The Karate Kid

Why Is The Karate Kid Rated PG?

Martial arts violence pervades this film about a picked on boy who learns karate for self-defense. Altercations include hand-to-hand combat, kicks and punches. Along with verbal taunting, the bullying turns into assault when the victim is outnumbered and beaten into unconsciousness. The scraps eventually move into a showdown at a karate tournament where an aggressive teacher encourages his students to use illegal means to take out their opponents. Black eyes, bloody noses, scrapes, bruises and an injured leg are shown. Frequent mild and moderate profanities are used, along with terms of deity. An adult character smokes, while an adolescent only pretends to. A teen is shown rolling a joint. A role model character consumes alcohol to the point of drunkenness and persuades a minor to drink too. An unlicensed youth drives a car, with an adult’s consent. Teen girls are shown dressed in swimwear, and males are seen with bare chests. A teen couple holds hands and kisses.