@@samfirstenberg3719 The production crews and the stars over at Cannon made such a huge contribution to the film industry. Michael Dudikoff was one of my childhood heroes. Thanks for all the hard work you put into making these movies.
Best Action Brother in Arms Duo. Even though Joe is the lead man as the American Ninja, I def felt that Jackson was on a equal level with Joe as far as screen time and his personality. As far as I'm concerned, Jackson stole the show in American Ninja 2, with the Bar fight and how he rallies the Marines to kick ass. Jackson was def the Heart of American Ninja
Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Gary Conway and Mike Stone did an amazing job here and, I have to say, it's probably the Best American Ninja film in the franchise. A lot of fun, LOTS of fights and Steve steals the scene a LOT. I also liked that Dudikoff was a lot more sociable here, while still being this calm, ice cold guy. Thanks for making this film Sam!!!
Im 44 now and grew up watching American Ninja 1 and 2 on VHS on a weekly basis with my brother. We absolutely idolised Michael and Steve, knew all the lines by heart and still pretty much do. I never did become a ninja, but competed in some Thai boxing, wasn't the same tho, i still want to be a ninja because of these movies. Thanks for making them !!!
I was in 2nd grade when the 1st American Ninja came out. I watched these great movies in the theater with my dad. Now I've introduced my 2nd grader to them. Thank you for making those memories possible.
Random childhood fact, Sam - When Steve James yells "IT'S A PARTY!!!!!!!!!" during the bar fight, I used to put that back constantly on the VCR and laugh and laugh and laugh again. Ha!!!!! Great memories associated with this film. Thank you so much for all the work throughout the years.
I'm thrilled to know that this particular moment made you laugh. This was my chance to fulfill a dream to direct a western salon brawl, but it was Steve that suggested that line and I embraced it.
Thank you for the compliments. Check out the book Stories From The Trenches at: www.amazon.com/Stories-Trenches-Adventures-Hollywood-Firstenberg/dp/3960346697/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=stories+from+the+trenches+Sam+Firstenberg&qid=1580526746&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR1KrtKVFD8snGiq0ph2CwXYs2N5Fa6IZ4Zb9Cb9QEFX2XxdNXLA0UCXi4A
The American Ninja movies and all the Sho Kosugi movies as well as Nintendo and stuff hitting off so hard was the absolute best time to be a kid and I cant thank all these people enough for making 80's and early 90's some of the best times we will probably ever experience, Thank you:)
I think that is a winning formula for an action film, Have a Bar Brawl!!! Hands down, this scene made Steven "Jackson" James shine in his enjoyment of fighting in the Blind Begger.
@@JudgeFish Lets not forget indeed, I just received a new Electric Boogaloo Blu Ray disc from Germany so it is still alive and kicking around the world. www.samfirstenberg.com
Thanks for the childhood memories. Growing up in Chicago, I use to watch the American Ninja films as well as other Cannon movies. They would always come on channel 50, Friday nights, good times. These films and others inspired me to travel to South Africa years later. I find the South Africa segment interesting. Today a lot of films and tv shows are shot in the UK, Canada, Hungary, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand as a way of saving on costs. Bought the American Ninja films on blu-ray and still watch them to this day. The opening motorcycle ride and music are really awesome. I play that music in my car when Im driving and when I go for runs.
It's amazing how Incredible the memory is in our lives. The nostalgic moments. I cry when I remember those days with my father. Miss him very much. Thank you for being part of my history. I'm from Brazil and we love you all.
@@samfirstenberg3719 lei è un grande regista ho visto due capitoli di Guerriero americano, la saga di cyborg cop 1,2 di David Bradley, Delta Force 3, ho iniziato a vedere questi film da piccolo avevo 10 anni su italiano, avevo registrato in videocassette, li vorrei in dvd american ninja, ma perché esistono in lingua inglese e no in italiano, io li voglio in lingua italiano, così li faccio vedere al mio padre, c'è una soluzione
I saw this in the theaters as a kid. I think I was about 8 years old living in Hawaii at the time. I loved the beach fight scenes and would reenact them every day since I went to the beach every day after school. Great memories.
@@samfirstenberg3719most kids. It was Disney. When I was a kid. It was Cannon. The Breakin movies, Chuck Norris, and these movies. Thank you for your creativity.
I watched American Ninja movies back when I was a kid, and now watching them again I can 100% say, from my point of view, that first two movies hold up very well. Heck, they are a lot better than most of the modern days movies. And I still enjoy watching them.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Enjoy them? I LOVE THEM! First two movies is the best. I was a 6 years old kid when I watched them on TV and it was amazing experience. They are literally perfect action movies of it's time. So yeah, thank you for making my childhood amazing. Modern days hollywood really needs to learn from you how to make a great movies. And I'm not joking.
Mr. Firstenberg, thank you for the two great movies you created with AN1 and AN2. I found these two movies by chance at a local retail store on VHS in the early 00's and I begged my mother to let me buy and watch them. She agreed. I would go to my grandmother's house every weekend as a child, and now I had these two new movies to watch with her. I cannot tell you how many times we watched both movies for years and years to come. We both enjoyed these films so much, and every time I watch them now, or hear the theme song, I am instantly transported back to that place and that state of mind. It has become an amazing way for me to remember my Grandmother now, being older and her having passed on. These movies were also responsible for my interest and participation in martial arts as a child, teen, and adult to this day. Thank you for the movies and thank you for the memories.
You are very, very welcome. Childhood memories are precious and important as we see from your story. I am happy that movies I directed were part of your happy childhood.
part 2 is my favorite in the series, so cool chill vibe, really enjoyed it, and yes Steve James and Dudikoff together and incedible music by George S Clinton.
Excellent movie, you don't know how it marked me, I was a child in those years and I wanted to be like the American ninja, today I'm still a fan and I would love for Michael Dudikoff to play the role again, my most heartfelt congratulations to the director, I'm Chilean , and this film was a success here, and I have no doubt that in all of Latin America, thank you infinite!
