Karate Kid

[Thread]

*The 2 moments in the tournament when the Cobra Kai realize that Sensei's intentions go way beyond simple bullying and into a much more evil place; those camera angles, sound effects and face reactions in those moments

*The sound of suspenseful music as soon as Miyagi slaps his hands together before healing Daniel's hurt leg

*The proud fundamental compe or that beat some Kobra Kai members in the tourney until ultimately falling to Johnny in the semifinals. Johnny scouting him during the tourney.

*The moment when Daniel's frustration turns into surprise when he realizes his slave work was all part of karate training

* "Dutch"...taking a plum part and turning it into something that triggers this film, puts it somewhere else where I bet the production never thought it would, or, could go. "Points or no points, you're dead meat." --- for him Daniel is so much more than an adversary to be dealt with in a sport bound my civilized rules of engagement. Perhaps I'm wrong and the production suggested, urged, even implored McQueen to go to that dark place. But, he actually went there to the greater glory of us all.

* One of the Kai at the top of the hill before the beach invasion see's Ali "coupling" with Daniel. He's got aspirations as leader for himself and takes relish in goading Johnny with the sight.

* The remnants of Vietnam 10 years over still persist. Not yet at ease Kove instantly is back in country, no more than a click from salvation. Charges right for Miyagi and threatens his very life within seconds. And by God you believe it, and so does the old man.

* Daniel's childish drive to be taught to punch. Of course he would, he's 16. The old man doesn't admonish him for it, he patiently listens because at 50 he knows America, and her children. Then he teaches him.

[cantthinkofanything]

* "Dutch"...taking a plum part and turning it into something that triggers this film, puts it somewhere else where I bet the production never thought it would, or, could go. "Points or no points, you're dead meat." --- for him Daniel is so much more than an adversary to be dealt with in a sport bound my civilized rules of engagement. Perhaps I'm wrong and the production suggested, urged, even implored McQueen to go to that dark place. But, he actually went there to the greater glory of us all.

* One of the Kai at the top of the hill before the beach invasion see's Ali "coupling" with Daniel. He's got aspirations as leader for himself and takes relish in goading Johnny with the sight.

* The remnants of Vietnam 10 years over still persist. Not yet at ease Kove instantly is back in country, no more than a click from salvation. Charges right for Miyagi and threatens his very life within seconds. And by God you believe it, and so does the old man.

* Daniel's childish drive to be taught to punch. Of course he would, he's 16. The old man doesn't admonish him for it, he patiently listens because at 50 he knows America, and her children. Then he teaches him.

but you don't care for Usual Suspects.

[Thread]

but you don't care for Usual Suspects.

No, and I've tried it several time.

[cantthinkofanything]

No, and I've tried it several time.

Hmm. To each his own. Personally, I'm a Karate Kid fan as well. So carry one.

[wontstartdumbthreads]

[Darth_Pelican]

* "Dutch"...taking a plum part and turning it into something that triggers this film, puts it somewhere else where I bet the production never thought it would, or, could go. "Points or no points, you're dead meat." --- for him Daniel is so much more than an adversary to be dealt with in a sport bound my civilized rules of engagement. Perhaps I'm wrong and the production suggested, urged, even implored McQueen to go to that dark place. But, he actually went there to the greater glory of us all.

* One of the Kai at the top of the hill before the beach invasion see's Ali "coupling" with Daniel. He's got aspirations as leader for himself and takes relish in goading Johnny with the sight.

* The remnants of Vietnam 10 years over still persist. Not yet at ease Kove instantly is back in country, no more than a click from salvation. Charges right for Miyagi and threatens his very life within seconds. And by God you believe it, and so does the old man.

* Daniel's childish drive to be taught to punch. Of course he would, he's 16. The old man doesn't admonish him for it, he patiently listens because at 50 he knows America, and her children. Then he teaches him.

*The simple life, when high schoolers spent their time riding their bikes, going to the beach, going to the arcade, and going to dances; no cell phones, laptops, or LED TVs to stare at.... And scuffles were settled with fists, not with guns, knives or social media bullying and arguments.

[Thread]

*The simple life, when high schoolers spent their time riding their bikes, going to the beach, going to the arcade, and going to dances; no cell phones, laptops, or LED TVs to stare at.... And scuffles were settled with fists, not with guns, knives or social media bullying and arguments.

