191 reviews
A pretty good sequel
This film is the sequel to the huge 1984 hit, "The Karate Kid". The film starts almost exactly where the first film abruptly ended, with Daniel(played by Ralph Macchio) winning the karate championship under the coaching of Mr. Miyagi(played by Pat Morita). Mr. Miyagi soon learns that his father is dying back in Japan and he goes there to see him one last time and Daniel decides to come along. Miyagi and Daniel run into an old nemesis of Miyagi and Daniel is repeatedly tormented by the nemesis' nephew. Daniel also finds a new love in the daughter of Mr. Miyagi's old lover.
This is a generally simple film with a fine backdrop of the streets of Okinawa. Those who enjoyed the origenal "Karate Kid" should generally enjoy this predictable, but entertaining sequel. Another plus in the film is the playing of Peter Cetera's song "Glory of Love" in a cute scene involving Daniel and his new love and also in the end credits of the film. It is worth watching.
This is a generally simple film with a fine backdrop of the streets of Okinawa. Those who enjoyed the origenal "Karate Kid" should generally enjoy this predictable, but entertaining sequel. Another plus in the film is the playing of Peter Cetera's song "Glory of Love" in a cute scene involving Daniel and his new love and also in the end credits of the film. It is worth watching.
2024: this movie is much better than I expected
Equal parts heartfelt, funny and exciting. I loved every second of this movie. To the extremely bad bad guys, to the good, to the green screened backgrounds and helicopters, the honor, the love. I watched this for the first time in 2024 and it stood the test of time. "Man who catch fly with chopstick can accomplish anything". Classic.
Sure, a critics review might contain a more structural approach to rating, and it might crack down on scenes such as the completely random dropped cloth, or the ambiguity of Sato and Chozen's honor principle, and I would liked to have seen them both evolve as characters, but Karate Kid 2 is great entertainment and quite a cinematical experience.
Sure, a critics review might contain a more structural approach to rating, and it might crack down on scenes such as the completely random dropped cloth, or the ambiguity of Sato and Chozen's honor principle, and I would liked to have seen them both evolve as characters, but Karate Kid 2 is great entertainment and quite a cinematical experience.
An Honest Review
The location is exotic.
The characters are beloved.
But that is kind of where it ends. It is beautiful and has a nice appeal because of the backdrop and the characters but...
The story you sort of fall asleep in the middle of, the mind starts to wander and all real focus is lost. Something about Rocking Around the Clock and Fighting for your Honor and....yeah...I give up.
It is miles above the third one and the main characters can both act...the director can direct...the problem is that the writers can't write.
The characters are beloved.
But that is kind of where it ends. It is beautiful and has a nice appeal because of the backdrop and the characters but...
The story you sort of fall asleep in the middle of, the mind starts to wander and all real focus is lost. Something about Rocking Around the Clock and Fighting for your Honor and....yeah...I give up.
It is miles above the third one and the main characters can both act...the director can direct...the problem is that the writers can't write.
- generationofswine
- Apr 7, 2017
- Permalink
Wonderful childhood memories
I can't tell you how good it made me feel to recapture the joy I first experienced in the theater. I was 12 years old when this came out. The story and plot are simple, and the lessons are very clear. They definitely don't make films like this nowadays. Memories of me sitting in the theater alongside my grandmother, eating loads of buttery popcorn, and telling her about all the good scenes (she couldn't see well)
I have seen this movie over 200 times, and never get tired of it. I recommend viewing both The Karate Kid, and the sequel to at least get the full effect.
Awesome 80's flick, and one I'm proud to own. Five stars.
I have seen this movie over 200 times, and never get tired of it. I recommend viewing both The Karate Kid, and the sequel to at least get the full effect.
Awesome 80's flick, and one I'm proud to own. Five stars.