This film was part of my childhood. Always loved the scene where Joe first tries to enter the Blind Beggar bar (on his own) and employs throws and wrist locks to neutralise the 3 who try to stop him from entering.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Respect to you Mr Firstenberg. Part 2 was always one of my favourites and you did an incredible job on the film with such a small budget! Even today it's still considered a cult classic. You should be very proud.
Hey Sam, always loved your movies, specially the ninja themed ones. Revenge of the Ninja is one of the best martial arts ninja movies outthere alongside the first and second American Ninja. Thank you for so many great memories.
Hi Mr Firstenberg, my name is Azim and i'm from Malaysia. I just wanted to say that your film American Ninja 2 was my fav childhood film growing up. It has good story, good action and good soundtrack too, it even elevates more than part 1. And what I love about this movie is the action scenes here, some are pretty brutal too. And i love the choreography of the fights where Joe is not like super human that doesn't get hurt when fights. He does get hurt and still gets punched in the face or get kicked for a bit but he managed to recover quickly and kicked the ninjas ass! All the casts and crew were great in this and it definitely has a rewatch value for me time and time again. Thank you Mr Firstenberg for this film, it really has a special place in my heart. :)
For me AM 1 movie was ok, plot was curious. Even John "Trevor Ochmonek" Lamotta in movie was good. But AM2... I love it. Awsome fights, awsome music from George S. "Mortal Kombat" Clinton.
American Ninja 2 was the very first ninja movie I saw when I was about 9 years old. it was the good old days or on Friday evenings we would go to rent movies as a family. Immediately the film started with the motorcycles on the road and I knew straight away that I was going to be amazed. And what about the simply tasty music, I am able to remember every verse in my head even after all this time. I loved all the movies in the franchise. I just ordered the 4 movies and I can't wait to get back to these excellent action movies. I repeat the soundtrack of the 2nd film is legendary. I want to say thank you Sam from the bottom of my heart. Greetings from Quebec, Canada.
@@samfirstenberg3719 I'm looking forward to checking it out. A whole lotta time to catch up on old flicks in the next month or two. Stay well. All the best!
So true...after my brothers and I finished watching the movie, and heard the soundtrack playing over the credits, we went absolutely nuts and felt so pumped. We practiced different marital arts moves, and snuck around the house wearing make-shift ninja masks we made from t-shirts. Fun times :) Then we'd watch the movie again, and again, and.....
I first saw American Ninja 2 on VHS in 1988 when i was 12 years old. I must've watched it a dozen times, i was so fascinated by Ninja's in the 80's, i loved the time and that era. I watched all of the Canon Ninja movies like Enter the Ninja, Revenge of the Ninja, Ninja 3 the domination (my personal favourite), Pray for Death and of course the original American Ninja. Thank you Sam, i loved all of them and i hope you do more in the future.
I was born in 1991 and the american ninja series was my favorite hands down. I knew line for line and would watch over and over without getting bored acting out the fighting scenes. Im really glad i ran into this goldmine because it played a big part of my childhood..beginning to end this movie was very well made and would prefer these movies anyday over the newer high tech produced movies. They just dont make them like this anymore. Thank you sam for giving me the best childhood years.
I loved the American ninja movies as a kid. Like many here, I too watched them with my father while growing up. Especially the Charles Bronson ones. These Cannon films were THEE action movies of the 80's that we all grew up watching. Many thanks for the childhood memories.
I remember when JCVD said in an interview the producers of Hollywood told him he would not amount to anything but everyone in the world knew who Michael Dudikoff was. Enough said.
This great Sam. Thank you. This was one of the first martial arts movies i watched as a kid and recorded it on VHS. Still love it. It always makes me sad, when i think about Steve James. He was such a great guy. And He seemed so healthy. I still can't believe it.
My first memory of American Ninja 2 is watching it on pizza night at our house. My Mom loved it, I was about 6-7 years old. I still watch this movie because it's just good
One of my favorite movies ever made, it's even better than the first one, despite the budget limitations! This movie is so easy to watch - Armstrong and Jackson (a great duo), US marines that have no time for work, beautiful surroundings, it's like a fairy tale, TBH. Great inspector Singh. Larry Poindexter as Charlie brings some comic relief to the movie, and Wild Bill is brilliant! The whole cast is a good match. And also the beach fight, its epic, let's add the best bar fight ever, the colest intro and this amazing soundtrack! Thanks to Sam Firstenberg and to the whole crew! American ninja 1 and 2 were special, too bad the movies didn't get a decent sequel, much love from Russia for making the best ninja movies ever created and being part of my childhood!
These are great behind the scenes documentaries!!! It was really cool to learn about how the filming in South Africa went down in the days of apartheid. You had to work with what Canon gave you but you created memorable films and a memorable partnership between the late Steve James and Michael Dudikoff. Thank you for making these films!!!
Just watched Ninja 2 for the first time boy did I miss out over the years I love 80s action films. So many fun elements to the movie. Well done Sam. Going to pick up the Blu-ray to listen to your commentary.
Thanks for posting another facinating video ! Absolutely loved the bar room brawl and every scene with Steve James is an absolute joy ! "Stay down !" =)
Hi again Mr by firstenberg hiws everything mate? American Ninja 1&2 👍🏻💯the best. Yiu guys should do a 2000 American Ninja. 😅that would be awesome. Bring back the Ninja films. Im getting comi book film fatigue..smh.. revenge of the Ninja is my favourite from sho and your best man. You're great Mr Firstenberg.
Thank you Sam for wonderful childhood, American Ninja 2 & Avenging Force are great movies you all were a great team you can feel the chemistry and the music from George S. Clinton was something special, that opening scene with bikes was pure gold (the roads remind me of mediterranean sea), and a bar fight is a master piece you can watch it 100 times a day, always thought there should be a sequel for Avenging Force the story was so deep & mature like somebody had a vision of present times, thank You again for your work!!
