Re-viewing The Karate Kid Part II, I Wish They'd Altered One Element Differently
The Karate Kid: Part II Revisited
Ralph Macchio's Daniel LaRusso and his wise, humorous guide, Mr. Miyagi, take center stage in the '80s Karate Kid flicks. But the sequel, Part II, isn't as well-regarded as its predecessor. However, I hold a special fondness for it, so I enjoy rewatching it. However, there's one aspect of that sequel that leaves me a bit disappointed.
In Part II, Daniel and Miyagi travel to Okinawa after learning that the latter's father is critically ill. During their journey, they run into Miyagi's old buddy, Sato Toguchi, who is still bitter about their past. Meanwhile, Daniel finds himself squaring off against Sato's nephew, Chozen, who eventually heads to the spotlight in the Cobra Kai series. The film offers action, romance, and more, but the narrative fallout has me wishing for a better approach to Miyagi's father.
Miyagi Chōjun appears in only two scenes throughout the film - the scene upon their arrival in town and the moment before his passing. His dialogue is minimal, creating a hollow character rather than a living, breathing persona. The story undeniably emphasizes the father-son relationship between Miyagi and Daniel, but it would have been intriguing to witness more interaction between Miyagi and his dad.
A heartfelt conversation, perhaps in their native tongue, could have packed an intense emotional punch and provided insights into their past relationship. Alas, fans didn't get to see the dynamic between the two characters. But there's still a chance to rectify the situation, especially if the Cobra Kai team decides to delve deeper into the Miyagi universe.
Chasing the Miyagi Dream: Bringing to Life the Elder Miyagi
Fans of Cobra Kai have been eagerly awaiting news of potential spin-offs within the Karate Kid universe. Although no precise plans have been revealed, the creators have hinted at some ideas. One possibility would be focusing on a young Mr. Miyagi's adventures, offering a golden opportunity to flesh out the relationship with his father.
The EPs of Cobra Kai - Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg - have expressed a desire to explore Miyagi's past, albeit not around the time he met Daniel. Instead, they'd prefer trace his earlier life, possibly featuring different actors portraying him at various stages. This approach would indeed make sense for the series.
If this happens, I hope we'll receive an authentic depiction of the bond between Mr. Miyagi and his father. Sadly, Chōjun's representation in Part II fell short of the mark. Nonetheless, there's still a chance for the franchise to make amends and deliver a satisfying tale of an unforgettable character's origins.
Get Your Popcorn Ready: Stream The Karate Kid: Part II Now
Grab your Netflix subscription and dive into The Karate Kid: Part II now. And, don't forget to check out the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends release in 2025!
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While the 1986 film, subtitled Part II, isn't as celebrated as its iconic 1984 predecessor, I have a soft spot for it. Daniel and Mr. Miyagi travel to Okinawa after hearing about Miyagi's ailing father. However, the portrayal of Chōjun as a mere plot device leaves me wanting more.
In Part II, Miyagi Chōjun appears in only two scenes, offering little substance for character development. His dialogue is minimal, making him feel more like a prop than a living character. Despite the film's focus on the relationship between Miyagi and Daniel, it would have been captivating to watch more exchanges between father and son, especially considering their shared cultural language.
If a prequel series were created, the opportunity to explore this relationship would be golden. Mr. Miyagi's youth, his friendship with Sato, and the challenges he faced during World War II could create a rich and exciting narrative. The series could delve into his training methods, philosophical insights, historical context, character development, and important themes, such as resilience and perseverance.
The creators of Cobra Kai have shown interest in developing stories about Mr. Miyagi. It's crucial to portray his relationship with his father in a nuanced and authentic manner to do justice to this cherished character. Fans deserve a compelling tale that brings the wisdom of Mr. Miyagi full circle.
Daily blend: The creators of Cobra Kai have hinted at the possibility of exploring Mr. Miyagi's past, potentially featuring a prequel series that delves into his adventures and relationships, including his bond with his father.
Interviews: In a future series, it would be essential for the creators to prioritize an authentic and nuanced portrayal of Mr. Miyagi's relationship with his father, as fans yearn for a compelling tale that does justice to this cherished character.
movies-and-tv, entertainment: Expectations run high for a potential prequel series focusing on the early years of Mr. Miyagi, with the hope that the series would offer captivating insights into his training methods, philosophical insights, historical context, character development, and thematic explorations such as resilience and perseverance.
