Remo Williams (Fred Ward) is a New York City beat cop until a random mugging nearly kills him. After surgery and during his recovery, Remo is contacted the American government. He is given the choice of working as a covert operations soldier fighting against a sinister criminal network, and protecting the American freedoms. Though his old life as a cop may be over, Remo's new life is just beginning. Two top secret agents (Wilford Brimley) (J. A. Preston) enlist him in a covert operation, Remo finds himself up against a litany of conspiracies and evil-doers. However, before he can become a lethal killing machine, Remo must train with the elderly Chiun (Joel Grey). Chiun works with Remo teaching the ways of the ancient Korean martial arts. Remo begins to learn how to dodge bullets, walk on water, and fight instinctively. When the crime syndicate's corrupt millionaire madman hatches a plot that involves the military, faulty weapons, and an attack on the Statue of Liberty, it's up to Remo Williams to stop him.