The Karate Kid parents guide

The Karate Kid Parent Guide

This film presents a feel-good underdog story that demonstrates the value of hard work, the tenacity of the human spirit and the mutual benefits found in friendships between the young and old.

Overall B

New Jersey native Daniel (Ralph Macchio) has trouble fitting when he moves to California. As bullying problems escalate, the teen turns to an unlikely friend, Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), who mentors him in martial arts for self-defense.

Release date June 22, 1984

Violence C+
Sexual Content A-
Profanity C
Substance Use C-

Why is The Karate Kid rated PG? The MPAA rated The Karate Kid PG

Run Time: 127 minutes

Parent Movie Review

With dreams of a better future, Lucille Larusso (Randee Heller) moves her son Daniel (Ralph Macchio) from cold New Jersey to the sunny state of California. But what she sees as paradise quickly turns into hell for the transplanted teenager as he tries to put down roots in the foreign environment.

The biggest challenge is his peers. First introductions seem to go okay until Daniel catches the eye of a pretty blonde named Ali (Elisabeth Shue). Unfortunately she comes with strings attached to a jealous ex-boyfriend. When Johnny (William Zabka) sees them together, he and his motorcycle buddies tangle with the stranger, beating the boy until he is bruised and black eyed.

If Daniel had hopes of avoiding any further confrontations, such wishes vanish when he learns both the ruffians and Ali are fellow students at his new school—and the irresistible girl wants to pursue their friendship. Nor is his confidence boosted by the discovery that the bad boys spend their extracurricular time at a karate studio run by an aggressive teacher named John Kreese (Martin Kove).

Daniel’s worst fears are realized one night when an angry Johnny and his aggressive gang corner him and start hitting, punching and kicking until the youth is barely conscious. Then a miracle happens. The elderly Japanese maintenance man from Daniel’s apartment complex suddenly appears and within minutes subdues the assailants. Realizing Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki “Pat” Morita) has some serious martial arts skills, the teen asks for lessons so he can stop being a punching bag.

It takes some lengthy persuasion to get the quiet gentleman to consent to his request, mostly because he wants to make sure Daniel understands karate is not about fighting and vengeance, but about self-defense and earning respect. Taking the problem back to the karate school, Mr. Miyagi arranges to have Daniel challenge Kreese’s students at an upcoming tournament and has them agree to a truce until the competition. In the meantime the master promises to train the boy.

The Karate Kid debuted in 1984 and quickly became a classic in its genre. Still, parents should be aware that despite pacifist professions, the movie spends a lot of time portraying martial arts violence and battles where bullying turns into assault. (A little blood and a few injuries are shown). Other content concerns include depictions of a minor drinking, a teen rolling a joint, and several uses of mild and moderate profanities.

Fortunately the film also presents a feel-good underdog story that demonstrates the value of hard work, the tenacity of the human spirit and the mutual benefits found in friendships between the young and old.

Directed by John G. Avildsen. Starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita. Running time: 127 minutes. Theatrical release June 22, 1984. Updated

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The Karate Kid
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Karate Kid rated PG? The Karate Kid is rated PG by the MPAA

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.

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The Karate Kid Parents' Guide

Mr. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel karate, but instead has him doing household chores. How does the elderly man respond when the boy questions his methods? What skills and character traits does Daniel learn because of his labor?

Kreese has his students recite: "Strike First. Strike Hard. No Mercy." How does this statement of philosophy differ from Mr. Miyagi’s view of karate? Still, both of these teachers gain the loyalty of their pupils. Why? What motivates the obedience in each group?

According to the movie, Daniel leaves New Jersey in September, has his major altercation with Johnny on Halloween night (October 31) and then competes in the karate tournament in December. Is this a realistic timeline for someone to develop the level of martial arts skill depicted in this film?

The bullying Daniel endures is very serious. How should such abuse really be handled? Do you think it is realistic to assume the aggression will stop if the boys take their grievances into a competition environment? Ignoring what the script suggests, what would likely happen to Daniel if he won such a tournament? What would happen if he lost?

Loved this movie? Try these books…

Remade as a picture book for all ages, "The Karate Kid: The Classic Illustrated Story Book" brings Daniel's story to a younger audience.

Home Video

Related home video titles:

The Karate Kid was followed by a sequel in 1986 titled The Karate Kid 2. A remake of The Karate Kid releases in 2010. Other martial arts underdog films include Kung Fu Panda, Mulan and The Forbidden Kingdom.

 

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