7.2
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
The Karate Kid (1984)
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Viewer Rating
Rating: 7.2
Overview
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Bias Dimensions
Political: Leans Right
Diversity: Moderate
Buddhism: Positive
Overview
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Primary
The film champions individual responsibility, discipline, and the wisdom of tradition as the solution to personal adversity, aligning its dominant themes with conservative values rather than systemic critiques.
The movie features visible diversity through its prominent Japanese mentor character, Mr. Miyagi, though its central protagonist and other key roles are traditionally cast. The narrative positively frames its white male protagonist and does not explicitly critique traditional identities, while subtly incorporating themes of cultural exchange and overcoming bullying.
Secondary
The film portrays Mr. Miyagi's wisdom and martial arts philosophy, which are deeply rooted in Eastern traditions akin to Zen Buddhism, with profound respect. His teachings on balance, discipline, and inner peace are presented as the path to true strength and character, contrasting positively with the aggressive philosophy of Cobra Kai.
The Karate Kid (1984) does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The narrative centers on a heterosexual romance, a male mentorship, and overcoming bullying, with no elements related to queer identity or experiences.
The Karate Kid (1984) does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or themes. The story focuses on a young man's journey of self-discovery through martial arts and mentorship, without any elements pertaining to transgender identity. Therefore, there is no portrayal to evaluate within the scope of this rubric.
The film does not feature any female characters engaging in direct physical combat. Female characters are present in supporting roles but do not participate in any fight scenes against male or female opponents.
The Karate Kid (1984) is the original film in its franchise, introducing all its characters for the first time. There is no prior source material or previous installment from which characters' genders could have been established and subsequently swapped.
As the original film in its franchise, "The Karate Kid" (1984) introduced its characters for the first time. There was no prior source material or previous installments to establish a canonical race for any character that could then be changed.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.3
7.2
Critic Ratings
8.1
6.1
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