Watch The Karate Kid II
- PG
- 1987
- 1 hr 53 min
-
6.1 (92,827)
The Karate Kid II is a sequel to the 1984 hit movie The Karate Kid. It was released in 1986 and directed by John Avildsen, who also directed the first movie. Like the original, the movie stars Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, the karate teacher, and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, his student. The story of The Karate Kid II picks up right where the first movie ended. Daniel has just won the All-Valley Karate Tournament, defeating his arch-rival Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) in the final round. After the tournament, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi discover that Miyagi's father is gravely ill in Okinawa, Japan. Miyagi decides to return to his homeland to be with his father, and Daniel accompanies him on the trip. Once they arrive in Okinawa, Daniel and Miyagi are greeted with hostility by Sato (Danny Kamekona), Miyagi's childhood friend and former rival. The two had a feud many years ago, and Sato has not yet forgiven Miyagi for what he sees as a betrayal. Sato challenges Miyagi to a fight to settle their differences, but Miyagi refuses, as he has abandoned violence and seeks to live in peace. As the story unfolds, Daniel develops a relationship with a local girl named Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita), who helps him navigate the different customs of Okinawa. But trouble continues to brew between Miyagi and Sato, exacerbated by the arrival of Sato's nephew Chozen (Yuji Okumoto), a skilled martial artist with a chip on his shoulder. The Karate Kid II has a different tone than the original movie, as it is more focused on exploring the backstory and culture of Mr. Miyagi than on Daniel's personal growth. There are still plenty of scenes of martial arts training and action, but there's also more emphasis on character development and interpersonal relationships. The movie also boasts impressive cinematography, as it was filmed on location in Okinawa. The stunning landscapes and authentic set designs add to the movie's immersive effect and make the viewer feel like they're really experiencing a different culture. Despite its strong story and production values, The Karate Kid II received mixed reviews from critics upon release. Some praised it for its touching portrayals of friendship and forgiveness, while others criticized it for being too formulaic and lacking the energy and excitement of the first movie. However, The Karate Kid II was a box office success, grossing over $115 million worldwide. Its popularity led to a third movie in the franchise, The Karate Kid III, which was released in 1989. In conclusion, The Karate Kid II is a touching and memorable sequel to the original movie. It expands on the characters and world-building of the first movie and offers plenty of emotional moments and exciting action scenes. If you're a fan of the original movie, it's definitely worth checking out.