Aug. 30, 1985|United States | Philippines|95 Min.|R
Genre: Action
Description: Private Joe Armstrong, played by Michael Dudikoff, is drafted into the U.S. Army as an alternative to serving a prison sentence. While stationed in the Philippines, Joe finds himself confronting the Black Star Order, a group of ninjas. During a kidnapping attempt, he rescues Patricia Hickock, the daughter of Colonel William Hickock, his commanding officer. Despite saving her, Joe faces hostility from his fellow soldiers after the Black Star ninjas eliminate the rest of his platoon. Meanwhile, the master ninja of the Black Star Order targets Joe for retaliation.
During his time on the base, Joe is provoked into a fight by Corporal Curtis Jackson, portrayed by Steve James. Joe’s advanced ninjitsu skills prove superior, earning the respect of his peers. It is revealed that Joe suffers from amnesia, recalling only fragments of his past, including his involvement with street gangs and his mastery of various martial arts. Patricia, grateful for her rescue, arranges a date with Joe.
While off the base with Jackson and another soldier, Charley Madison, Joe is discovered by Sergeant Rinaldo, who is secretly working with black marketeer Victor Ortega. Rinaldo leads Joe to an abandoned warehouse, where he is ambushed by Black Star ninjas. Joe defeats them but ends up in a dangerous chase after his truck is stolen. Following a crash, Joe hides under the truck and is taken to Ortega’s hidden operation, which includes the Black Star ninja training camp.
Joe uncovers Ortega’s illegal activities, including the theft and resale of military weapons to the highest bidder. With the help of Shinyuki, Ortega’s servant, Joe escapes and returns to the base. However, he is arrested by military police after Rinaldo falsely accuses him of involvement in the arms theft.
Cast director: Sam Firstenberg
Cast actor: Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Judie Aronson, Guich Koock, John Fujioka, Don Stewart, John LaMotta, Tadashi Yamashita, Phillip Brock, Tony Carreon
Original name: American Ninja