The Karate Kid: Family Movie Review
Hard to believe it's been thirty-one years since The Karate Kid was released, and, yet, it has become a favorite of both my sons. The film reeks of the 80s, but I can't imagine it any other way. (Please don't get me started on the 2010 re-make. I like to pretend it never happened.)
The Karate Kid is rated PG, but so are most Disney animated films (see below for important details about this film's rating) so my sons saw this one really early on. The main reason being my son was taking karate at the time and was about to participate in his first tournament. As I recall he begged me to let him watch it. His sensai advised me NOT to show him the film until AFTER the tournament because the film is not realistic in this regard at all. The tournament as featured in the movie is more of a MMA fight - brutal!
"Lesson not just karate only. Lesson for whole life. Whole life have a balance. Everything be better." ~ Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid
Ready to start a new life, single-mom, Lucille Larusso (Randee Heller), and her son, Daniel (Ralph Macchio), move from NJ to sunny California. Daniel almost immediately gets in the radar of the school bullies, a group of karate students that, unfortunately, have a sensai that doesn't know the true meaning of martial arts. AND.....of course, it's all over a girl, Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue). Having witnessed one of the attacks, Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita, agrees to help Daniel learn the art and true meaning of karate so he can put an end to the bullying.
"First learn stand, then learn fly. Nature rule, Daniel-san, not mine." ~ Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid
What develops is a powerful relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, one based on complete trust and respect. The Karate Kid examines the true meaning of karate and focuses on the fact that it is a discipline of the mind and heart. One trains in karate so one never has to fight.
Watch Official Trailer
This film was released two months prior to the MPAA implementing the PG-13 rating, so as I watched it again (this time for the purpose of my review) I can see how The Karate Kid would most likely today be considered PG-13 and not suitable for the PG rating it received back in 1984. The PG rating is for violence, including some scenes of bullying and some language. But I will remind parents who haven't seen it in years and are considering it for a family movie night, that there is also a scene depicting alcohol use (Mr. Miyagi gets rip-roaring drunk and passes out) and one scene where our villain, Johnny (William Zabka), is rolling a joint in the boys' bathroom at school.
"If comes from inside you, always right one (choice)" ~ Mr. Miyagi, The Karate Kid
This iconic film that gave us the phrase "wax on, wax off" is a powerful film that stresses inner strength. The Karate Kid
deals with several important issues for middle and high-school students
including classism, sportsmanship, commitment, and believing in oneself. It is a
great coming of age film, and, one of the most memorable underdog
movies ever made with a final few minutes that still give me chills
EVERY time I watch it.
Read more of my Family Movie Reviews.
You got me, I didn't see this one coming. A true classic
ReplyDeleteHeehee, oh good! Does this mean you aren't going to block me? Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteNike review! Talk about Kickin it old school, no pun intended.. It really was a good movie, I need to get my daughter to do things around the house then maybe she will clean and learn a few moves! To this day "wax on, wax off" is still classic and used all over.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the new one with Jackie Chan yet, not sure about it but very good review Nikki!
Ah, yes, the 2010 remake. Jackie Chan was fun but otherwise the film was useless in my opinion. Nothing like the original. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
DeleteI loved this film! Will try to get my hands on it now, as I simply need to watch it again.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, Renee. Never tire of it! Thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteLearning Karate from a young age is known to promote the development of good behavior in a child. Because of the fact that Karate is focused on developing the physical aspects of the body as well as the mental aspects , the child will learn to be more disciplined, focused and in control of his or her body Boxing in Connecticut.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely - thanks for reading and commenting.
DeleteIt's one of my favorite movies. I and my brother every time enjoy this movie with a new zest. I was greatly inspired for learning Best Karate in Connecticut having watch the movie.
ReplyDelete