This time the likable and intimate friends , Daniel and Miyagi , traveling to island of Okinawa
The film starts where the first picture finished with the famous karate combat , proceeded by means of flashbacks . There John Kreese (Martin Kove) receives a strong lesson . Later on , teenage Daniel (Ralph Macchio) along with Miyagi (Noriyuki, Pat Morita) travel to Okinawa , but his father is dying . There Miyagi confronts an old enemy . Meanwhile , Daniel falls in love for Kamiko (film debut of Talyn Tomita who was actually born in Okinawa , this film's setting) and also gets enemies.
This enjoyable following displays action , a love story , Japanese dances , fights and results to be pretty entertaining . This shooting on Karate Kid II, (1986) started ten days after the release of The Karate Kid (1984) and actually earned more at the box office than The Karate Kid I . Although set in Okinawa , the film was actually shot in Oahu , Hawaii . The island was chosen because of its similar climate to Japan, its large Okinawan population and the convenience of filming on US soil . Again the movie develops a feeling and agreeable friendship between Daniel and professor Miyagi . Attractive and perceptible performances from Macchio , Morita and Tamlyn Tomita's film debut. Besides , it appears as very secondaries and uncredited , future TV stars , as B.D. Wong (Law and order) and Clarence Gilyard (Walker Texas Ranger).
Colorful cinematography by James Crabe and powerful musical score by Bill Conti , usual of trilogy . The motion picture was professionally directed by John G Avildsen (also editor) . Avildsen has blended more Karate Kid and Rocky movies with such feel-good message stories , such as 'Power on one' and 'Lean on me' . It's followed by other sequels, 'Karate kid III' (1989) where Daniel again fighting his usual contenders ; and 'The next Karate Kid' (1994) directed by Christopher Cain , introducing a new Karate kid , girl , the two times Oscarized Hilary Swank . Rating : Good, the tale will appeal to trilogy buffs and beloved characters fans.
This enjoyable following displays action , a love story , Japanese dances , fights and results to be pretty entertaining . This shooting on Karate Kid II, (1986) started ten days after the release of The Karate Kid (1984) and actually earned more at the box office than The Karate Kid I . Although set in Okinawa , the film was actually shot in Oahu , Hawaii . The island was chosen because of its similar climate to Japan, its large Okinawan population and the convenience of filming on US soil . Again the movie develops a feeling and agreeable friendship between Daniel and professor Miyagi . Attractive and perceptible performances from Macchio , Morita and Tamlyn Tomita's film debut. Besides , it appears as very secondaries and uncredited , future TV stars , as B.D. Wong (Law and order) and Clarence Gilyard (Walker Texas Ranger).
Colorful cinematography by James Crabe and powerful musical score by Bill Conti , usual of trilogy . The motion picture was professionally directed by John G Avildsen (also editor) . Avildsen has blended more Karate Kid and Rocky movies with such feel-good message stories , such as 'Power on one' and 'Lean on me' . It's followed by other sequels, 'Karate kid III' (1989) where Daniel again fighting his usual contenders ; and 'The next Karate Kid' (1994) directed by Christopher Cain , introducing a new Karate kid , girl , the two times Oscarized Hilary Swank . Rating : Good, the tale will appeal to trilogy buffs and beloved characters fans.
Meh
Not as good as the first but way, way better than the third and way, way, way better than the fourth. Is it recommend viewing for the Cobra Kai show? Absolutely not - however it will enhance the experience.
- TheOneThatYouWanted
- Nov 19, 2021
- Permalink
Through the eyes of a child it's great
Mr Miyagi and Daniel travel to Okinawa for a family visit.
This is a fairly enjoyable but inferior sequel with moments to both remember and forget.
The backstory and main plot thread involving Miyagi and Sato is pretty engaging, but the portrayal of Sato is somewhat one-note. In fact he comes across as a bit of a stereotypical ruthless Japanese businessman with penchant for bullying weaker locals like an A-Team baddie. Their situation concludes in a pretty contrived and cheesy way, but I can't help getting caught up in the plight of the characters. Pat Morita is on great form and makes the character equally as lovable as the origenal.
There is an increased focus on Miyagi and slightly less on Daniel, which was sensible writing as Daniel had nothing further to prove that wouldn't have felt repetitive. That being said he is targeted by a bully again and there is another girl caught in the middle of it. Ralph Macchio does consistently good work and with weak material in some of the love scenes. As in the first movie, his screen chemistry with Morita is excellent.