I like to think the Steve James character "Curtis Jackson" could've been the inspiration behind Jax from Mortal Kombat for obvious reasons. Not to mention early concepts and ideas from the older MK games, mention that Jax's original name was meant to be "Kurtis Stryker" but we all know what direction they took with that during MK3's development process.
I believe you may be right. Ed boon was influenced heavily by Martial Arts films so it could be totally possible. His fighting style tho is very similar to Jax, including his name as you pointed out.
I knew I wasn’t crazy because I thought the very same thing! And Michael reminds me a great deal of Guile from Street Fighter!! Additionally there’s something about him that reminds me of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy & even Thom Mathews who had played Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th Part 6.. He was perfect for the American Ninja sub series taken from Sho’s mainline “ninja” series.. He definitely paved the way for similar artists like Scott Adkins and Kane Kosugi respectively who sorta picked up on this stuff years later with films like Ninja 1 and 2 among others.. I might also add it was perhaps very tough following Franco Nero and Arthur Roberts who also played truly badass “American ninjas” prior to this..
I was about 8 or 9 when i saw American Ninja first Time. This was in 1994 or 1995. I'm so thankfully for that movies cause the woke my interest for martial arts and old japanese culture. I still got the movies on vhs. Still a fan of ninjas. Thanks so much for all this.
Love to watch these behind the scenes thoughts and talks about these old movies when it was made 🙏♥️ i grew up with this movie as a kid, such a delight!
Really Awesome Sam thank you for sharing with everyone it is because of you and Michael I learned that ninjas are badasses growing up and I always believed that.
Sam Firstenberg, thank you, thank you very much for this movies. You are a very attractive person this documentation has brought me to revive my childhood Unfortunately today quite different films are made. I wish you all the best. Greetings from Germany
@@samfirstenberg3719 But Please help me Because I want to download Cyborg Cop 2 in HD or Blu-ray version In English version. From which I could download this version in free and easily.
@@samfirstenberg3719 But Please help me Because I want to download Cyborg Cop 2 in HD or Blu-ray version In English version. From which I could download this version in free and easily.
I see that TH-cam movies is screening the 2 American Ninjas for free in high definition. regretfully, to the best of my knowledge, there is no HD version of Cyborg Cop yet.
Looks like Mr Dudikoff has something what can melt every woman's heart😜 Almost every actress who has worked with him has sparkles in her eyes when she talks about him🤐🦄
So great to hear all the well known scores in the background of these making-offs - 6.50 and sudddenly the Monolog from the Lion Leo Burke plopps off in mind
American Ninja 1 and 2 were my favorite movies when I was a kid. I still have the VHS boxes I bought them in, or my parents bought me. Even though, I don't even have a player for them anymore. I just can't throw them away :)
Brilliant movies. Just pure entertainment from start to finish. America ninja 1 & 2 and revenge of the ninja. I wore out my local video shops copy of American ninja, rented it so often the guy in the shop told me to keep it one weekend as i had hired it enough to pay for it 5 x over😂. You just dont get movies like this any more
Great entertainment, parts 1 + 2. You can clearly see how the absence of Sam Firstenberg and Michael Dudikoff took its toll on parts 3-5. Even Michael's return in part 4 couldn't save that particular movie. But parts 1 + 2 sparked my interest in the ninja culture up to a point where I bought all the stuff I neede to look like a Ninja. Of course it didn't make me fight like one, but at least I could look like on. Thanks Sam Firstenberg and Michael Dudikoff! :-)
You're right, the first 2 were phenomenal. 3 wasn't that good however Steve James made it entertaining. Part 4 was epic having both David Bradley and Michael Dudikoff team up but I felt they kinda nerfed Michael's character a bit. Part 5 had nothing to do with the storyline from the previous movies and was a cringefest 😬
This is my favorite and the best of the franchise. You directed the two best movies. The third one is the last good one in the series. It's my third favorite after the first one. The late Steve James made it watchable
@@samfirstenberg3719 I don't know if you can, but if you can, tell the guys from the American Ninja movies a hello and God bless from me. Just a humble request. And I hope you and your family are doing well also. God bless y'all from Texas :)
Please go to my Facebook page and post in it your regards to all the American Ninja participants and I can then forward it to them. facebook.com/sfirsten
Hello mr. Firstenberg, how you choose the filming locations? I think they are very iconic! and another question - Do you close the streets when you filming?... everything around the Blind Begger is so real - like there is no filming crew.
We chose the locations after scouting if I feel that they are visually interesting and fit the storyline. Usually we close the location and all the people you see are payed atmosphere players, under our control.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Yes, but everyone played so real. Its mind blowing how you make this movie with this budget. And another question - how many days you spend in South Africa?
I have seen the entire collection 1-5 and out of all of the series, 2 is my absolute favorite. My favorite scene is the beach scene and I have always wanted to know where that beach is located and now that I know thanks to this video, I am not going to try and visit it. I hope to see a new series made someday maybe the son of joe armstrong. I am a big fan of steve james and sad that he is no longer with us RIP. Thanks for making this video and hope you will make a behind the scenes for american ninja 3 because I would like to know where that movie was filmed.
Thank you for the compliments, Avenging Force is my favorite as well. Check out: www.amazon.com/Stories-Trenches-Adventures-Hollywood-Firstenberg/dp/3960346697/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Stories+From+The+Trenches%3A+Adventures+In+Making+High+Octane+Hollywood+Movies+With+Cannon+Veteran+Sam+Firstenberg&qid=1580878032&s=books&sr=1-1
in the end of '80s and early '90s when I was 7-8 years or old, thanks to these 2 movies everybody around me wanted to be a ninja. I remember they were more popular than any of the Bruce Lee movies.
My cousin was babysitting my sister and me, and he’d had this movie for us to watch. . It blew 7yr old me away!! And I still quote the menu line (as a joke) to this day.
