The Karate Kid, Part II Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
This time, the combat is real.
The story continues...
One more lesson to share. The price of honor. The glory of friendship. And the way you must fight when only the winner survives.
Picks up where the first movie (Karate Kid) leaves off. Mr. Miyagi and Daniel take a trip to Okinawa to visit Mr Miyagi's dieing father. After arriving Mr Miyagi finds he still has feelings for an old love. This stirs up trouble with an old rival that he originally left Okinawa to avoid. In the mean time Daniel encounters a new love and also makes some enemies.
| Ralph Macchio | Daniel LaRusso |
| Pat Morita | Mr. Kesuke Miyagi |
| Pat E. Johnson | Referee |
| Bruce Malmuth | Announcer |
| Eddie Smith | Bystander |
| Martin Kove | John Kreese |
| Garth Johnson | Autograph Fan #1 |
| Brett Johnson | Autograph Fan #2 |
| Will Hunt | Postman |
| Evan Malmuth | Cab Driver |
| Lee Arnone | Stewardess #1 |
| Sarah Kendall | Stewardess #2 |
| Yuji Okumoto | Chozen |
| Joey Miyashima | Toshio |
| Danny Kamekona | Sato |
| John G. Avildsen |
5.30 out of 10 (17316 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Wonderful, for a part II
posted on 03 Aug 2009I was very impressed by this sequel. No sequel can ever be better than the original, but this one comes damn close. Good story line and plot, great acting, beautiful Okinawa scenery, unexpected ending to the fight scene...Worth watching more than once. I gave this one a 9 out of 10.
Fantastic
posted on 13 Jul 2009I first saw this movie three years after it came out, i thought it look a bit childish and corny, but when i actually saw it its great, it isn't as good as the first and the fighting scene at the end was very short but it is still a well done sequel, the movie just isn't for martial art fans but also for those who like a bit of drama, romance and of coarse action. But as i said the movie is very corny, like when Mr Miyagi said To Kreese "Mercy is for the weak etc... he didn't kill Kreese but he sqeezed his nose, then at the end when Daniel was fighting he said to the guy "live or die" and then sqeezed his nose but i guess you have to see the movie to know what I'm talking about, but don't let that give you second thoughts about watching this movie it is very good, it was directed by the same director as ROCKy and the karate kid trilogy carry the same basic story line as ROCKY. So thats all i have to saw all round 2.5 out of four stars.
Above Average Sequel to the 1984 Hit
posted on 25 Jun 2009"The Karate Kid, Part II" is far from a masterpiece, but is a good film that plays almost as well as its predecessor. This time Macchio and Morita travel to Okinawa when Morita's ancient father falls ill. The father does die and Morita is grief-stricken. He also has to contend with a former friend who wants to have a fight-to-the-finish with Morita. Macchio also has tension with the man's nephew who is just as cruel and unreasonable as the boys from the first film. Overall the film is formulaic, but somehow works in spite of its shortcomings. 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Good to while away a Sunday afternoon
posted on 26 Apr 2009There are classic martial art films, there are dire martial art films, there are martial art films that really are beyond the dire, and make you wonder what kind of drugs the director was taking when he wrote it. Happily, Karate Kid 2 is merely not great.The plucky loser story has been done a thousand times, and the wise old mentor is a tested movie device. The martial arts sequences in this film are slow, not particularly well orchestrated, and the dialogue is particularly weak.The only thing that at all saves this film is the inherent cuteness of the leading characters - without Mr Miyagi, for example, this would be one for the dustbin. There's also a healthy does of cod Oriental culture thrown in, as cliched as you'll ever find, but at least it gives the film something to look at, including the locations which can be stunning.More of a martial arts soap opera than anything else. Don't go looking for something to rival Enter the Dragon, and don't go expecting anything worth writing home about, but if you've got a couple of hours to spare on a lazy afternoon, and if you enjoyed the first one, give this one a shot - it's a harmless film and worth a look, even if just once.
Good sequel to a classic film
posted on 23 Jan 2009The Karate Kid Part II is a worthy sequel to a classic film. The Karate Kid films to me were never really great martial arts film just films with decent martial arts sequences there were more of films based around friendship and finding self conidfeance. The realtionship between Myigai and Daniel is played very well the chemistry here is somewhat deeper than the first film. All in all a worthy sequel.
