American Ninja (1985) is an action-packed martial arts film that became a cult classic. Directed by Sam Firstenberg, it follows the story of an enigmatic soldier who uncovers a dangerous conspiracy and uses his extraordinary ninja skills to fight back.
The film centers on Joe Armstrong (Michael Dudikoff), a quiet and mysterious young man serving in the U.S. Army in the Philippines. During an ambush on a military convoy, Joe single-handedly defends his unit using expert martial arts skills, revealing his secret training as a ninja. His actions save the commanding officerโs daughter, Patricia, but also make him a target.
Joe discovers a criminal network led by a local warlord and a treacherous ninja master, Black Star Ninja, who are smuggling weapons. As Joe digs deeper, he faces resistance from his own comrades, who are skeptical of his past and his unorthodox methods. However, he gains the support of his friend and fellow soldier, Curtis Jackson (Steve James).
The film builds to a thrilling climax as Joe confronts the villains in a series of high-energy fights, ultimately defeating Black Star Ninja and exposing the smuggling operation. American Ninja combines martial arts action, military intrigue, and a touch of romance, establishing itself as a beloved entry in the 1980s action genre.