The standout feature of Raizo’s arsenal is the kusarigama —a traditional Japanese weapon consisting of a double-edged blade attached to a long metal chain. The film treats the chain-blade not just as a weapon, but as an extension of Raizo's body. The weapon whirls through the air, slicing through darkness, severing limbs, and pinning enemies to walls. The sound design of the whipping chain combined with the fluid, sweeping camera movements creates an almost hypnotic rhythm during combat.
To understand why the action in Ninja Assassin hits with such distinct force, you have to look at the creative team behind the camera. Fresh off their work on The Matrix trilogy and V for Vendetta , the Wachowskis brought their signature cyberpunk-adjacent, comic-book-inspired visual flair to traditional martial arts folklore. ninja assassin 2009 top