The Karate Kid is an ’80s icon. It was an underdog story which used the burgeoning martial arts movement in the US to capture the fight to survive adolescence and enchant the imagination of a generation.
We love The Karate Kid here on HeyUGuys, and recently looked back at the franchise as it endured through the decades, with sequels, a reboot and a stunningly successful TV show in Cobra Kai. With this year’s release of Karate Kid: Legends the stage has been set for a new generation. Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han teams up with the original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso (a welcome return to the big screen for Ralph Macchio) to blend their distinctive styles to guide Ben Wang’s Li Fong in a combative, coming of age blockbuster.
As the Home Premiere of Karate Kid: Legends has arrived there has never been a better time to dive back into the enduring series that began over forty years ago. Today we’re looking at the scenes in the previous Karate Kid films to help you get ready for the new battle ahead.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Ok – so, this one is a given. It’s the moment that was replicated in playgrounds around the world, and it’s one of the most satisfying finales in ’80s cinema. The moment that the Crane Kick connects and Johnny Lawrence falls to the floor screaming was the moment The Karate Kid achieved greatness.
It was the visceral culmination of all that had gone before it. The loneliness of Daniel LaRusso, the quiet discipline of his mentor Mr. Miyagi, the intensity of the bullying at the hand of Cobra Kai, all combined to make the victory so sweet.
It’s also one of the most important moments for Johnny Lawrence. From this defeat to the deadbeat Dad he was at the beginning of Cobra Kai, his life was changed forever by the tournament. His redemption would come much later, but it began when his face hit the mat.
The Karate Kid’s legacy is in the struggle that is faced by each new generation, and there are undeniable echoes of this triumphant moment in Karate Kid: Legends.
The Karate Kid 2 (1986)
The sequel took Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san to Okinawan soil (actually filmed in Hawaii) where both learn that the fight never stops, it is only the opponent which changes. One of the most memorable moments comes when Daniel finds Mr. Miyagi looking out across the sea, grieving the loss of her father.
In comforting his master, Daniel returns the unconditional love that is at the heart of the entire franchise. His care of his mentor, his maturity, and his sense of reflection on his own father allow Miyagi to take his first steps on his new journey. Macchio’s acting has never been better, allowing the moment to breathe and the words to take root. Pat Morita’s tears, when they come, are heavy with emotion and fall down his stony silent face as the student stands next to his master and there is an unspoken realisation they face all future battles, physical and emotional, together.
The Karate Kid 3 (1989)
Right. Back to the kicking. Revenge and its inherent weakness is fertile ground for Mr. Miyagi’s particular pedagogy and with the resurgence of Cobra Kai under the union of John Kreese and his former army friend Terry Silver, the stage is set for more life lessons to be learned.
Why this scene is particularly important (not to mention, extremely satisfying) is the way Mr Miyagi steps in and uses the anger of his opponents in the revenge-fuelled confrontation against them. With precise movements and careful balance, Miyagi’s power is shown to its fullest.
This is a lesson that each new Karate Kid needs to learn, in order to be… The Best.
The Karate Kid (2010)
We couldn’t have had an article on The Karate Kid without a training montage. We’ve chosen the Jaden Smith/Jackie Chan led reboot to showcase the importance of a well choreographed montage and while the Pacific Ocean looks great from the Santa Monica Bay, it doesn’t quite compare to the Great Wall of China.
What makes this scene important for those about to watch the new film, Karate Kid: Legends too benefits greatly from the passion and mercurial nature of Jackie Chan’s Mr. Han. Towards the end of this montage (you can watch along below) there’s a neat moment where Jaden Smith’s Dre proves that he understands the need for respect in all aspects of life, with Mr. Han looking on.
In Karate Kid: Legends we have Karate Kid alumni from both generations colliding on screen. It’s a bold new telling of an age old story, and with these scenes fresh in your mind, we hope you’ll be able to appreciate that there are some lessons that last throughout your entire life.
Buy or Rent the Home Premiere of Karate Kid: Legends now
