I thoroughly enjoyed the first Karate Kid movie. Despite its predictable plot, it featured original sports storytelling, well-developed characters, a talented cast, emotional moments, great music, and impressive karate fighting scenes. While sequels are often inferior to the original, The Karate Kid Part II is a rare exception. It is a high-quality continuation of the first film and should not be underestimated, at least not after we know how the third film in the franchise ended up panning out!
How to Download The Karate Kid Part II
You can download the film from a digital store. You can also stream it. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and make your choice. Check out also our review of the remake of the first film as well as the sequel TV series – Cobra Kai.
The Movie Review
The Karate Kid Part II picks up where the first film left off, with Daniel and Miyagi continuing to train in the art of karate. They focus on the discipline and honor of martial arts, as well as the spiritual powers of meditation. However, their training is interrupted when Miyagi receives news that his father is gravely ill. He and Daniel travel to Okinawa, Miyagi’s hometown, where they are reunited with his childhood love, Yukie. But their reunion is bittersweet.
Yukie was forced to marry Miyagi’s rival, Sato, in an arranged marriage, causing Miyagi to flee Okinawa and never return. Now, Sato is a powerful karate expert and a wealthy, bitter landowner who demands a final grudge match with Miyagi. Meanwhile, Sato’s nephew, Chozen, is determined to fight Daniel in a battle of young wills. Both teacher and student must face their rivals in a matter of honor and life or death.
Having the same director, John G. Avildson, back for the sequel helps to maintain continuity. I appreciate how Avildson expands on the characters we grew to love in the first movie in this sequel. The story continues where the first film left off, but it also shows us a different side of these characters. This is exactly what a sequel should do – offer something new while still staying true to the original.
The writing, by Robert Mark Kamen, is particularly effective in exploring Miyagi’s past and the challenges he faces in his hometown. The way Daniel adapts to the customs and traditions of the Okinawa people is also well done.
The Karate Kid Part II deviates from the formula of the first movie by not having a tournament as the central conflict. Instead, the focus is on Daniel’s coming of age and his first romantic relationship. The change of setting to Japan, although the movie was actually filmed in Hawaii, adds an interesting new dimension to the story. Pat Morita once again delivers a warm and quirky performance as Mr. Miyagi, and Ralph Macchio’s Daniel is more likable and well-rounded in this film.
There is less emphasis on training and more on the conflict with the villains, which leads to a satisfying climax.
The Visuals
The use of vibrant colors, such as the lush green forests and the bright red kimonos worn by the women, helps to bring the setting to life. The camera also takes advantage of the natural surroundings, with sweeping shots of the ocean and the mountains. In contrast, the scenes set in crowded city locations have a more chaotic and fast-paced feel, which effectively conveys the bustling metropolitan lives of Japan.
Overall, the cinematography effectively enhances the storytelling and adds to the film’s visual appeal.
The Music
The music in The Karate Kid Part II is another highlight of the film. Bill Conti’s score is emotionally charged and effectively enhances the tension of the scenes. The music in the dancing hall is live and upbeat, adding to the lively atmosphere.
The standout track of the soundtrack is “Glory of Love” by Peter Cetera, which won an Oscar for Best Original Song. This uplifting and inspiring song perfectly captures the themes of the film. Overall, the music adds a lot to the film and is a major contributor to its success.
Verdict
The Karate Kid films were a huge part of my childhood, but after rewatching the second film for this review, even now, I felt as if it had aged quite well.
There are not a lot of films that you can say that about, they either age poorly or they simply vanish out of existence, or they become legendary and iconic, and that’s certainly the case with The Karate Kid Part II. In my honest opinion, The Karate Kid Part II overtakes the original in terms of quality.
