American Ninja (1985) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictNot Woke

American Ninja1985

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

“American Ninja” is a time capsule of straightforward, no-nonsense action. It’s blissfully unconcerned with modern ideological trends, instead celebrating heroism and old-school masculinity. If anything, it’s the opposite of woke.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Not Woke

What is this?

In our estimation, "American Ninja" keeps things simple. The film focuses on classic action tropes with a white male lead who succeeds through skill, grit, and a mysterious past. Identity politics and forced representation are nowhere to be found, any diversity is incidental, not central to the plot or characters.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Not Woke

What is this?

The movie upholds traditional masculinity, military camaraderie, and respect for authority. There’s no subversion of gender roles or overt criticism of cultural or religious traditions. Heroism, loyalty, and honor are front and center, refreshingly non-woke by today’s standards.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Not Woke

What is this?

There’s little time for ideology besides patriotism and good-versus-evil. Alternative or 'woke' viewpoints don’t factor in, nor is there mockery of traditional values. The ideological landscape is so simple that it’s hard to even find a monoculture, except maybe action clichés.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.