protégé Raizo (Joon Lee) confesses to the love of his life, fellow student Kiriko (Anna Sawai), "I have no heart…" in "Ninja Assassin". Raizo has sacrificed all to transform himself into the perfect weapon. His Sensei Ozunu (the great Sho Kosugi) reminds the grown Raizo (charismatic Rain), the orphan he trained as a son, "Never forget who you are." The Way of the Ninja is merciless and unforgiving, and Kiriko's life is forfeit. Raizo, now renegade, seeks only vengeance upon the Ozunu Clan. The perfect assassin must now become benevolent protector and avenging angel? Raizo discovers who he really is.

This is the paradox of Director James McTeigue's bloody and stylish "Ninja Assassin". Although the story by Matthew Sand and J. Michael Straczynski glosses upon this internal conflict in a standard issue vengeance tale, the spectacular bloody mayhem, and Rain's cool presence overcome much of the routine narrative exercise. "Ninja Assassin" does not always make sense, but it is captivating to watch. Whether it is blindfolded Raizo wielding his chain and blade against sword wielding rival Takeshi or Raizo fighting to the death in a burning clan compound, the movie is engrossing.

Rain as Raizo has a commanding screen presence. I don't think Rain is a trained martial artist. However, he is a trained dancer, handsome with a shredded body. Working with martial arts choreographer Chad Stahelski (student of Dan Inosanto), Rain generates a graceful deadly fighting style. McTeigue's quick cut editing may mask some of the martial arts precision, or may be this is just his kinetic visual style. The sword fighting is more kung fu than bushido, but the effect is slick and powerful. Martial arts master Kosugi as Ozunu displays the more traditional katana technique in the climactic duel with Raizo. "Ninja Assassin" has visually stunning and bloody martial arts fighting scenes.

Set in Berlin, Europol Agent Mika Coretti (intrepid and spirited Naomie Harris) believes that the recent series of brutal political assassinations are the work of a mythical Ninja Clan. Her boss Maslow (solid Ben Miles) is reluctant to engage Mika's theory; however, he too discerns a shadowy conspiracy. When Mika get too close to uncovering the Ozunu Clan, Takeshi (strong and malevolent Rick Yune) and his ninja seek to kill her. Raizo (Rain) is forced to protect Mika, who inadvertently interferes in Raizo's revenge and his deadly score to settle with Takeshi.

Raizo is now compelled to protect Mika with his life. During the Ninja attack at Europol Headquarters, he tells Mika, "They won't stop until you're dead." Mika finally gets that Raizo is the only one who can save her. Aside from some trite attempts at skewed martial arts wisdom about pain and vanquishing weakness, "Ninja Assassin" is a decent hero story. Raizo is sympathetic in his transformation. Trained to be the perfect shadowy assassin, one must know that he is not really a good guy. Rain as Raizo is compelling in this paradox. Raizo's vengeance is very human, but as noble protector he becomes hero.

"Ninja Assassin" ultimately works despite itself. Director McTeigue brilliantly avoids tripping over himself by allowing the visceral action to morph and evolve. And Raizo is not some invincible cartoon—he is brutally bloodied in his horrendous battles. "Ninja Assassin" is thoroughly engrossing escapist fare.