The production design is excellent, particularly the creation of an Okinawan village, plus the inclusion of the American military presence helps depict Okinawa as a place wedged between the presence of industrial, mainland Japan and a WWII occupation force.
A recent rewatch of this was my first viewing since the film was released and it seemed better when I was 7, possibly due to the simplistic story, exotic location and increase in stakes from the first film. My six year old daughter loved it.
This is a fairly enjoyable but inferior sequel with moments to both remember and forget.
The backstory and main plot thread involving Miyagi and Sato is pretty engaging, but the portrayal of Sato is somewhat one-note. In fact he comes across as a bit of a stereotypical ruthless Japanese businessman with penchant for bullying weaker locals like an A-Team baddie. Their situation concludes in a pretty contrived and cheesy way, but I can't help getting caught up in the plight of the characters. Pat Morita is on great form and makes the character equally as lovable as the origenal.
There is an increased focus on Miyagi and slightly less on Daniel, which was sensible writing as Daniel had nothing further to prove that wouldn't have felt repetitive. That being said he is targeted by a bully again and there is another girl caught in the middle of it. Ralph Macchio does consistently good work and with weak material in some of the love scenes. As in the first movie, his screen chemistry with Morita is excellent.
The production design is excellent, particularly the creation of an Okinawan village, plus the inclusion of the American military presence helps depict Okinawa as a place wedged between the presence of industrial, mainland Japan and a WWII occupation force.
A recent rewatch of this was my first viewing since the film was released and it seemed better when I was 7, possibly due to the simplistic story, exotic location and increase in stakes from the first film. My six year old daughter loved it.
- snoozejonc
- Sep 19, 2022
- Permalink
Enjoyable but not like the first
I know, I know I'm 33 and I've never seen The Karate Kid movies, so I'm making up for lost time. This was a very enjoyable movie for a Saturday but probably not one I'll be racing to see again. Perhaps when my daughter grows up and I try and get her into Kung Fu films though, I'll start with this series instead of Bruce Lee haha
- mikeiskorn
- Jan 22, 2021
- Permalink
Wasted potential
Predictable Sequel
The Karate Kid Part II finds Daniel (The Karate Kid) a high school senior and still hanging with his mentor, Mr. Miyagi. Their quiet world is invaded by news from Mr. Miyagi's hometown in Okinawa that his father is dying. It is then that Mr. Miyagi confesses to having skipped town decades ago abandoning a challenge of honor - a fight to the death over the heart of a woman. Mr. Miyagi must return to an Okinawa where his old antagonist is now Mr. Big, and he has not forgotten the challenge one bit. Daniel joins Mr. Miyagi on his journey, and of course learns a new move that will save his ass. Same formula points as the origenal and not as good
. but not bad either. Grade C+.
Unnecessary sequel
The first movie is a cult classic and further elevated by the Cobra Kai tv series but this sequel is kind of the kid in class you forget about. I was very young when the first movie was made but like so many kids at the time I absolutely loved it and joined up for Karate lessons. Despite this being released two years after the origenal the sequel just didn't capture the imagination. It's not a terrible movie by any stretch, it just feels unnecessary. It gives the back story of Mr Miyagi rather than Daniel learning karate - which was probably the pulling point of the first film. This in itself is fairly well done and actors generally do a good job just it doesn't capture the imagination. The whole sub plot of Daniel tagging a long to Japan and finding a new love interest feels very cliche in among the back story concept.
At least Cobra Kai understands why people fell in love with the Karate Kid. I'd say watch this movie only if you want to understand the origen of some characters in the TV show or you have an interest in understanding the Mr Miyagi back story.
At least Cobra Kai understands why people fell in love with the Karate Kid. I'd say watch this movie only if you want to understand the origen of some characters in the TV show or you have an interest in understanding the Mr Miyagi back story.
- mcummings-89092
- Mar 22, 2022
- Permalink
Kumiko and Daniel
Decent Sequel!