Being a HUGE fan of ninja movies & horror movies in the 80's. It's cool to see some of the same familiar people playing in both genres. I'm talking about Kane Hodder. He done American Ninja 2 before or after taking on the role of Jason Voorhees in Friday 7. It was around the same time. 🐸🤘
American Ninja 2 was filmed before Friday but prior to this Kane was part of our crew of Avenging Force. Judie Aronson from American Ninja was also in Friday the 13
Grew up watching these with my dad. These old Cannon films have a special place in so many people's hearts.
I directed some of them and I am glad to know that they have a special place in your hart
@@samfirstenberg3719 The production crews and the stars over at Cannon made such a huge contribution to the film industry. Michael Dudikoff was one of my childhood heroes. Thanks for all the hard work you put into making these movies.
@@colinj5291 You are very welcome.
Yes they do, i agreed with you 100 percent.
Me too I grew up these movies I would watch over and over
RIP Steve James. He and Michael had great onscreen chemistry.
They truly did.
Steve James would have gone big
Best Action Brother in Arms Duo. Even though Joe is the lead man as the American Ninja, I def felt that Jackson was on a equal level with Joe as far as screen time and his personality. As far as I'm concerned, Jackson stole the show in American Ninja 2, with the Bar fight and how he rallies the Marines to kick ass.
Jackson was def the Heart of American Ninja
True
A poor man's Carl Weathers. May he rest in peace.
Michael Dudikoff, Steve James, Gary Conway and Mike Stone did an amazing job here and, I have to say, it's probably the Best American Ninja film in the franchise. A lot of fun, LOTS of fights and Steve steals the scene a LOT. I also liked that Dudikoff was a lot more sociable here, while still being this calm, ice cold guy. Thanks for making this film Sam!!!
My pleasure, you are very welcome.
Had the vhs tape as a kid. So many friends came over and I watched this film like many times. Miss that.....been a kid
Childhood memories are precious, so we cherish them, I'm glad to know that my directorial work contributed to yours and your friends happy childhood.
Im 44 now and grew up watching American Ninja 1 and 2 on VHS on a weekly basis with my brother.
We absolutely idolised Michael and Steve, knew all the lines by heart and still pretty much do.
I never did become a ninja, but competed in some Thai boxing, wasn't the same tho, i still want to be a ninja because of these movies.
Thanks for making them !!!
You are very welcome, making the was a pleasure, knowing that they influenced your childhood is pleasure now.
I must have watched this movie over a hundred times when I was a kid. It's so refreshing to hear people enjoying one another while working on a film.
Yes, it was fun.
I was in 2nd grade when the 1st American Ninja came out. I watched these great movies in the theater with my dad. Now I've introduced my 2nd grader to them. Thank you for making those memories possible.
You are very welcome, childhood memories are precious I'm happy I contributed
What a legend..Michael..He will always be The American Ninja.My favourite childhood movies of all time
Great statement.
Random childhood fact, Sam - When Steve James yells "IT'S A PARTY!!!!!!!!!" during the bar fight, I used to put that back constantly on the VCR and laugh and laugh and laugh again. Ha!!!!! Great memories associated with this film. Thank you so much for all the work throughout the years.
I'm thrilled to know that this particular moment made you laugh. This was my chance to fulfill a dream to direct a western salon brawl, but it was Steve that suggested that line and I embraced it.
Only your movies are the ones I could watch and never get tired of them. You’re a legend to me.
Thank you for the compliments. Check out the book Stories From The Trenches at: www.amazon.com/Stories-Trenches-Adventures-Hollywood-Firstenberg/dp/3960346697/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=stories+from+the+trenches+Sam+Firstenberg&qid=1580526746&sr=8-1&fbclid=IwAR1KrtKVFD8snGiq0ph2CwXYs2N5Fa6IZ4Zb9Cb9QEFX2XxdNXLA0UCXi4A
The American Ninja movies and all the Sho Kosugi movies as well as Nintendo and stuff hitting off so hard was the absolute best time to be a kid and I cant thank all these people enough for making 80's and early 90's some of the best times we will probably ever experience, Thank you:)
If we contributed to make it best time then we are happy
The bar brawl scenes is very well done and one of my favorites in the movie! Sam, your smile can still light up a room!
I love the bar brawl as well and smiling is my specialty, thanks
I think that is a winning formula for an action film, Have a Bar Brawl!!! Hands down, this scene made Steven "Jackson" James shine in his enjoyment of fighting in the Blind Begger.
Dudikoff, James, Firstenberg, Best director- actor Team of the 80s!! Thanks for the wonderful films and a chance to see how they were made!!
You are very welcome I am happy you enjoy it.
@@samfirstenberg3719 lets not forget electric boogaloo and ninja 3 my childhood was awesome thanks to you
@@samfirstenberg3719 that scene in electric boogaloo in the rotating room with the aweesome song
@@JudgeFish Lets not forget indeed, I just received a new Electric Boogaloo Blu Ray disc from Germany so it is still alive and kicking around the world. www.samfirstenberg.com
@@JudgeFish I'm happy to learn it was.
I watched this movie so much as a kid
Childhood memories are precious, we cherish them.
Thanks for the childhood memories. Growing up in Chicago, I use to watch the American Ninja films as well as other Cannon movies. They would always come on channel 50, Friday nights, good times. These films and others inspired me to travel to South Africa years later. I find the South Africa segment interesting. Today a lot of films and tv shows are shot in the UK, Canada, Hungary, South Africa and Australia/New Zealand as a way of saving on costs. Bought the American Ninja films on blu-ray and still watch them to this day. The opening motorcycle ride and music are really awesome. I play that music in my car when Im driving and when I go for runs.
Childhood memories are precious I’m glad to know that a movie I directed was part of yours. We were lucky to have a fantastic composer in this movie.
Absolutely fantastic Mr. Firstenberg…the first two American Ninjas go down as classics in the action genre in the 80’s 👏👏
Great statement
It's amazing how Incredible the memory is in our lives. The nostalgic moments. I cry when I remember those days with my father. Miss him very much. Thank you for being part of my history. I'm from Brazil and we love you all.
