Ninja Assassin is a 2009 neo-noir martial arts film directed by James McTeigue, from a screenplay by Matthew Sand and J. Michael Straczynski. It stars Rain as a disillusioned assassin from a modern-day ninja clan, looking for retribution against his former mentor, played by Sho Kosugi. The cast also features Naomie Harris, Ben Miles, and Rick Yune. The film was produced by The Wachowskis, Joel Silver and Grant Hill under Legendary Pictures, Dark Castle Entertainment and Silver Pictures. It was distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, and premiered in theaters across the United States on November 25, 2009. It received generally negative reviews from critics, but was a moderate commercial success.

Plot

The Ozunu Clan, led by the ruthless Lord Ozunu, trains orphans from around the world to become the ultimate ninja assassins to offer assassin services to rich clients. The clan charges 100 pounds worth of gold for their services and always kills any witnesses in the vicinity of their target. Raizo is one of the orphans. The Ozunu Clan's training is extremely brutal, especially for Raizo, since he is to be the next successor of the clan. The only kindness he ever feels is from a young kunoichi named Kiriko, with whom he eventually develops a romantic bond. As time goes by, Kiriko becomes disenchanted with the Ozunu's routine and decides to abandon it. One rainy night, Kiriko climbs a wall to escape and encourages Raizo to join her, but he chooses to stay. Branded as a traitor, Kiriko is captured and later executed in front of Raizo by their elder ninja brother, Takeshi, who impales her through the heart.