Rain is a nice 'Ninja Assassin'

Nov 24th, 2009
by dino-ray

When I meet with Rain, he is all smiles. You would never think that this guy would be the lead in Ninja Assassin, a gory, slice and dice joyride produced by Andy and Larry Wachowski (the Matrix trilogy) and directed by James McTeigue (V for Vendetta).

As I sit down and introduce myself, he is very conversational.

"Hi!" he says full of energy. "Do you live here?"

"Yes," I answer. "But I am Filipino."

For some reason, I felt the need to say that – I think it was because we were both Asian.

"Ah," he smiles. "I love the Philippines. Cebu is my favorite island!"

He certainly is a charmer.

Wearing blazer, slacks and a concert T shirt, Rain (real name Jung Ji Hoon) is the epitome of a pop star. Actually, he is a pop star. In Korea, he is the equivalent of a Justin Timberlake. He dances, sings and acts.

Having been in numerous Korean films including Chan-wook Park's I'm a Cyborg, but that's OK (which was his very first feature film), America first saw him in the live action film adaptation of Speed Racer, another Wachowski Brothers project. When they saw what he was capable of on set, the brothers called Joel Silver (one of the producers of Ninja Assassin) and were raving about him – and that’s when they started planning the movie.

Ever since his role in Speed Racer, he has been straddling crossover territory. But for Rain, he has always had his eyes set on being in the movies.

"When I was young, I wanted to be a Hollywood star," he says. "That was my dream – and dreams come true. I love singing and I acting so I concentrate on both. I enjoy it."

However, Rain holds a much heftier role in his newest project – a lead role to be exact. He plays Raizo, a man who was kidnapped as a child and trained to be an assassin by the Ozunu Clan at a hardcore ninja boot camp. Through training, he becomes one of the most badass assassins out there. But after the merciless execution of one of his friends, he escapes from the grasp of the clan and vanishes with revenge pulsing through his blood.

None of this matches up with the kindness of Rain. His boyish good looks and Converse sneakers tell a different story- but he had fun with the cinematic bloody amputation fest of Ninja Assasin and though that Raizo was way cooler and sexier than Taejo of Speed Racer.

"When I first saw the script – it was a new style," says Rain. "The Wachowskis were producing and James (McTeigue) was directing. They have amazing abilities and powerful imaginations. How could I say no?"

For 8 months, Rain trained 5 days a week and 8 hours a day to embody the role of the brooding and vengeful Raizo. The junk food lover lived on a diet of chicken and vegetables to maintain that super-cut body which many ladies will swoon over when watching the movie – even if it is covered in blood and lacerations half the time.

In addition to learning tae kwon do, tai chi, kung fu and kickboxing, he trained to use various pieces of weaponry including swords, shuriken and his character's favorite killing instrument: the chain.

The chain is – well – a long chain with a hooked dagger at the end; suitable for mutilating ninjas. One can only imagine what damage this could do if used properly. It took Rain 8 months to become a master of the chain.

"It was so hard," he laughs. "When I was doing stunt with chain, I hurt myself all the time – but I got to keep the chain after we were done with the movie."

In terms of singing and dancing, Rain's role model is Michael Jackson. When it comes to movies, he admires martial artists/actors like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, but his go-to guy is Al Pacino.

Rain says he's been so grateful for his work in the US. He is currently reading a couple of scripts and has loved working with the Wachowskis and with McTeigue. He hopes that the ball continues to roll in his favor.

"I want to challenge myself to see my limits. I'll try my best and hopefully there is a better future ahead."

Of course, he says all of this with a smile.

Ninja Assassin opens nationwide on November 25

Source: http://blog.dinoray.com/2009/11/24/rain-is-a-nice-ninja-assassin/