Childhood memories are precious, I am glad I was part of your history. We love Brazil
Love from USA
@@samfirstenberg3719 lei è un grande regista ho visto due capitoli di Guerriero americano, la saga di cyborg cop 1,2 di David Bradley, Delta Force 3, ho iniziato a vedere questi film da piccolo avevo 10 anni su italiano, avevo registrato in videocassette, li vorrei in dvd american ninja, ma perché esistono in lingua inglese e no in italiano, io li voglio in lingua italiano, così li faccio vedere al mio padre, c'è una soluzione
I think that there is a DVD or Blu-ray of American Ninja with Italian subtitles. Check out Amazon Italy
I saw this in the theaters as a kid. I think I was about 8 years old living in Hawaii at the time. I loved the beach fight scenes and would reenact them every day since I went to the beach every day after school. Great memories.
Childhood memories are precious I'm glad that a movie I directed is part of yours
@@samfirstenberg3719 They definitely are. Thank you sir for all the hard work you've done over the years. Cheers!!
They stepped it up with the music and the fights.
@@samfirstenberg3719most kids. It was Disney. When I was a kid. It was Cannon. The Breakin movies, Chuck Norris, and these movies. Thank you for your creativity.
@@CecilWindbush loved the music! American Ninja 2 soundtrack was great.
One of my all time favourite movies. Both the first and second American Ninja films are amazing, timeless classics. Love em
Great statement, I'm happy you love them
I watched American Ninja movies back when I was a kid, and now watching them again I can 100% say, from my point of view, that first two movies hold up very well. Heck, they are a lot better than most of the modern days movies. And I still enjoy watching them.
I am glad to know you still enjoy the American Ninja movies I directed. Your statement is powerful.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Enjoy them? I LOVE THEM! First two movies is the best. I was a 6 years old kid when I watched them on TV and it was amazing experience. They are literally perfect action movies of it's time. So yeah, thank you for making my childhood amazing. Modern days hollywood really needs to learn from you how to make a great movies. And I'm not joking.
You are very welcome.
I grew up watching these movies, brings back good memories of watching them with my friends.
Yes, old memories are precious
Mr. Firstenberg, thank you for the two great movies you created with AN1 and AN2. I found these two movies by chance at a local retail store on VHS in the early 00's and I begged my mother to let me buy and watch them. She agreed. I would go to my grandmother's house every weekend as a child, and now I had these two new movies to watch with her. I cannot tell you how many times we watched both movies for years and years to come. We both enjoyed these films so much, and every time I watch them now, or hear the theme song, I am instantly transported back to that place and that state of mind. It has become an amazing way for me to remember my Grandmother now, being older and her having passed on. These movies were also responsible for my interest and participation in martial arts as a child, teen, and adult to this day. Thank you for the movies and thank you for the memories.
You are very, very welcome. Childhood memories are precious and important as we see from your story. I am happy that movies I directed were part of your happy childhood.
One of the movies I like the most and marked my childhood: A big hug from a fan from Brazil, who grew up watching all of you work!
Thank you for the hug. Childhood memories are precious. We love Brazil
Firstenberg is an ABSOLUTE LEGEND of directing... Deserves FAR MORE credit for his influence on American action films!
Thank you for the compliments.
part 2 is my favorite in the series, so cool chill vibe, really enjoyed it, and yes Steve James and Dudikoff together and incedible music by George S Clinton.
Glad you enjoyed it.
I work in 2 American ninjas as an extra in South Africa, the Crew, tne actors, the directors were all nice and friendly
One of my fave movies!! I always watch it every now and then, just watched it 10 mins ago!!! I like it better than the first.
It is good to know that you still watching it and enjoy it.
Excellent movie, you don't know how it marked me, I was a child in those years and I wanted to be like the American ninja, today I'm still a fan and I would love for Michael Dudikoff to play the role again, my most heartfelt congratulations to the director, I'm Chilean , and this film was a success here, and I have no doubt that in all of Latin America, thank you infinite!
Beach scene and the music just brings me back.
This film was part of my childhood. Always loved the scene where Joe first tries to enter the Blind Beggar bar (on his own) and employs throws and wrist locks to neutralise the 3 who try to stop him from entering.
Childhood memories are precious, I’m glad you love the movie.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Respect to you Mr Firstenberg. Part 2 was always one of my favourites and you did an incredible job on the film with such a small budget! Even today it's still considered a cult classic. You should be very proud.
@@k1dn1ce76 Thank you for the compliments.
Steve James: In Memoriam.
American Ninja Series: Nostalgia.
Nostalgia indeed
Hey Sam, always loved your movies, specially the ninja themed ones. Revenge of the Ninja is one of the best martial arts ninja movies outthere alongside the first and second American Ninja. Thank you for so many great memories.
You are very welcome, I'm happy you love these movies I directed
Hi Mr Firstenberg, my name is Azim and i'm from Malaysia. I just wanted to say that your film American Ninja 2 was my fav childhood film growing up. It has good story, good action and good soundtrack too, it even elevates more than part 1. And what I love about this movie is the action scenes here, some are pretty brutal too. And i love the choreography of the fights where Joe is not like super human that doesn't get hurt when fights. He does get hurt and still gets punched in the face or get kicked for a bit but he managed to recover quickly and kicked the ninjas ass! All the casts and crew were great in this and it definitely has a rewatch value for me time and time again. Thank you Mr Firstenberg for this film, it really has a special place in my heart. :)
You are very welcome, Azim. I am glad that you like the movie and that you are a devoted fan for so many years.
I watched part 2 over and over and over
It is addictive.
This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Can not wait to show it to my nephew.
whiskerstars Yes, there are many young fans of the American Ninja movies. Please continue the tradition.
For me AM 1 movie was ok, plot was curious. Even John "Trevor Ochmonek" Lamotta in movie was good. But AM2... I love it. Awsome fights, awsome music from George S. "Mortal Kombat" Clinton.