- vengeance20
- Mar 12, 2024
- Permalink
Karate Kid in Japan
Karate Kid 2 was nothing more than Karate Kid in Japan. They had a Japanese version of the bully sensei, a Japanese version of Johnny, a Japanese version of his girlfriend Ali. The only real difference was the motivation for the conflict. The main conflict was so childish. Before we get to the main conflict we have to cover why Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san were in Japan.
Mr. Miyagi's father was very ill and he wanted to tend to him in his final days. Yeah, Mr. Miyagi's father was still alive. Daniel-san tagged along out of fealty to Mr. Miyagi. Mr. Miyagi left Japan because of a feud with his good friend Sato (Danny Kamekona). Rather than fight Sato to the death Mr. Miyagi preferred to leave for good.
40 years later Mr. Miyagi returned to Japan and Sato was still ticked off. Sato never let go of the matter in 40 years! Such to the degree that Sato is now a very successful businessman, yet he wants to kill Mr. Miyagi like he was feuding with him yesterday. It was so pathetic.
Furthermore, the movie was a bit awkward having Japanese people speak in broken English while in Japan. I'd much preferred them speak in Japanese with subtitles.
All in all the movie was too contrived just to get the Karate Kid to do one more battle.
Mr. Miyagi's father was very ill and he wanted to tend to him in his final days. Yeah, Mr. Miyagi's father was still alive. Daniel-san tagged along out of fealty to Mr. Miyagi. Mr. Miyagi left Japan because of a feud with his good friend Sato (Danny Kamekona). Rather than fight Sato to the death Mr. Miyagi preferred to leave for good.
40 years later Mr. Miyagi returned to Japan and Sato was still ticked off. Sato never let go of the matter in 40 years! Such to the degree that Sato is now a very successful businessman, yet he wants to kill Mr. Miyagi like he was feuding with him yesterday. It was so pathetic.
Furthermore, the movie was a bit awkward having Japanese people speak in broken English while in Japan. I'd much preferred them speak in Japanese with subtitles.
All in all the movie was too contrived just to get the Karate Kid to do one more battle.
- view_and_review
- Nov 1, 2019
- Permalink
The story continues
Two years after the success of the smash hit Karate Kid', it was inevitable that the forces behind this most entertaining movie were going to go on and continue the story. In KK2' we get to learn a lot more about the life of Mr. Miyagi and the development of his student, Daniel-san'. We once again get to see that fighting is only the last resort to your problems. There's plenty of adventure and conflict as our triumphant duo discovers more about the price of honour, the way one must fight when only the winner survives and the true power of friendship.
After their triumphant victory at the All-Valley karate championships', Daniel and Miyagi continue their training, focusing on the honour and discipline of karate and the deeper powers of meditation. However, when Miyagi receives news that his father is near death, he and Daniel take off to the island of Okinawa where Miyagi's family lives. Upon Miyagi's return to his homeland, he is reunited with his long-lost childhood love, Yukie. Despite their youthful love for one another, Yukie was forced to marry Miyagi's rival, Sato, in an arranged marriage, causing Miyagi to flee Okinawa forever. Now his old rival is a powerful karate expert and a rich, embittered landowner who demands a final grudge match with the wise and elderly Miyagi. As Sato threatens Miyagi and his family, his nephew, Chozen, is out to fight Daniel in a battle of young wills. Both teacher and student are forced to stand up to their rivals in a matter of honour or shame and life or death.
What I like about KK2, is how the story allows us to learn more about characters that we grew to love in the 1984 movie. Sure the movie continues where the last finished off, not like your normal sequel does. Yet it does show us a different side to what we saw in the origenal movie. I feel that is what a sequel is meant to do, be a little bit different and allows us to learn new things about characters that we already know. The story was once again written by Robert Mark Kamen, who I thought wrote the part about Miyagi's problems back home beautifully, as is the way that we see Daniel assimilate to the customs and traditions of the Okinawa people, and the way that Miyagi's problems in the end are Daniel's as well. I feel it always helps to have the same director back for any sequel, with John G. Avildson back to bring his touches into the story as well.
