Year: 1984
Starring: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita
Directed By: John G. Avildsen
Run Time: 126 Minutes
Rating: PG
A classic movie, that anyone who is ever lived has seen. If you tell me that you have not seen this movie, either you are a liar, or just flat out crazy. If you don't know who Miyagi is, then you need a lesson! For most boys, this movie in our youth led us to the belief that Karate would be the answer to problems. However, after watching this movie recently, I learned a few things from it that aren't necessarily a great message to pass onto children. More on that later.
This is a story about a boy who moves to California and is a New Jersey native in a new world, and is subject to be bullied. The new place where he lives, the maintenance man, is the famous Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita. Interesting fact about him is that he started as a comedian, and has no Japanese accent. So when you watch it, you are watching a Japanese-American faking a Japanese accent. Regardless, you will not even know he is faking it, and he plays the famous teacher to Daniel-san (Ralph Macchio). Throughout the first part of the movie, Daniel is getting into fights, in which case I believe he jumped the gun to throw his fists. The fight before Miyagi steps in, he really caused the Cobra Kai clan to come after him. Miyagi tells Daniel-san in the movie that Karate is not for beating people up, but rather for defense. He then agrees to train Daniel, in order to earn respect. They become friends, and Miyagi plays a surrogate father to Daniel-san which produces three sequels. (Five if you count the one with Hilary Swank and the remake).
I liked this movie, however, it is funny to watch an 80's movie in 2010. I thought the movie didn't quite flow well and the story could have used some work. The overall message here is that learning karate and fighting your opponent in competition is okay, as long as you earn their respect. Not the best message in the world, but could be worse. They could have done a lot more with the story to make the whole "impossible feat" more honorable at the end. It is still a classic, and who wouldn't wish for a Miyagi in their own life to teach them martial arts? I know I would.
I give this movie 3 out of 5 crane kicks. It is still a classic and I advise everyone to see it, but based on the story and the underlying theme, it isn't that great. When I review the remake, you will see why I rate the movie lower.
TMBro
PS: The director also directed Rocky. But he also did Rocky V... so since Rocky, his directing has been, well, a bit rocky.
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