Exactly, the scene where the kids are readying the gymnasium for the dance is so fine. They're children again, the end of school coming fast. [It seems] they're oblivious to the film, to the director, to the camera. That is not by accident, it's by plan and it succeeds it's braced quest. It's a great scene, the production brings the music to introspective tones as the clock is moving, there is no testosterone here, & no Kove. Johnny is at peace, handling Halloween ( child's second favorite day) "toys" --- his smile genuine & kind.

[Blake]

Damn some long lost posters in this thread..

Dark Reign...manny....90210...Sisk...Miami heat..

[UZER]

The nuances of the original continue to strike me:::

*The portable shower ring & curtain hang in the shadows in Miyagi's work room before it's ever called upon. It's there. The production had the wherewithal and wisdom to place it. Didn't have to. They wanted to. And what's more, they needed to.

*The shades of darkness that the Cobra Kai are painstakingly painted with. From the start we're briefed and made aware of the hierarchy, the angst and the merciless & the merciful of this group.

*Johnny's relationship with Ali,,,it's not lodged and then abandoned. We're brought back there time & again as this boy tries to make sense of what has happened. He's under 18, we know this by the tournament he's dominated. Any youngster that young would of course be lost. He's not a cardboard cut out set in there with all the answers. He ed up, he knows that, but, he believes there is a way back. And there just is not. That's sad.

*Daniel's mother,,,consciously aware of the class system in Southern California never lets on to her boy. Her car on it's last legs needs to be pushed to start and is done so in front of Ali's parents. Then after the date mother pulls up at the amusement park where Johnny, in his convertible is holding court with her son and Ali as reluctant participants. At 16 Daniel can see his mother in action, but, he cannot fully appreciate her majesty. At 40, he will remember.

*The background as Daniel battles in the Finals. So much is going on back there, I love to watch it...Miyagi & mother...Ali & her girlfriends...Mother's agony as her son is butchered,,,the full scale play twixt Kove & Miyagi all in pantomime.

So much more.

'84

*The 2 moments in the tournament when the Cobra Kai realize that Sensei's intentions go way beyond simple bullying and into a much more evil place; those camera angles, sound effects and face reactions in those moments

*The sound of suspenseful music as soon as Miyagi slaps his hands together before healing Daniel's hurt leg

*The proud fundamental compe or that beat some Kobra Kai members in the tourney until ultimately falling to Johnny in the semifinals. Johnny scouting him during the tourney.

*The moment when Daniel's frustration turns into surprise when he realizes his slave work was all part of karate training

* "Dutch"...taking a plum part and turning it into something that triggers this film, puts it somewhere else where I bet the production never thought it would, or, could go. "Points or no points, you're dead meat." --- for him Daniel is so much more than an adversary to be dealt with in a sport bound my civilized rules of engagement. Perhaps I'm wrong and the production suggested, urged, even implored McQueen to go to that dark place. But, he actually went there to the greater glory of us all.

* One of the Kai at the top of the hill before the beach invasion see's Ali "coupling" with Daniel. He's got aspirations as leader for himself and takes relish in goading Johnny with the sight.

* The remnants of Vietnam 10 years over still persist. Not yet at ease Kove instantly is back in country, no more than a click from salvation. Charges right for Miyagi and threatens his very life within seconds. And by God you believe it, and so does the old man.

* Daniel's childish drive to be taught to punch. Of course he would, he's 16. The old man doesn't admonish him for it, he patiently listens because at 50 he knows America, and her children. Then he teaches him.

Great stuff...

* Daniel's seeing drunk Miyagi as a man for the first time, a war hero with a deceased wife and child he's still tormented over, as opposed to just a funny little old Asian guy who knows karate. Bows in respect.

* The way Ali confidently just wants to be with Daniel as a friend or more, not phased at all by the social status differences or materiel things, even Daniel's ragged clothes. She gladly hops in the wagon for their old wagon first date. But she won't baby his self pitty either.

* Daniel's inability to let sleeping dogs lie with Johnny and the Cobra Kai because inside he doesn't feel inferior to them. He can't kick there ass, but he will not be beneath them.

* The subtle first life lesson Miyagi teaches Daniel, which is probably the most important " left side safe, right side safe, middle squish."

* Miyagi realising Daniel getting back out there is not just for the tournament, but a defining moment in his life. The hands clap and the music kicks in *chills*

* Bobbys inner struggle with the Kai when they are unloading on Daniel and he says, " Leave him alone man he's had enough!" Which is then shown in full with his begging Daniel for forgiveness after the out of commission instructions

* That James Horner soundtrack though out the film.

