The mid-1980s were an odd time for martial arts cinema, which was declining in Hong Kong but thriving in the U.S.

Not every swing at the plate is going to be a homerun, but at least with this ninja action B-movie, he helped provide the re-writes that have ensured it will be a cult classic for years to come.

The '80s were not only dominated by ninja movies, but also ninja-themed gaming ... In the decades since, we've seen some attempts at modernizing classic formulas -- like Mark of the Ninja being ...