American Ninja 4: The Annihilation 1991

Hiro, portrayed by Lee Reyes, is the last of the true Ninjas, trained by his granduncle Master Tetsu, played by Pat Morita. To gain crucial experience, Hiro is sent to apprentice under the legendary American Ninja, Joe Kastle. As Tetsu leaves town, he requests Joe to look after both the house and the youthful Hiro, who, at just 12 years old, has already faced immense loss—his mother died during childbirth while his father was slain years later. With Tetsu being Hiro’s only remaining family, the boy is sheltered from being shuffled through the foster care system.

Much to Joe’s dismay, Hiro is more invested in his Game Gear than in learning the ancient ways of the Ninja. Joe, a skilled warrior and boat owner, lives on his vessel, which soon becomes a meeting point for unexpected encounters. Among them is Lisa, portrayed by Anne Dupont, who mistakenly “varnishes” Joe’s boat, thinking she was meant to “tarnish” the brass instead. They share a connection, with Lisa noting it’s been two weeks since Joe noticed her hard work on a neighboring boat.

The plot thickens as it is revealed that Lisa is the daughter of Dr. Strobel, played by Aharon Ipale, a scientist coerced by the nefarious industrialist Glock, played by Clement Von Franckenstein. Dr. Strobel, under duress, is forced to develop a dangerous nerve gas known as ZB12 for the ruthless General Zubino, portrayed by Alfredo Sandoval. Zubino gives Strobel a dire ultimatum—complete the nerve gas in two days, or face dire consequences to his business interests in Venezuela.

As the situation escalates, Glock resorts to kidnapping Lisa to compel her father to fulfill these dangerous demands, enlisting the help of the enigmatic Ninja, Viper, played by James Lew. One fateful night, during a dinner with Joe, Hiro witnesses Lisa being abducted by Viper and his band of colorful Ninjas. This spurs Joe and Hiro into action, where they cleverly sneak aboard a plane to Venezuela in hopes of rescuing her.

Once in Venezuela, chaos ensues as the duo confronts obstacles and challenges. Joe is arrested shortly after their arrival, but Hiro manages to escape and pleads for help from the American Embassy. However, the bureaucratic process proves slow and disheartening, leading Glock to plot Joe’s demise. Determined to save his mentor, Hiro hijacks the convoy transporting Joe to prison, demonstrating bravery beyond his years.

Their journey features a blend of intense Ninja battles and moments where Hiro must rediscover the ancient martial arts skills inherent in him. Following a rigorous training montage led by Joe, they infiltrate Glock’s operation to rescue Lisa and her father. Together, they navigate treacherous situations, ultimately sabotaging Glock’s dangerous plans.

In an explosive climax, they confront Viper and thwart his nefarious schemes. As the nerve gas is unleashed, the heroes manage to save Dr. Strobel and trap Glock in the chaos. The story concludes with Joe returning to Los Angeles, where he shares a tender moment with Lisa on his boat, symbolizing not just victory but a newfound bond forged in the heat of battle.