@@flotaterrasquad2826 The music of Clinton is indeed great, he also composed Avenging Force with great music
American Ninja 2 was the very first ninja movie I saw when I was about 9 years old. it was the good old days or on Friday evenings we would go to rent movies as a family. Immediately the film started with the motorcycles on the road and I knew straight away that I was going to be amazed. And what about the simply tasty music, I am able to remember every verse in my head even after all this time. I loved all the movies in the franchise. I just ordered the 4 movies and I can't wait to get back to these excellent action movies. I repeat the soundtrack of the 2nd film is legendary. I want to say thank you Sam from the bottom of my heart. Greetings from Quebec, Canada.
Yes the music of composer George S. Clinton is
phenomenal and you are very welcome.
Man I love this movie. It is a cult classic. I remember acting out scenes of this movie as a kid. It was amazing.
Childhood memories are precious I am glad to be part of yours.
Good 👍 old days
Still watching this movie in 2020...child hood memories alright💯😊
00
Me too I knew all the lines
That theme by George S. Clinton is just absolute pure 80s testosterone. It deserves more love. Masterpiece.
Yes, George composed great music and even more impressive for the movie Avenging Force
@@samfirstenberg3719 I'm looking forward to checking it out. A whole lotta time to catch up on old flicks in the next month or two. Stay well. All the best!
@@samfirstenberg3719 Is there a possibility to get that moviesoundtrack from American Ninja 2 somehow?
I really don't know
So true...after my brothers and I finished watching the movie, and heard the soundtrack playing over the credits, we went absolutely nuts and felt so pumped. We practiced different marital arts moves, and snuck around the house wearing make-shift ninja masks we made from t-shirts. Fun times :)
Then we'd watch the movie again, and again, and.....
I first saw American Ninja 2 on VHS in 1988 when i was 12 years old. I must've watched it a dozen times, i was so fascinated by Ninja's in the 80's, i loved the time and that era. I watched all of the Canon Ninja movies like Enter the Ninja, Revenge of the Ninja, Ninja 3 the domination (my personal favourite), Pray for Death and of course the original American Ninja. Thank you Sam, i loved all of them and i hope you do more in the future.
i was such a fan of this movie that when i went to cape town i visited the the bar area and it still looks like how it was back then
You are a true dedicated fan I am happy to learn that there are American Ninja followers like you.
@@samfirstenberg3719 yeaaah your movies never get old
One of my favourite childhood movies. Thank you Sam Firstenberg. Greetings from Croatia!
You are very welcome. Croatia is a beautiful place.
I was born in 1991 and the american ninja series was my favorite hands down. I knew line for line and would watch over and over without getting bored acting out the fighting scenes. Im really glad i ran into this goldmine because it played a big part of my childhood..beginning to end this movie was very well made and would prefer these movies anyday over the newer high tech produced movies. They just dont make them like this anymore. Thank you sam for giving me the best childhood years.
Childhood memories are precious so I am happy that movies I directed were part of it. Thank you for being such a devoted fan.
I loved the American ninja movies as a kid. Like many here, I too watched them with my father while growing up. Especially the Charles Bronson ones. These Cannon films were THEE action movies of the 80's that we all grew up watching. Many thanks for the childhood memories.
You are very welcome, childhood memories are precious and I'm happy that movies I directed was part of yours
Love all the Cannon Ninja movies. It bring memories during my summer break from school. Thank you so much for my childhood movies.
You are welcome, childhood memories are precious.
I remember when JCVD said in an interview the producers of Hollywood told him he would not amount to anything but everyone in the world knew who Michael Dudikoff was.
Enough said.
In the movies, you cannot predict!
I am still watching American Ninja movies! Thank you very much Sam for directing these movies! :)
You are welcome and thank you for being a loyal fan
This great Sam. Thank you. This was one of the first martial arts movies i watched as a kid and recorded it on VHS. Still love it. It always makes me sad, when i think about Steve James. He was such a great guy. And He seemed so healthy. I still can't believe it.
Chris Coop Yes Steve was great and remembering the recording on VHS is nostalgic indeed.
My first memory of American Ninja 2 is watching it on pizza night at our house. My Mom loved it, I was about 6-7 years old.
I still watch this movie because it's just good
Childhood memories are important, cherish them.
One of my favorite movies ever made, it's even better than the first one, despite the budget limitations! This movie is so easy to watch - Armstrong and Jackson (a great duo), US marines that have no time for work, beautiful surroundings, it's like a fairy tale, TBH. Great inspector Singh. Larry Poindexter as Charlie brings some comic relief to the movie, and Wild Bill is brilliant! The whole cast is a good match. And also the beach fight, its epic, let's add the best bar fight ever, the colest intro and this amazing soundtrack! Thanks to Sam Firstenberg and to the whole crew! American ninja 1 and 2 were special, too bad the movies didn't get a decent sequel, much love from Russia for making the best ninja movies ever created and being part of my childhood!
You are very welcome and thank you for all the love and compliments.
Beautiful late night movie memories
Thank you.
You are welcome
The bar fight was the best scene. "Hey what's happenin' brotha!!! I love it!!!"
We had a lot of fun filming it
One of the top bar scenes ever.
I love this movie growing up and i still do.
Wonderful
These are great behind the scenes documentaries!!! It was really cool to learn about how the filming in South Africa went down in the days of apartheid. You had to work with what Canon gave you but you created memorable films and a memorable partnership between the late Steve James and Michael Dudikoff. Thank you for making these films!!!
You are very welcome
Just watched Ninja 2 for the first time boy did I miss out over the years I love 80s action films. So many fun elements to the movie. Well done Sam. Going to pick up the Blu-ray to listen to your commentary.
That's a good idea
American ninja ! My favourite movie growing up ! You are a legend for making these films
Thank you for the compliment
I always watched these movies with my uncle's.
One of my favourite movies, thanks Mr Firstenberg!