[Thread]

* The sound of suspenseful music as soon as Miyagi slaps his hands together before healing Daniel's hurt leg

* The hands clap and the music kicks in *chills*

---Yep, the production goes to full bass there & then doesn't show us the applied method again. There is no need. We've already borne witness. We get it again, but, just the aftermath. It makes it that much more mind bending. He isn't healed, nor cured, he's still limping and tender, but, something has happened.

* The teacher who inadvertently saves Daniel on campus. There is not a lot of fighting at this school. All he's done is teach. There is no alarm, just joy from this man that he's being called upon to apply his vocation.

* Ali's father more aware of his child and her life than at first blanch. Ali's mother still in love with her husband, a sear of passion at the CC. They're good people, class conscious, yes, but, of good hearts and that's why their daughter is the girl she is and the woman she will become.

* The use of the forest green house paint. It draws the viewer to the structure and gives that person a feeling of calm, of solidarity.

* The timing in the restaurant, the tiered action. Mother just missing the kids taking notice of her and at risk son. The Kai, giddy as a child would be that's he seen this and joyously hustles on back to the group.

* The implied & evident threat of death numerous times...Daniel pushed down the hill,,,Daniel running into traffic outside school, the Kai in murderous pursuit, only the old man preventing a cataclysmic event moments later, Kove, ready to kill Myagi in the dojo,,,just like that. It's difficult for the mind to absorb this at first viewing because there is so much happening on screen and it's not a slasher movie, but, the production makes sure to loiter murder at regular intervals.

[UZER]

The nuances of the original continue to strike me:::

*The portable shower ring & curtain hang in the shadows in Miyagi's work room before it's ever called upon. It's there. The production had the wherewithal and wisdom to place it. Didn't have to. They wanted to. And what's more, they needed to.

*The shades of darkness that the Cobra Kai are painstakingly painted with. From the start we're briefed and made aware of the hierarchy, the angst and the merciless & the merciful of this group.

*Johnny's relationship with Ali,,,it's not lodged and then abandoned. We're brought back there time & again as this boy tries to make sense of what has happened. He's under 18, we know this by the tournament he's dominated. Any youngster that young would of course be lost. He's not a cardboard cut out set in there with all the answers. He ed up, he knows that, but, he believes there is a way back. And there just is not. That's sad.

*Daniel's mother,,,consciously aware of the class system in Southern California never lets on to her boy. Her car on it's last legs needs to be pushed to start and is done so in front of Ali's parents. Then after the date mother pulls up at the amusement park where Johnny, in his convertible is holding court with her son and Ali as reluctant participants. At 16 Daniel can see his mother in action, but, he cannot fully appreciate her majesty. At 40, he will remember.

*The background as Daniel battles in the Finals. So much is going on back there, I love to watch it...Miyagi & mother...Ali & her girlfriends...Mother's agony as her son is butchered,,,the full scale play twixt Kove & Miyagi all in pantomime.

So much more.

'84

*The 2 moments in the tournament when the Cobra Kai realize that Sensei's intentions go way beyond simple bullying and into a much more evil place; those camera angles, sound effects and face reactions in those moments

*The sound of suspenseful music as soon as Miyagi slaps his hands together before healing Daniel's hurt leg

*The proud fundamental compe or that beat some Kobra Kai members in the tourney until ultimately falling to Johnny in the semifinals. Johnny scouting him during the tourney.

*The moment when Daniel's frustration turns into surprise when he realizes his slave work was all part of karate training

* "Dutch"...taking a plum part and turning it into something that triggers this film, puts it somewhere else where I bet the production never thought it would, or, could go. "Points or no points, you're dead meat." --- for him Daniel is so much more than an adversary to be dealt with in a sport bound my civilized rules of engagement. Perhaps I'm wrong and the production suggested, urged, even implored McQueen to go to that dark place. But, he actually went there to the greater glory of us all.

* One of the Kai at the top of the hill before the beach invasion see's Ali "coupling" with Daniel. He's got aspirations as leader for himself and takes relish in goading Johnny with the sight.

* The remnants of Vietnam 10 years over still persist. Not yet at ease Kove instantly is back in country, no more than a click from salvation. Charges right for Miyagi and threatens his very life within seconds. And by God you believe it, and so does the old man.

* Daniel's childish drive to be taught to punch. Of course he would, he's 16. The old man doesn't admonish him for it, he patiently listens because at 50 he knows America, and her children. Then he teaches him.

