‹ All movies
The Karate Kid Part II poster

The Karate Kid Part II

year 1986decade 80sdirector John G. Avildsengenre Martial arts drama

113 minutes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Ralph Macchio Daniel LaRusso
Pat Morita Mr. Miyagi
Tamlyn Tomita Kumiko
Yuji Okumoto Chozen Toguchi
Charlie Tanimoto Miyagi Chōjun
Martin Kove John Kreese

The Karate Kid Part II | The Rewatchables

host Bill Simmonshost Kyle Brandt
Explore episodeClose episode

Producer credits not yet identified.

Most Rewatchable Scene

Opening confrontation, travel, grief and ice breaking are discussed.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:28:05Read transcript
  • The opening reprises a scripted ending of the first film but was reportedly newly filmed; Kreese’s abuse and Miyagi’s window dodge are memorable, though one speaker wants an actual fight.
  • Daniel joining the trip, the arrival trap and his consoling Miyagi after the father’s death are nominated.
  • The father’s abrupt death acting and apparent closeness in age to Miyagi are criticized.
  • The date leading to ice breaking is a childhood favorite, but Daniel’s ability and the convenient ice setup are questioned; the betting arithmetic is noted.

Most Rewatchable Scene

Final fight and hurricane are the two personal scene picks.

In the discussion (6)
Approx. transcript time · 00:36:00Read transcript
  • Miyagi clearing the attackers is discussed as limited but effective choreography; Morita’s movement is compared to an aging movie fighter.
  • The hurricane, log chop and child rescue are exciting despite implausible strength and the child’s assigned danger.
  • Drinking tea and taking the sticks out of her hair lead to a kiss, interrupted by a typhoon.
  • Sato’s changed attitude is touching and the final setting excellent, but the repetitive drum-technique closeups disappoint.
  • The final fight is one personal choice, especially the videogame-like setting.
  • The hurricane is the other personal choice for its danger, bravery and safe outcome.

The most "year the movie came out" thing

Panasonic televisions, earnestness, easy travel and a simple game adaptation.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 00:44:08Read transcript
  • The all-Panasonic shop, possibly showing Fame, and the uncynical honor-and-love story evoke1986.
  • A last-minute Northwest ticket and a1987 game built from flies/ice-breaking actions are additional period markers.

What’s Aged the Best?

The Weintraub production and Conti score inspire confidence.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:05Read transcript
  • The production/music-credit familiarity and prominent pan-flute score are praised, with Cobra Kai’s musical familiarity a comparison.

What’s Aged the Best?

Headbands, third-person speech, Glory of Love, romance and the quick ending are praised.

In the discussion (4)
Approx. transcript time · 00:49:42Read transcript
  • Headband fashion and Miyagi’s unselfconscious third-person speech are enjoyed.
  • Glory of Love is called a defining legacy of the film, with its Oscar loss to Take My Breath Away disputed.
  • The tea ceremony and Sato’s rapid change from villain to friend are enjoyed.
  • The roughly35 seconds from defeating the villain to credits is praised as an efficient1980s ending, compared to Sudden Death.

What’s Aged the Worst?

Kimiko being punched is the clearest choice.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:03:40Read transcript
  • The forceful punch is considered shocking and excessive, unlike the more familiar screen shove or slap.
  • Daniel and Kimiko have little sexual tension or fireworks despite her beauty.
  • The poster, Miyagi’s betrayal of Sato, Kreese abusing students, Miyagi’s fighting and the mentor relationship are additional objections.

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

Ali dated Troy Aikman; swap the order of sequels.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:06:37Read transcript
  • The UCLA quarterback boyfriend is jokingly identified as Troy Aikman using his transfer timeline; this is an invented character theory, not casting fact.
  • Swapping PartsII andIII would make the breakup and tournament chronology more coherent and leave Japan’s higher stakes for last.

Apex Mountain

Macchio receives a tentative yes; an alternative Cusack-like career is doubted.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:13:02Read transcript
  • The answer is yes: making more money than the first film was good for Macchio, before Crossroads and My Cousin Vinny.
  • Avoiding sequels might have opened a different career, but the speakers doubt his range and see the return to LaRusso as appropriate.

Apex Mountain

Morita’s first film is preferred; Hawaii, other cast and toy drums receive support.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:15:17Read transcript
  • Morita’s nomination in PartI is preferred; Hawaii posing as Okinawa, the other cast collectively and the toy drums are affirmed.
  • The sensei-student relationship joke is assigned to PartIII instead, which is teased for a future episode.

Cruise or Hanks?

Cruise as an American version of Chozen.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:16:20Read transcript
  • Sato is initially tested, then an American pupil or chief of staff is considered; Chozen is the final suggested role.

Is This Movie Better With…?

Brimley’s blackmailer and a critical soccer commentator are proposed.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:21:23Read transcript
  • The Firm’s Wilford Brimley is imagined threatening Daniel with compromising photos to force Miyagi into a fight.
  • Alexi Lawless is imagined criticizing Daniel’s winning performance from a commentary booth; Tony Romo is floated but not developed.

Just One Oscar

Cetera’s song replaces an initial Morita answer.

In the discussion (1)
Approx. transcript time · 01:24:22Read transcript
  • Morita is initially suggested, then Peter Cetera for Glory of Love receives agreement.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Forgive and move on; do not betray your friend.

In the discussion (2)
Approx. transcript time · 01:30:08Read transcript
  • The forgiveness saying is endorsed as advice to move on, despite earlier doubts.
  • Avoid pursuing a best friend’s partner is the other lesson.

Who Won the Movie?

Peter Cetera and Pat Morita split the explicit choices.

In the discussion (3)
Approx. transcript time · 01:32:10Read transcript
  • Cetera is selected because the song is the film’s lasting association, compared with other song-defined films.
  • Morita is the other explicit choice; both reject Macchio.
  • Sato is an acceptable alternative but not a final ballot.
Podcast choices
Speaker not identified
Peter Cetera
Speaker not identified
Pat Morita