The Making of American Ninja

Behind The Scenes of the Cannon Hit

In 1985, the martial arts action film American Ninja burst onto the scene, captivating audiences with its thrilling action sequences and unforgettable story. Produced by Menahem Golan and Yoram Globus and directed by Sam Firstenberg, the movie has since achieved cult status. Now, fans of the genre and newcomers alike have the chance to delve deeper into the film's creation with an entertaining documentary that reveals behind-the-scenes secrets and anecdotes from the cast and crew.

The Plot

American Ninja follows the journey of young American Joe Armstrong, who, as an alternative to prison, is conscripted into the U.S. Army and stationed in the Philippines. Joe's life takes a dramatic turn when he confronts Black Star ninja, saves Patricia Hickock from a kidnapping attempt, and finds himself embroiled in a deadly conflict. The film weaves a tale of intrigue, combat, and redemption, culminating in Joe's ultimate showdown against the Black Star Master and a corrupt military hierarchy.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The making of American Ninja is as intriguing as the film itself. Here are five fascinating facts about the movie:

1. A Battle with Malaria: In a 2012 interview with German media, Michael Dudikoff, who played Joe Armstrong, revealed that he sweated profusely during the later fight scenes because he was battling malaria at the time.

2. A Missed Opportunity: Originally, Chuck Norris was chosen to star in the film. However, Norris declined the role because he didn't want his face hidden on camera, leading to Dudikoff's casting.

3. Learning on the Job: Despite having no martial arts training before filming began, Michael Dudikoff quickly learned the necessary skills during production, impressing both the cast and crew.

4. Expert Choreography: Mike Stone, the special martial arts choreographer for the film, recommended Tadashi Yamashita to play the lead Black Star ninja villain, ensuring the fight scenes were authentic and engaging.

5. Spontaneous Knife Skills: The iconic opening scene, where Joe expertly twirls a butterfly knife, was a last-minute addition suggested by stuntman Steven Lambert. This impromptu change added a dynamic flair to Joe's character introduction.

A Closer Look

The documentary features interviews with key figures, including Michael Dudikoff, director Sam Firstenberg, and other cast and crew members. Viewers will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of bringing American Ninja to life, from Dudikoff's rapid martial arts training to the inventive solutions that enhanced the film's action sequences.