Shlocky, but fun
posted on 25 Oct 2008Shlockiness heaped upon shlockiness, but great fun like the first movie. It lacks the psycho karate coach who made the first movie so entertaining (he comes back in number 3) but the okinawan karate psychos make up for it by also acting like total nutjobs who apparently can't find anything better to do than make total nuisances of themselves.Tattletale time: That was NOT Okinawa. It didn't even look like Okinawa. Okinawa doesn't have high mountains like that. Okinawa is a mostly coral island with some low hills. Apparently, the movie makers figured that a hawaiian island would do just as well and no one would notice. Okinawa is pretty as a picture as a south sea tropical island, but it doesn't look like Oahu at all. Different geography, different flora. I know, i've been there. Too bad the film crew couldn't have pushed a bit further to actual Okinawa for real authenticity.Is this movie worth watching? Of course it is. In fact get all three movies at once and devote a whole evening to fully experience the story of Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi. Get number 4 only if you're desperate as it was kind of a disappointing franchise-exploitive stinker.
I love this one
posted on 28 Sep 2008I lived in Japan for 5 years and thought that this movie was great. The movie is set in the beautiful backdrop of Okinawa, and the scenery made me very nostalgic. A lot of people say that it's the worst of the three, but I think it's one of the best (though the first one was definitely great for introducing Mr. Miyagi).The second movie is a lot more cultural, and it explores the roots of Japanese and Okinawan culture and where Karate fits into it all. Moreover, it is an exploration into Mr. Miyagi's character and history.Part 1 centers on introducing Mr. Miyagi, part 2 is more about history and honor, and part 3 is interesting because it focuses heavily on the relationship between Daniel-San and Mr. Miyagi.I think part 2 is especially interesting because, aside from the first-hand look into Mr. Miyagi's past life, we get to see Daniel-San in his first true fight for life. Part 3 reverts back to competition. The first and third movies are more about gaining self-respect, but part 2 introduces a moment where Daniel-San must fight not simply to protect his honor, but to protect the people whom he cares about.I love the Karate Kid movies. They're some of my favorite childhood movies (aside from the first Neverending Story movie and Willow). I think it's a shame how so many people give such poor ratings for these movies.
Better than the original??
posted on 13 Sep 2008Better than the original?; many movies try to make a sequel that tops the original but like most - The Karate Kid II fails.But wait... This IS a good film - not as good as K.K.I but this has fantastic scenery, a good plot-line and some good acting - notably again from "Pat" Morita and the fight sequences are again top-notch.This was never going to win an Oscar(Perhaps for Peter Ceteras' fantastic title song) but if you're after a good action/love movie then this is one you should watch.
Not as good as the original, but a good film nonetheless
posted on 18 Jul 2008Sequels are often measured against the originals, but as it is well known, fail to measure up (the notable exception being "Star Wars Episode IV: The Empire Strikes Back - the exception that proves the rule). Too often, the sequel lacks the "newness" of the original - the characters are often completely developed, the underdog has already triumphed. In other words, the story has already been completed.In this second installment, we see how, to some degree, to overcome that. Of course, the challenge has to be taken up a notch (a fight to the death? Yeah, that's a little better than a tournament) and we usually delve deeper into the characters. Seeing Mr. Miagui cope with demons from his past helps to better completely define his character; Machio's Daniel Laruso is sadly left second stage, as all he seems to learn is that his famous "stork-kick" obviously hasn't been perfected after all.Personally, I feel as though KKI and KKII told both halves of the story nicely, and could have done without installments three and four. However, KKII fills the void nicely for those who saw, and loved, The Karate Kid and wanted nothing more than to see that pseudo-nazi military sensei get humiliated.
The best of the series
posted on 09 Jul 2008I realize it doesn't seem like much to say this is the best KARATE KID installment, but I really think this is a good movie. I was the right age (14) when it came out to really cleve onto it, and although I don't love it quite as much as I did when I was a teenager, I still enjoy watching it. It is certainly a heck of a lot better than part III, and has stood the test of time far better than the first one.Some things that are better about this one: The love story is much sweeter than in the first one; the plot actually has some depth to it; the conflicts presented are semi-believable (as opposed to the other films where the Mean Senseis are mean for no real reason) and resolved more realistically; the soundtrack is highly superior to the other movies; and the cinematography is better because the scenery is much more interesting. Yeah, Ralph Macchio is still hard to swallow as a karate champ but hey, you can't win 'em all.I'm going to go out on a limb here and give this one an 8/10. Take that, Leonard Maltin!
Almost as good as original
posted on 03 Jun 2008I really loved the original, and this one I like almost as much. We get to know and understand a lot more about Miyagi's character, and the romance between Daniel and Kumiko is very sweet and in some ways better than the one with Elisabeth Shue. The original romance was based more on puppy love and being a crush. But in this one these two characters seem to have feelings more of passion and sexuality. I know they really don't say much to each other, but they don't have to. Just watch the way they look at each other and act.3.5 out of 4.