Thanks for posting another facinating video ! Absolutely loved the bar room brawl and every scene with Steve James is an absolute joy !
"Stay down !" =)
Swifty Chap yes Steve was great
I absolutely love listening to Michael Dudikoff speak!
Very Good check out the making of No. 1
@@samfirstenberg3719 American Ninja and American Ninja 2 were excellent.
@@mattk5020 Thank you
@@samfirstenberg3719 Would love to see a 4k Blu Ray of both films with Michael Dudikoff commentary.
Hi again Mr by firstenberg hiws everything mate? American Ninja 1&2 👍🏻💯the best. Yiu guys should do a 2000 American Ninja. 😅that would be awesome. Bring back the Ninja films. Im getting comi book film fatigue..smh.. revenge of the Ninja is my favourite from sho and your best man. You're great Mr Firstenberg.
Thank you for the compliments.
Thank you Sam for wonderful childhood, American Ninja 2 & Avenging Force are great movies you all were a great team you can feel the chemistry and the music from George S. Clinton was something special, that opening scene with bikes was pure gold (the roads remind me of mediterranean sea), and a bar fight is a master piece you can watch it 100 times a day, always thought there should be a sequel for Avenging Force the story was so deep & mature like somebody had a vision of present times, thank You again for your work!!
You are very welcome, I appreciate the fact that you are a devoted fan of these movies.
i loved this . thanks for the memories. hopefully we can meet some day
You are very welcome, one day we will meet
@@samfirstenberg3719 that would be cool. U have no idea the affect u had on kids wanting to be ninjas in the 80s
Thank you, I get a lot of similar messages and mail from all over the world.
@@samfirstenberg3719 that’s awesome would love to have you on my channel sometime ur just voice chat
Your channel looks great. We can do a voice chat or a video chat live or recorded for you to post in the channel, just let me know when.
Another classic gem!! I absolutely love these movies! Both 1 and 2 have a very special place in my heart💗 RIP SJ🥀
Good to know, movies I directed have a special place in your heart
I like to think the Steve James character "Curtis Jackson" could've been the inspiration behind Jax from Mortal Kombat for obvious reasons. Not to mention early concepts and ideas from the older MK games, mention that Jax's original name was meant to be "Kurtis Stryker" but we all know what direction they took with that during MK3's development process.
If you are correct then more to the power of American Ninja and its characters.
I believe you may be right.
Ed boon was influenced heavily by Martial Arts films so it could be totally possible. His fighting style tho is very similar to Jax, including his name as you pointed out.
I knew I wasn’t crazy because I thought the very same thing! And Michael reminds me a great deal of Guile from Street Fighter!!
Additionally there’s something about him that reminds me of Cloud Strife from Final Fantasy & even Thom Mathews who had played Tommy Jarvis in Friday the 13th Part 6..
He was perfect for the American Ninja sub series taken from Sho’s mainline “ninja” series.. He definitely paved the way for similar artists like Scott Adkins and Kane Kosugi respectively who sorta picked up on this stuff years later with films like Ninja 1 and 2 among others..
I might also add it was perhaps very tough following Franco Nero and Arthur Roberts who also played truly badass “American ninjas” prior to this..
Liked this one better than the first. One of my favorite movies as a kid.
Wonderful, childhood memories are precious
Just watched this movie. Whoever did the music is great I'm going to see what other movies they scored for
George S. Clinton
I was about 8 or 9 when i saw American Ninja first Time.
This was in 1994 or 1995.
I'm so thankfully for that movies cause the woke my interest for martial arts and old japanese culture.
I still got the movies on vhs.
Still a fan of ninjas.
Thanks so much for all this.
It is nice to learn that a movie I directed so many years ago, played such an important role in your early life. Thanks for sharing.
@@samfirstenberg3719
Thanks for your movies.
Now i'm 37, father, husband a still got the sam fascination, still making martial arts and working on a movie concept.
Love to watch these behind the scenes thoughts and talks about these old movies when it was made 🙏♥️ i grew up with this movie as a kid, such a delight!
We're happy you enjoyed it
Really Awesome Sam thank you for sharing with everyone it is because of you and Michael I learned that ninjas are badasses growing up and I always believed that.
You are welcome
Sam Firstenberg, thank you, thank you very much for this movies.
You are a very attractive person
this documentation has brought me to revive my childhood
Unfortunately today quite different films are made.
I wish you all the best.
Greetings from Germany
Yes I agree that today's action movies are different. I am glad that movies that I directed are part of your childhood memories.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Do you have any contact with David Bradley? He was also one of my favorite actors. I would also like to thank him.
@@samfirstenberg3719 You make Cyborg Cop II with him, right ?
@@SensejWowaNo one knows where David Bradley is. I directed 4 movies with him staring.
I love your movies American Ninja 1,2 Avenging Force , Revenge of the Ninja , Cyborg Cop 1,2.
Thanks for these great movies.
You are very welcome I'm happy you love them.
@@samfirstenberg3719 But Please help me Because I want to download Cyborg Cop 2 in HD or Blu-ray version In English version.
From which I could download this version in free and easily.
@@samfirstenberg3719 But Please help me Because I want to download Cyborg Cop 2 in HD or Blu-ray version In English version.
From which I could download this version in free and easily.
I see that TH-cam movies is screening the 2 American Ninjas for free in high definition. regretfully, to the best of my knowledge, there is no HD version of Cyborg Cop yet.
Looks like Mr Dudikoff has something what can melt every woman's heart😜 Almost every actress who has worked with him has sparkles in her eyes when she talks about him🤐🦄
You are probably right
@@samfirstenberg3719 Micheal The Heartbreaker😜💪
Awesome film. I was thankful that American ninja 1-5 were available to buy on DVD.
We are lucky that MGM kept the original material in good conditions
thank you for these videos, sam. and thank you for the thousands of hours i’ve spent absolutely loving your films.
you are very, very welcome
So great to hear all the well known scores in the background of these making-offs - 6.50 and sudddenly the Monolog from the Lion Leo Burke plopps off in mind
American ninja had some good music
A classic of my childhood! With a kickass music score !!!