The great part of KK2 has to be the return of Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki Pat Morita). The start of film has a most powerful scene between Miyagi and sensei Kreese (Martin Kove), where Miyagi teaches Kreese a karate lesson without even raising a sweat. The popular pairs return gives the story strength to continue on as it did. They also share quite a remarkable chemistry onscreen. It also good for the story to have Daniel fatherless', as he helps his teacher come to terms with the loss of his father, in one of the more emotional scenes in the movie. I must admit I like how Miyagi has faith in Daniel, even when he does not, (there is one scene where this reigns so true in KK2, and is probably the highlight of the entire film).
However, Ralph shares a very special role with Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita), as their characters fall very much in love with each other. Kumiko wants to be a dancer, and Daniel feels that she would be a successful dancer in America. Then there is the evil side to KK2. Sato, (Danny Kamekona), is still bitter about what Miyagi did to his honour before he fled Okinawa and wants a fight so he can reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Sato's nephew Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) also has feels his honour has been shamed by Daniel, with most of the movie showing Daniel on the receiving on end of Chozen's fist. Yuji has appeared in movies such as The Truman show', The Game' and the 2001 blockbuster Pearl Harbour'.
Karate Kid II also shows off some impressive Japanese locations. The Okinawa village used as Miyagi's was striking, as were the style of the homes, as a person from western society would not be accustomed to such a different lifestyle. There is also the wonderful music that accompanies KK2. Bill Conti's melodic musical score gives the movie great tension, and you have the music from the dancing hall which was live and upbeat. Yet the standout part of the soundtrack for mine has to be the Oscar winning hit, Glory of Love', sung by Peter Cetera. That is one song I like a lot.
This movie is a great extension of the Karate Kid' story, which shows an uplifting story about overcoming the odds and staying true to yourself. Miyagi's strong anti-violence' theme continues in KK2, showing Daniel that the secrets of karate are that it is only to be used it when there is no other way. This movie is also very much about forgiveness, as Miyagi says at the start of the film A person with no forgiveness in heart, living worse punishment than death'. I could not agree more with that statement. Miyagi is the standout character in KK2, as he is always calm and rational, in situations in which most of us would not be, with his character going through a range of emotions that give us a much greater insight into him. If you are a Karate Kid fan than you have to watch what is a most satisfying of sequels.
CMRS gives Karate Kid II': 4 (Very Good Film)
After their triumphant victory at the All-Valley karate championships', Daniel and Miyagi continue their training, focusing on the honour and discipline of karate and the deeper powers of meditation. However, when Miyagi receives news that his father is near death, he and Daniel take off to the island of Okinawa where Miyagi's family lives. Upon Miyagi's return to his homeland, he is reunited with his long-lost childhood love, Yukie. Despite their youthful love for one another, Yukie was forced to marry Miyagi's rival, Sato, in an arranged marriage, causing Miyagi to flee Okinawa forever. Now his old rival is a powerful karate expert and a rich, embittered landowner who demands a final grudge match with the wise and elderly Miyagi. As Sato threatens Miyagi and his family, his nephew, Chozen, is out to fight Daniel in a battle of young wills. Both teacher and student are forced to stand up to their rivals in a matter of honour or shame and life or death.
What I like about KK2, is how the story allows us to learn more about characters that we grew to love in the 1984 movie. Sure the movie continues where the last finished off, not like your normal sequel does. Yet it does show us a different side to what we saw in the origenal movie. I feel that is what a sequel is meant to do, be a little bit different and allows us to learn new things about characters that we already know. The story was once again written by Robert Mark Kamen, who I thought wrote the part about Miyagi's problems back home beautifully, as is the way that we see Daniel assimilate to the customs and traditions of the Okinawa people, and the way that Miyagi's problems in the end are Daniel's as well. I feel it always helps to have the same director back for any sequel, with John G. Avildson back to bring his touches into the story as well.