Surprisingly well-made sequel
posted on 26 Jan 2008Daniel Larusso is back this time in Okinawa, Japan to visit Mr. Miyagi's home village, but upon arrival they discover it's being overrun by his old nemesis and his construction company. The climatic fight scene in the vintage karate ring was about as good as a sequel can get and wasn't relying on the first film for material. If you liked the first "KARATE KID", this one is almost as good, but please; do not see the 3rd sequel, it is Macchio's worst film ever.
Very good sequel (some spoilers)
posted on 05 Jan 2008The Karate Kid Part II is a very good sequel and story told. On the first movie, we saw how Daniel transformed from a weakling to a fighter under a master's influence. Here, Daniel goes to the other side of the world, namely Mr. Miyagi's home village in Okinawa, Japan.While the first film concentrated on learning and inspiration, this film concentrated on love, honor and the richness of culture. Released in 1986, this film played a great doorway for Westerners and other foreign movie viewers to enter and get exposed to Japanese culture. Let's face it, this film has the richest and most colorful culture presented in the entire series. As for honor, this film teaches us not to dismiss honor or abuse it. When the Japanese say something, it has to be taken seriously. Honor is an element missing in many films, and it's great to see it presented here.Ralph M. is back as Daniel, and his act is virtually the same as those in the other KK movies. He however lacks expression, which is disturbing because we're always treated to a wooden hero. Pat Morita's act as Miyagi is much better here, thanks to that home feeling and home environment. Not only does he teach, but he also romances! Seeing Miyagi back home brought out more from his character. Tamlyn Tomita is very beautiful and she perfectly fits her role here. Tomita is no doubt, the best lead lady of Daniel in the series.While the setting and production is good, there are some technical flaws. First, we all know that the film's beginning took place immediately after the end of the first film. Suddenly, we don't see Daniel's mom and his girlfriend (Elisabeth Shue). Where did they disappear to?! Since those two were gone, the filmmakers had to make excuses to avoid them, like moving the story many months later suddenly. Setting the story in Japan was reportedly said to be the biggest reason behind. I heard reports that the story of Karate Kid Part III was supposed to be used on this film.Also, there's too much use of the English language despite the Japanese setting. Sure there are American soldiers based in Okinawa (to give the impression that English is a widely used language there), but seeing Miyagi and his rival Sato talk English is disturbing to the core. It does not feel right, seeing Japanese talk to fellow Japanese in English. I'm willing to watch Japanese conversations in English-subtitles, but I guess the filmmakers were too lazy to have massive Japanese dialect in the film. Seeing Tamlyn and Ralph talk English is acceptable, but the rest is not. I felt that the English dialogue between the Japanese (example: Miyagi and his love one) destroyed what could have been expressive dialogues.Despite the flaws, the goods outweigh the bads. This film is a must see and is a worth sequel to the first film. Also, this is the last good Karate Kid movie ever made. The 3rd chapter ad the Next Karate Kid simply sucked out.Want to see what honor is, how rich is Japanese culture, how Japan's provinces looked like, what happened to Daniel and Miyagi? The Karate Kid Part II has the answers! Watch it!
"Fighting Always Last Answer"
posted on 21 Dec 2007[CONTAINS SPOILERS] Our story opens right after Karate Kid 1 ends. (Naturally, it's the sequel). In the parking lot, Kreese is angry at Johnny for not winning, but it's Mr. Miyagi to the rescue. Kreese breaks his knuckles when trying to punch Miyagi but instead he punches car windows.
Six months later, Mr. Miyagi receives a telegram fromOkinawa. It reports that his father is quite sick. Daniel demands to accompany his friend, so they head off. They arrive and head to Mr. Miyagi Senior's house. There, Mr. Miyagi is reaquainted by an old girlfriend, Yuki and her niece Kumiko, who seems to like Daniel. Mr. Miyagi had also met up with his old friend, turned enemy Sato.Because of what they did when they were children, Sato demands that he and Miyagi fight. Miyagi declines. Sato's nephew, Chozen, chooses tormenting Daniel to be his ambition in life. He always pops up to give Daniel trouble and Sato pops up to give Miyagi trouble.
One night, a terrible storm hits. Miyagi and Daniel save Sato's life, so he becomes a good guy. But Chozen is still evil. He demands he and Daniel fight, like the tournament in the first film, except no referees. They fight. Chozen get's in some good hits but Daniel once again triumphs.
