In the history of world cinema, the 1980s were the heyday of mass culture, not just in the United States but all over the Western world. Movie theaters made record profits, and the movie business market became a real Klondike for many dreamers and glory-seekers. Martial arts films were very popular, especially oriental martial arts, such as karate and wushu, which always attracted much attention. This article has written a review of a movie remake from this era.
John Avildsen also made a huge contribution to the popularization of this martial culture by directing a series of films called The Karate Kid. The most famous of which was the first film released at the height of the Cold War in 1984. The film took its rightful place in the alley of visual arts fame at the end of the twentieth century. This fascinating story became close to teenagers all over the world; every self-respecting person, after watching the movie, wants to learn karate and gain the respect of friends and classmates.
Over more than thirty-five years, the world has changed greatly, with previously closed countries such as China wanting to open up more to the world, including developing popular cultures such as music, theatre, and film. Cultural globalization in the 1990s and 2000s reached a level never seen before, and the Chinese-American reincarnation of The Karate Kid was a new product of collaboration. Director Harald Zwart decided to create his reincarnation of the first part of the legendary franchise, adapting it to new realities and paying homage to the original. It is interesting to note that the film extensively uses kung fu techniques, but in the United States and Europe, the film is called the same as the 1984 movie. But in Asian distribution, it was released under the name The Kung Fu Kid.
The film stars legendary actor Jackie Chan, a star of both Chinese and American cinema, and Jaden Smith, son of Will Smith, a man who also needs no introduction. They played a kung fu teacher and his pupil, respectively. It should also be noted that Jackie Chan and Will Smith also sponsored the film financially, paying part of the production costs. The Chinese government has allowed filming in such iconic places as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Wudang Mountains. It adds a few bonus points to the viewers’ visual experience.
The movie’s storyline is similar to the original but has many differences. First, Dray Parker, the main character, moves from Detroit to China with his mother, Sherry, after his father dies. Where Sherry wants to find a job and a happier future for her son. By changing the location, the director pays homage to the birthplace of kung fu, sending the young man back to the movement’s origins. Harald Zwart leaves the backbone and main themes of the story, first teenage love and the struggle against humiliation on the way to achieving a goal, unchanged.
Viewers should also pay attention to the teacher Han, Jackie Chan’s hero. This man has been through a traumatic experience that has changed Han’s life and taken a huge toll on his soul. Khan not only hides his pain from other people, but few know that he used to be a consummate kung fu master, though now he works as a common mechanic. Only meeting Dray helps Han to rediscover the world and try to start his life anew by letting go of the past. A young boy from distant America practically replaces the old sensei’s son.
Surrounded by the beautiful natural wonders and architecture of medieval China, which became the natural setting of The Karate Kid, Jackie Chan’s character teaches Dray not only the movements of martial arts but also trains his soul. The only way to achieve success in kung fu and any other business is to be persistent, enduring, and ready to overcome difficulties. In the end, this allows the guy to defeat his opponents.
Despite the many positives, The Karate Kid also has a few flaws. For example, the acting of Jaden Smith in a couple of moments is questionable and sometimes disappointing due to the lack of emotionality. Therefore, in some plot scenes, the viewer will not experience the feelings that the director most likely wanted to put in. However, critics are divided on this issue, so each person for himself to make a certain impression.
In summing up this review, it should be said by the author that this film may not have surpassed the original in the totality of all parameters. It will not become as iconic in the history of world cinema. But it is definitely worth an evening to watch it with the family. With beautiful acting by Jackie Chan and magically beautiful landscapes of the nature of China with its forests, rivers, and mountains, surely any viewer will love it. Good luck, and everyone can watch interesting movies. They’re sure to keep you on your toes, improve your mood, and add motivation when needed.