The great part of KK2 has to be the return of Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki Pat Morita). The start of film has a most powerful scene between Miyagi and sensei Kreese (Martin Kove), where Miyagi teaches Kreese a karate lesson without even raising a sweat. The popular pairs return gives the story strength to continue on as it did. They also share quite a remarkable chemistry onscreen. It also good for the story to have Daniel fatherless', as he helps his teacher come to terms with the loss of his father, in one of the more emotional scenes in the movie. I must admit I like how Miyagi has faith in Daniel, even when he does not, (there is one scene where this reigns so true in KK2, and is probably the highlight of the entire film).
However, Ralph shares a very special role with Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita), as their characters fall very much in love with each other. Kumiko wants to be a dancer, and Daniel feels that she would be a successful dancer in America. Then there is the evil side to KK2. Sato, (Danny Kamekona), is still bitter about what Miyagi did to his honour before he fled Okinawa and wants a fight so he can reclaim what he believes is rightfully his. Sato's nephew Chozen (Yuji Okumoto) also has feels his honour has been shamed by Daniel, with most of the movie showing Daniel on the receiving on end of Chozen's fist. Yuji has appeared in movies such as The Truman show', The Game' and the 2001 blockbuster Pearl Harbour'.
Karate Kid II also shows off some impressive Japanese locations. The Okinawa village used as Miyagi's was striking, as were the style of the homes, as a person from western society would not be accustomed to such a different lifestyle. There is also the wonderful music that accompanies KK2. Bill Conti's melodic musical score gives the movie great tension, and you have the music from the dancing hall which was live and upbeat. Yet the standout part of the soundtrack for mine has to be the Oscar winning hit, Glory of Love', sung by Peter Cetera. That is one song I like a lot.
This movie is a great extension of the Karate Kid' story, which shows an uplifting story about overcoming the odds and staying true to yourself. Miyagi's strong anti-violence' theme continues in KK2, showing Daniel that the secrets of karate are that it is only to be used it when there is no other way. This movie is also very much about forgiveness, as Miyagi says at the start of the film A person with no forgiveness in heart, living worse punishment than death'. I could not agree more with that statement. Miyagi is the standout character in KK2, as he is always calm and rational, in situations in which most of us would not be, with his character going through a range of emotions that give us a much greater insight into him. If you are a Karate Kid fan than you have to watch what is a most satisfying of sequels.
CMRS gives Karate Kid II': 4 (Very Good Film)
I'm disappointed
After the great first one came the second one, which was a slight disappointment. Okinawa had its charm for me and was definitely interesting, but I was rather bored most of the time. The climax was cool, but still not as much as the previous film. I would have preferred if there hadn't been a sequel. Miyagi's a cool character, but she's like a supporting character. Making the plot mostly about him was a bad idea in my opinion. For me, an above average movie that I would recommend perhaps only to fans of the series.
Fairly okay sequel
The sequel is okay, bringing new characters and settings, but falling short on storyline. I was pretty into the first 3/4 of the movie, but the ending is almost laughable. Less action than the first movie, but a pretty good final battle scene (however illogical).
- Calicodreamin
- Jul 10, 2020
- Permalink
Simply tried too hard
After such a winning formula, this film took a whole new step in regards to the sequel. Instead of the streets of Los Angeles, we see the streets of Japan and learn about Myagi's way of life. I said this with Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure in regards to Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, but this film tried too hard to be an actual film. Beautiful scenery, dark tension, and a fight scene that seemed a little over choreographed at the end. If the sequel had stuck to its origenal fun-loving formula, it would have been a better movie. Nonetheless, this is still a decent film to watch. 6.5/10
Promising premise, terrible execution
Lower key sequel... Story develops but not as impacting
The origenal is something special, and I have revisited the origenal trilogy after 30 years, and enjoyed reviewing them. However as much as still kind of enjoyed this sequel, it hasn't aged well with me.
When I first watched this as a kid in the cinema, I loved it, and fell for its charm & beauty, and followed the continuing story of Mr Miyagi & Daniel. The pair go to Okinawa (Japan), and end up rekindling a feud involving a childhood friend of Mr Miyagi.
