The 80s are a decade full of films we who grew up through them look back on with great reverence and nostalgia. On a re-watch from this era, many fall short of our childhood memories (Teen Wolf, for one).
However, The Karate Kid is not one of those.
This is now a classic; Rocky Junior as many thought of it (as
it is directed by John G. Avildsen, who directed Rocky and Rocky V). The film was
released in 1984 and- for those who don’t know the real plot, only the
abomination that is in the 2010 remake starring Jackie Chan- centres
on young Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) who moves to California
with his mother from New Jersey
It’s a classic underdog story, which we all know American
cinema loves to make. The film- visually and tonally- is, of course, trapped in
the 1980s, with more montages and inspiring music than I remember. Does this
overly date the film? Yes. Is this a bad thing here? No. The film feels like a
time capsule of the 80s and now watching it feels like watching a film made to
be set in the 80s. It is classic timeless cinema – why? Because of the
characters, the narrative and the deep heart and soul at the root of the piece.
Looking back, I noticed a few interesting things to mention.
One is the relationship with Daniel’s parent- the dynamic is interesting in the
way we have the central character living in a single parent family and a poor
income background which leads directly into this strong young character. I’m
talking strength of character not physical; he is a very likable character and
obviously designed as an everyman. He’s not a ‘geek’, a ‘jock’ or any label –
which is refreshing in itself.
The relationship between Daniel and Miyagi (Pat Morita was
nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for this role) is very well
written, performed and established. It could easily be said he is the father
figure that Daniel is missing- but I would say that’s too easy a conclusion.
The relationship is far more dynamic; they are friends- a friendship they both
were not looking for, but definitely both needed. Daniel the outsider obviously
needed someone- but Miyagi for most of the movie is an enigma and mystery surrounds
him. Slowly we are revealed more and more about his past. This is culminated in
a great scene where Daniel- after a teenage trivial argument with Ali- goes to Miyagi
to vent his frustration. But he finds this usually string and stoic man drunk,
crying and dressed in full army uniform. Miyagi is a World War II veteran who
lost his wife during childbirth. We see him instantly as the lonely man he is
and its here that the film shows its real strength – it’s not about the karate;
this film is really a character piece.
So, we have an all time classic – a classic? Yes, a classic.
We have a young hero, a wise old man and the forces of evil. And what evil –
the Cobra Kai, a dojo that’s lost its way under the leadership of Vietnam
veteran John Kreese (played by the menacing Martin Kove). This is just a superb
film and should be cherished on your DVD shelf – I will be replacing this VHS.
I will even replace the franchise – all have their merits, maybe I’ll look at
them with time.
Rhys
