Review of The Karate Kid Part II (1986) by Robert H — 26 Mar 2013

I remember not liking this film nearly as much as the first Karate Kid film when I was younger and re-watching it as an adult I can see why. There is far less actual Karate or fighting involved in this film and rather than it be a story about Daniel, this film, though centered around Daniel, is about Mr. Miyagi.

The film, as seems to be common in the two different worlds sub genre of films, goes to the foreign land in the sequel. Unlike many others though, it takes a more serious, educational and respectful approach rather than fill the screen with lots of "unknown" cultural jokes.

There are really 2 fight scenes in the film. One where Mr. Miyagi kicks arse and one where Daniel essentially gets his but beaten until he learns to... ummmm... punch sideways???

Neither fight scene is very good by todays standards and I have a feeling my young self also felt that way.

I can say that the film has me longing for a trip to Japan as I love the culture and belief systems that are a basis of their history and have managed to survive to this day.

It's clear my older self has more respect, understanding and appreciation of this Karate Kid movie than my younger self.