The Karate Kid, Part II

Rewatched this for the first time in over 30 years. My memories were of not caring for it much. Wasn’t as action oriented as the original, which, as a nine year old, is pretty important. What I found surprised me: it’s a better movie than the original. Yes, I said it. It’s better. Daniel is no longer the whiny pseudo-protagonist that is often causing his own problems. He’s more mature here, often trying to diffuse tense situations with peace and diplomacy. Miyagi is given more to do than just be “wise old teacher”. And the themes are stronger than the original, where the messages of standing up for yourself and self-esteem were undermined by Daniel’s actions. Here, it’s about family and honor, and the villains are driven by what they see as a violation of both. Sato and Chozen are far deeper characters than the first movie’s bullies. Sato feels betrayed, and from his point of view, you can see why. Chozen believes in his uncle, and therefore carries the family grudge forward with glee. Is it a perfect movie? No. Ali from the first movie is written off very haphazardly, so Daniel can have a go-nowhere, minimal-chemistry “romance”. The movie also spends its first five minutes recapping the entire first movie, as if it didn’t come out two years prior. The ending is also preposterous; if Chozen is so obsessed with honor, he would not just accept the defeat and nose honk. He’d stand right back up and kick Daniel in the back of the head. But overall, I think this movie gets a lot of unfair heat. With the characters established, it allows the story to breathe more, resulting in a stronger story and better villains. It never feels padded or overlong, and it doesn’t overdo the “beat up the hero for sympathy” trope. Abrupt and unbelievable ending aside, it’s a rare sequel that beats the original.