Better than the first film in EVERY way!

Redemption. That’s the best word to describe what this film is for Florentine, Adkins, and the same people who were also responsible for the hugely disappointing and lame 2009 film NINJA, which was a silly, goofy, badly written, extremely poorly acted, live-action fantasy/sci-fi cartoon. They said they wanted to make up for the mistakes they made with the first film, and boy did they ever! It’s not a perfect film, but the fight choreography, action, acting, story, and overall look and tone is infinitely superior to the first film. The first film was a kid’s movie with sci-fi/superhero looking ninja suits (complete with wings!), special effects, and lame cartoony villains. This film is an intense, kick-ass, straightforward, no-nonsense, martial arts revenge film for the grown-ups. The two films are night and day, so if you haven't seen the first one and you prefer realistic old-school martial arts over 21st century fantasy stuff, don't waste your time watching it just because you think you need to see it before seeing this film (you don't). NINJA: SHADOW OF A TEAR stands on its own and apart from a couple of the character's names and relationships thankfully bears no resemblance to its predecessor.