The Karate Kid

By Adriana Puckett

Average User Rating:

MPAA Rating: PG

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What it's about:

When Daniel LaRusso moves from comfortable New Jersey to the alien landscape of sunny California, he encounters more than his usual share of problems fitting in. A gang of high school bullies -- who also happen to be experts in karate -- hone in on the new guy with vigorous dislike that translates to several dark-alley confrontations. But Daniel's luck begins to turn when he befriends his apartment complex's multifaceted repairman, Mr. Miyagi, who happens to be a karate expert from Okinawa and a wise mentor to a teenager who needs a male figure in his life. Together they embark on a course of training -- both in karate and in the essentials of character that make life's endeavors successful.

What parents need to know:

This movie contains violence in the form of bullying and fighting, and, later, more organized karate sparring. There is also some offensive language and mild romantic interest between Daniel and Ali.

One scene that may potentially bother parents is when we see Mr. Miyagi become a very melancholy drunk, who confides to Daniel that he lost his wife and newborn son in childbirth. A younger child watching the movie may be confused by the seeming oxymoron of a hero such as Mr. Miyagi drinking in this manner, which is stereotypically negative. This is an example of some of the complex themes of the movie that make it a better candidate for older kids.

The bottom line:

Although the set is a little dated now (the original movie is from 1984), the story line is still intense and relatively believable, and the climax is nail-biting material.

The scoop:

This is an excellent movie to watch with your pre-adolescent children. The themes about fitting in while still remaining true to yourself are handled tastefully and delicately here. But more importantly is the resilience and inner determination that Daniel displays as he goes from being a wisecracking goof-off to a karate champion.

I am always on the lookout for movies that I can watch with my kids that model good work ethics or commendable decision-making processes, and this is one of them. However, keep in mind that there is some language you will have to address. Daniel yells some offensive words in anger, and this may be an opening to talk about controlling your language even when you are troubled. For this reason, and the fact that many of the themes of peer pressure, dating, and the like are more mature, I would not recommend the movie for kids under age 10.