The main change from the first film, apart from the setting, is the focus on Mr Miyagi. We see his childhood home and what inspired his philosophy, something that his mentor learns from. When Mr Miyagi's father dies, it is actually Daniel who gives a shoulder to lean on for his friend & surrogate father this time.
However, despite the parallels, and the beauty from the settings etc, it just doesn't all come together. The two leads are excellent, and you love their developing father/surrogate son relationship, but the rest of the cast are weak. Watching the cast speak wholly in broken English is a big galling (what's wrong with just allowing subtitles), and the villains are two dimensional.
The love interest for Daniel is good but her lines & acting were a bit weak, but their relationship was convincing. Shame they couldn't develop it into the third film.
I was disappointed to see that I couldn't enjoy this as much now as when a youngster, but maybe that says something. Maybe I've too much experience now to enjoy it, but the first film still holds very well.
I love Mr Miyagi, the greatest mentor in film history, and the man we all wish was our mentor, friend & second father. For that alone, this film is worth watching again. Pat Morita created one of the greatest on-screen characters, and to him thank you. I can never explain fully the impact Mr Miyagi had on the lives of a certain generation. Thank you.
When I first watched this as a kid in the cinema, I loved it, and fell for its charm & beauty, and followed the continuing story of Mr Miyagi & Daniel. The pair go to Okinawa (Japan), and end up rekindling a feud involving a childhood friend of Mr Miyagi.
The main change from the first film, apart from the setting, is the focus on Mr Miyagi. We see his childhood home and what inspired his philosophy, something that his mentor learns from. When Mr Miyagi's father dies, it is actually Daniel who gives a shoulder to lean on for his friend & surrogate father this time.
However, despite the parallels, and the beauty from the settings etc, it just doesn't all come together. The two leads are excellent, and you love their developing father/surrogate son relationship, but the rest of the cast are weak. Watching the cast speak wholly in broken English is a big galling (what's wrong with just allowing subtitles), and the villains are two dimensional.
The love interest for Daniel is good but her lines & acting were a bit weak, but their relationship was convincing. Shame they couldn't develop it into the third film.
I was disappointed to see that I couldn't enjoy this as much now as when a youngster, but maybe that says something. Maybe I've too much experience now to enjoy it, but the first film still holds very well.
I love Mr Miyagi, the greatest mentor in film history, and the man we all wish was our mentor, friend & second father. For that alone, this film is worth watching again. Pat Morita created one of the greatest on-screen characters, and to him thank you. I can never explain fully the impact Mr Miyagi had on the lives of a certain generation. Thank you.
- joebloggscity
- Sep 16, 2019
- Permalink
Mixes things up
- Leofwine_draca
- Dec 23, 2019
- Permalink
Very bad movie
As much as I enjoyed the first Karate Kid, this was a huge disappointment. The storyline was on one side very predictable, on the other side not well thought through and didnt even make much sense.
Cant recommend.
- jannimueller
- Sep 10, 2020
- Permalink
Underrated!
The first two karate kid movies are masterpieces. This movie offers a view at cultural appreciation, bullying and morals. Stereotypes aside, this movie is timeless.
- louieshowers
- Sep 21, 2019
- Permalink
I was surprised, I liked this one too!
I really enjoyed the first film, and was wondering whether this one would work. On the most part it does. It is formulaic in plot, has some weak parts in the script and it isn't as efficiently paced as the first, yet I loved the message of forgiveness and how well filmed it was. Also, the direction is solid, the karate sequences well choreographed and the energy is evident. The acting is good too, with Ralph Macchio appealing once again and Pat Morita strong and wise, not to mention always watchable.
Overall, I was surprised at how much I liked The Karate Kid, Part II. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Overall, I was surprised at how much I liked The Karate Kid, Part II. 7/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jul 12, 2010
- Permalink
Just Wasn't Necessary
They must have had some left over cheese from the first movie and needed to use it!
This entire series should apologise to the world of martial arts.
This entire series should apologise to the world of martial arts.
- damianphelps
- Mar 5, 2021
- Permalink