Almost as good as the first! Not quite. A scene I'd like to point out is the one where Daniel and Mr. Miyagi get directions from asolider on a giant air base to Mr. Miyagi's village. The credits report George O'Hanlon as the soldier. But if this is right, that soldier would be 69 years old, but he only looked in his mid twenties. Because that's the same George O'Hanlon who does George Jetson and Joe McDoakes. It can't be the same guy, can it? The mechanics of it are just mind boggling. Sadly, Nobu McCarthy who plays Yuki died not too long ago. But everyone else is still here. Was followed by Karate Kid III, which wasn't a very good entry to the series. Reports state that this movie, Karate Kid II, was Ralph Macchio's least favorite.-
Under-rated sequel; I recommend you to see this but don't see the sequels that follow
posted on 25 Oct 2007Good follow-up to the original with Daniel and Mr. Miyagi going to Okinawa in the summertime to visit his ill father. When they get there, both of them meet many old friends and enemies. Good sequel, but it would have just been fine if they stuck with the original. This was much different from the first. Instead of fighting to prove himself in a tournament, Daniel fights for his life and for honor. That was what I really liked about the movie. However, the first film had Miyagi talking about how violence and fighting was the wrong answer because he was in the war. That was one of the greatest messages in film history.3.5 out of 5.
only karate film series I've seen
posted on 30 Jul 2007I liked this film the best mainly because it takes place where Mr. Migyia grew up. Here the viewer gets the experience where Mr. Migyia grew up and learned his karate. I also like the fact that they had the scene of a breaking/chopping event, in this case the ice (which no karate film should be without) including that huge hook thing they tried blocking. I believe that Daniel faced the most challenges in this film aside from the fact that his enemies were more experienced. The other good thing about this film is the violent storm (which gives viewers to see how the weather can be so different in other countries [even though I missed the one that struck my tree at my house and took a kid 5 feet off the ground while I was away on vacation actually watching this film for the first time!]), and then how Sato and Mr. Migyia settle their disputes, unfortunately though Chozen and Daniel don't and fight to death in the end. Kumiko, though is the girl friend of Daniel's I liked the most from the other two. She wasn't irritable and the two didn't dispute that much. Other than the bloody beginning with Kreese smashing his fists through the car windows (which would have been good to put at the end of Karate Kid 1) this was a great film.
Start of the groan inducing sequels to Karate Kid.
posted on 15 Jun 2007Yes, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi are back and so is the teacher from the last movie! Well briefly, and we learn shortly after that Daniel's girl from the last movie who stood by him through it all dumped him for a football player and wrecked his car. Wow, so much for storybook endings, though I guess it makes for a more realistic course of actions. Well no time to worry about that kind of stuff as I think Mr. Miyagi's dad is dying and Mr. Miyagi must hurry back to see off his dying father. He must also confront a rival from long ago. Daniel quickly makes friends and enemies and then we have moments of pure groan. Tea ceremonies and the like litter the movie and make this movie a sequel that never should have been in my book. Granted this one made more money than the original, however, the next film would do drastically less probably because a number of people were rather disappointed by this one and the third one was rather bad. There are a couple of okay scenes in this one such as the ice breaking one and the typhoon had a visual appeal I rather liked as does the whole movie mainly because it is set in the far east. Still, the plot needed some work with a bit less sickly sweet moments.
Glory of sludge...
posted on 25 May 2007Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita return as teacher and student who travel to Okinawa to see Mr.Myiagi's dying father and it is here where Morita must confront a deadly enemy who is looking to avenge his honor. While Daniel must end up fighting for the same reason in this excruciatingly dull film. There are many problems with this movie, the number one problem is that the story works better as a sequel to Kickboxer than it does to a Karate Kid. I mean had this been an R rated and harder edged type of action flick that the plot typically calls for, this may have worked. Unfortunately though it is treated as drama and all we watch is the interaction between these people, now don't get me wrong, if a drama actually creates a credible situation and gives us characters worth caring about, then it can be something. (Kill Bill Volume 1 and 2) however when the material is this cheesy (Avenged honor?) you need lots of martial arts action. This is not the case and we get too much filler and not much excitement. Indeed this is one extremely boring movie. The climax at the end is a to the death fight and well you can't do this in a PG movie. Not well, anyway.*1/2 out of 4-(Poor)
sequel improves on original
posted on 21 Aug 2009once again we have a case where the sequel outdoes the original.the original set the stage for the characters and is well done.however,the sequel is better than the original for one main reason,a better villain.this time Daniel is forced to fight for his life(literally)against a much more skilled opponent than he faced in the original.there is much more tension in this movie and more scenes of peril.the violence is more vivid and graphic.The setting is much more exotic,this time Okinawa being where most of the story takes place.so,visually we have a much more picturesque movie to look at.also,we see some of the culture of the people of Okinawa(accurate or not,i'm not sure).there is also more happening in this film.we have a subplot involving Mr.Myagi and a choice he must make.so,the story is more developed,the location is nicer,and the villain is better written than the 1st.and of course Mr. Myagi continues to teach Wisdom to Daniel as well as the Okinawan Village.when you add it all up,this makes for a better movie.but parents should be warned,again,that their is more graphic violence and sequences of peril in this one.use your discretion. 10/10