Yes the score is great indeed
American Ninja 1 and 2 were my favorite movies when I was a kid. I still have the VHS boxes I bought them in, or my parents bought me. Even though, I don't even have a player for them anymore. I just can't throw them away :)
Yes it is hard to get read of old memories, I also keep my VHS cossets.
Brilliant movies. Just pure entertainment from start to finish. America ninja 1 & 2 and revenge of the ninja. I wore out my local video shops copy of American ninja, rented it so often the guy in the shop told me to keep it one weekend as i had hired it enough to pay for it 5 x over😂. You just dont get movies like this any more
Great entertainment, parts 1 + 2. You can clearly see how the absence of Sam Firstenberg and Michael Dudikoff took its toll on parts 3-5. Even Michael's return in part 4 couldn't save that particular movie. But parts 1 + 2 sparked my interest in the ninja culture up to a point where I bought all the stuff I neede to look like a Ninja. Of course it didn't make me fight like one, but at least I could look like on. Thanks Sam Firstenberg and Michael Dudikoff! :-)
You are very welcome, and thanks for the compliments.
@@samfirstenberg3719 It came right from the bottom of my heart! :-)
You're right, the first 2 were phenomenal. 3 wasn't that good however Steve James made it entertaining. Part 4 was epic having both David Bradley and Michael Dudikoff team up but I felt they kinda nerfed Michael's character a bit. Part 5 had nothing to do with the storyline from the previous movies and was a cringefest 😬
This is my favorite and the best of the franchise. You directed the two best movies. The third one is the last good one in the series. It's my third favorite after the first one. The late Steve James made it watchable
Good statement and thank you for the compliment
@@samfirstenberg3719 no problem
Another GREAT movie! I have this one also! That was a great story while y'all were there! RIP Steve James.
RIP Steve
@@samfirstenberg3719 I don't know if you can, but if you can, tell the guys from the American Ninja movies a hello and God bless from me. Just a humble request. And I hope you and your family are doing well also. God bless y'all from Texas :)
Please go to my Facebook page and post in it your regards to all the American Ninja participants and I can then forward it to them. facebook.com/sfirsten
such a fun movie....this one is my favourite of the franchise....
Excellent statement
I was in that movie many years ago as a ninja and it was great fun.
It is great to know that the movie is still alive and remembered
Revenge of the Ninja is one of the best scores besides the American Ninja!
Lots of fights sequence for Revenge of the Ninja!
Yes, great music by composer Rob Walsh and its available on a soundtrack CD
Hello mr. Firstenberg, how you choose the filming locations? I think they are very iconic! and another question - Do you close the streets when you filming?... everything around the Blind Begger is so real - like there is no filming crew.
We chose the locations after scouting if I feel that they are visually interesting and fit the storyline. Usually we close the location and all the people you see are payed atmosphere players, under our control.
@@samfirstenberg3719 Yes, but everyone played so real. Its mind blowing how you make this movie with this budget. And another question - how many days you spend in South Africa?
42 days
Steve James was soo god in this movie too bad hes not whit us anymore R.I.P Steve James
Yes you are right.
Mr Firstenberg this is awesome!!!!
I'm happy you are enjoying
seen this movie 200 time maybe . it was great .
Good to know that you are such an enthusiastic fan
out of all of the american ninja series, part 2 is my favorite, especially the beach fight scene.
That's great
I have seen the entire collection 1-5 and out of all of the series, 2 is my absolute favorite. My favorite scene is the beach scene and I have always wanted to know where that beach is located and now that I know thanks to this video, I am not going to try and visit it. I hope to see a new series made someday maybe the son of joe armstrong. I am a big fan of steve james and sad that he is no longer with us RIP. Thanks for making this video and hope you will make a behind the scenes for american ninja 3 because I would like to know where that movie was filmed.
Good thing that you are such a fan of American ninja
Sam You Made 2 Great Films, I Love The American Ninja Films!!!!
phenomforever825mjfp it is good to know that you love the American Ninja films, thank you for the compliments
American Ninja 2 is the Best American Ninja film, hands down.
Very ensuring statement indeed
He was James Dean of the 80s, reminded me of James Dean ALOT.
That's right
Super Ninja's a a legit threat, even today.
I was very entertained during the 80's My brother in law was into this kind of movies. I introduce him to American Ninja he also enjoyed it.
That's great, good to know
Thanks 4 upload
Kapios Enas You art welcome
You mentioned Avenging Force, which is my favorite Michael Dudikoff film. You've directed alot of great films!
Thank you for the compliments, Avenging Force is my favorite as well. Check out: www.amazon.com/Stories-Trenches-Adventures-Hollywood-Firstenberg/dp/3960346697/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=Stories+From+The+Trenches%3A+Adventures+In+Making+High+Octane+Hollywood+Movies+With+Cannon+Veteran+Sam+Firstenberg&qid=1580878032&s=books&sr=1-1
in the end of '80s and early '90s when I was 7-8 years or old, thanks to these 2 movies everybody around me wanted to be a ninja. I remember they were more popular than any of the Bruce Lee movies.
My cousin was babysitting my sister and me, and he’d had this movie for us to watch. . It blew 7yr old me away!! And I still quote the menu line (as a joke) to this day.
Childhood memories are precious and still remembering some lines is a testement.
Being a HUGE fan of ninja movies & horror movies in the 80's. It's cool to see some of the same familiar people playing in both genres. I'm talking about Kane Hodder. He done American Ninja 2 before or after taking on the role of Jason Voorhees in Friday 7. It was around the same time. 🐸🤘
American Ninja 2 was filmed before Friday but prior to this Kane was part of our crew of Avenging Force. Judie Aronson from American Ninja was also in Friday the 13
@@samfirstenberg3719 Yeah I forgot about Avenging Force. Yeah Judie was in Friday 4.