Yup. Miyagi taking Daniel into the lions den, not realizing the danger, real danger he's just walked into, but keeps his cool and negotiates the contract like a boss. Then, slowly backs away step by step knowing not to turn his back because Krease just has that look in his eye.

* The time given at the beginning of the movie to slowly bring you into Daniel's world. You learn him, you feel his being a lost stranger just trying to survive in a world away from "home", youre unknowingly becoming one with him. By the end of the movie, YOU are taking on the Cobra Kai. YOU are facing those fears.

[Thread]

Yup. Miyagi taking Daniel into the lions den, not realizing the danger, real danger he's just walked into, but keeps his cool and negotiates the contract like a boss. Then, slowly backs away step by step knowing not to turn his back because Krease just has that look in his eye.

* The time given at the beginning of the movie to slowly bring you into Daniel's world. You learn him, you feel his being a lost stranger just trying to survive in a world away from "home", youre unknowingly becoming one with him. By the end of the movie, YOU are taking on the Cobra Kai. YOU are facing those fears.

Yep, the 2nd unit production either went to New Jersey, or, painstakingly recreated it on the back lot. The row houses, the big boat automobiles (all backed in---a community act of courtesy)...the neighborhood out in force running alongside mother's big boat automobile for the first 50 feet of the trip to the promise of California. A false positive friend for Daniel at the apartment complex, he repudiates Daniel after the beach attack. Even the promise of a California pool is dashed. And the gd thing is right outside their apartment door. What a sweet set up.

He holds it all in pretty good till he's pushed down the hill on his bike. Then he pitches the bent bike into the dumpster and gives mom (coming home from work after dark, shoulders slightly slumped trying to persevere because she has no other choice) an earful as Miyagi lurks & listens in the shadows. It's about to start.

[UZER]

I misspoke. It's Bill Conti who scored the film.

[Thread]

I misspoke. It's Bill Conti who scored the film.

Same people did this as did "Rocky" including Conti. & Stallone found Conti.

[UZER]

Yeah. The right score is the only thing that can pull you into the movie on that next level.

So much detail is paid attention too. Even the first scene on the beach, in the background you can see Bobby looking with sympathy at Daniel laying their face down. But they immediately show how peer pressure makes you do things when he starts the fight with daniel at the soccer tryouts because the Dutch and Johnny are watching. But if you notice, he never throws a punch, he just postures.

[UZER]

Little things, like the way the shadows of the Kai on motorcycles cast on the houses under construction as they approach. But not until they ride into the shot coming over the hill is the fury released with the sound going from 0 to 10 as the engines rattle.

[Thread]

Little things, like the way the shadows of the Kai on motorcycles cast on the houses under construction as they approach. But not until they ride into the shot coming over the hill is the fury released with the sound going from 0 to 10 as the engines rattle.

Good point on the shadows, Ooze. I'd forgotten them.

The attention to detail in this film is amazing. To critics, perhaps to "us" at the time it was a throw-a-way, but, it was never treated as such by the production. Not for instant. They took their time and they did it right all the way thru. And whereas "Rocky" was (I), "I did it."..."Karate Kid" was (We), "We did it."

Even the event MC doesn't quite know what to do when Johnny hijacks the trophy. A self conscious grin, --'Now wtf is this kid up to?'-- then surrenders it graciously.

[DMC]

That's ing hilarious, sweep the leg lol

[DMC]

As for the movie, it was done when Chuck Norris was at his best, when James Ryan was doing his thing, back in those days, before Jeff Speakman, JCVD and Steven Seagal. The movie is Pat Morita, everyone else could be replaced. Ralph is good as an ignorant scared little boy but it's weird because he's like ing 30 in that movie.

Pat Morita was even good on Happy Days.

[Blake]

Ralph also has a weird unathletic physique. Almost had wife bearing hips.

[Blake]

True or false: the triumphant crane kick to the face should have been illegal.

[Thread]

True or false: the triumphant crane kick to the face should have been illegal.

Illegal, no. But, at least don't lead with it like Johnny. Christ.

[unleashbaynes]

there were people that actually liked the version with will smith's re ed kid

[Blake]

Illegal, no. But, at least don't lead with it like Johnny. Christ.

depending on who you ask, he would have been disqualified in many karate tournaments

[Thread]

depending on who you ask, he would have been disqualified in many karate tournaments

...then taken to juvenile hall.