The Karate Kid 2, a movie about much more than fighting.

One of my very favorite movies is "The Karate Kid 2." It follows the adventures of Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. Unlike many sequels, you don't need to have seen the first. Actually, it may be better to see the movies in reverse order, because "The Karate Kid 2" is the story of Mr. Miyagi. The history of this martial arts teacher is profound, deep, and resonates so well that I'd wish I had known more about him in the first movie. Sure, in the first he's a mysterious presence, but understanding who and what he is would have made the relationship between master and student far more complex and believable.

Generally speaking, the second movie is considered better than the first. Why is that? It's very simple, it's because the audience already understands the world and the players and the motivations. So, we hit the ground running and are able to quickly get into more substantial plots. Think of the widely believed best Star Wars movie, "The Empire Strikes Back." There is no setup of characters, no setup of what's going on, just an immediate danger and the beginning of Luke Skywalker's Jedi training. The movie starts with the story already progressing at a fast clip. That's taking full advantage of the history of the first film and efficiently adding to it.

Back to "The Karate Kid 2," the best part of the story is how seriously the events and cultures are treated. Mr. Miyagi's father dies at the start, and there is reverence throughout. Okinawan culture is shown with no hint of comedic wit, but instead with dignity and understanding. This film seems much more real than the first, with real problems and real heroics. Yes, having the Karate Kid win battles is basically the task of both movies, but in the sequel he earns the victory. You see him struggle and overcome, but not just him. You see, Mr. Miyagi grows too. There are huge character arcs for all the main people.

There's a test I have done with many books over the years. I flip to the last page and read the last few paragraphs. I'm looking to be surprised and to wonder how the characters got to that point. If I'm not surprised, then I know the characters don't change much. "The Karate Kid 2" passes with bright colors. It's not only a fun movie, but a good movie that teaches as well as entertains. There are lessons in compassion, forgiveness, loss, honor, revenge, love, patience, and never backing down. Sure, it's not literary artwork, but the movie has a lot to offer. Check it out.

- M