first time watching *THE KARATE KID*

[@72Guyman]

A beautiful movie about a boy finding a father, and a man finding a son. You've opened Pandora's box now, because everyone and their mom will want you to watch parts 2 and 3, then all of Cobra Kai! I'm also one of those people.

[@Journeyman.71]

As am I!

[@270yis7]

She'll be richly rewarded. It's a huge rabbit hole. 🙂

[@RickJagger13]

came here to say this! showed the OG 3 then 4 to my gf and she loved them. we then watched cobra kai together

[@andreadeamon6419]

Have to watch the one with Hillary. Think she's going to be the answer for the last season or the new movie.

[@jcoleman7825]

many of US!!!!!

[@vuechidna]

Mr. Miyagi's drunken scene was almost cut. The studio felt like it slowed down the pace of the story, but the director argued and insisted it stay in, which, of course, was the right choice. It was this scene that got Pat Morita a nomination for an Academy Award.

[@sharkdentures3247]

I think it also provided a much-needed lesson for Daniel. Showing that Mr. Miyagi went through horror and absolute tragedy but it didn't stop him from being a good, kind & generous person. Which shows Daniel that he is fully capable of letting go of HIS anger at being relocated to a place he didn't want to be, bullied & beaten up, and can still be a good, positive person. Without this important lesson, he might grow into a dark, angry version of himself. (abuse begetting abuse)

[@IDiggPattyMayonnaise]

What most people don't know is Pat Morita was almost not in the movie at all. The producer of the film didn't want him. He was actually a stand up comedian at the time and only did comedies. He audition so many before he finally got cast.

[@vuechidna]

@@IDiggPattyMayonnaise that is correct. The producers wanted Toshiro Mifune but the director was very set on Morita and pushed to get him auditions to convince the producers that he was the better choice.

[@judevenalian5008]

The scene IS the movie. Without it the film has no heart. It equivalent to the scene in Rocky where Mickey cone to rock to tell him he'll train him and rock tells him off but them humbles himself because he knows he won't be able to compete without proper training.

[@maureenseel118]

Also interesting and sad... His wife was in a Japanese detainment center/camp. They didn't receive much in the way of healthcare (or much else). She died because they didn't have a doctor there

[@GabrielSilva-po2md]

Anyone who watched Karate Kid as a child and claims to have never tried the crane kick is simply lying.

[@pabloc8808]

It's such a dumb kick too, like if you don't have one foot on the ground you simply can't put as much energy behind a kick. But everyone at my old dojo used to do it from time to time whenever Karate Kid came up

[@ChrisHaar]

My buddy and I tried it outside the theater the night we saw it. 😂

[@xeuphoricslothx3364]

I tried it😂

[@SwiitKALEL]

@@xeuphoricslothx3364 I think we all did I didn't get to watch it in the theater, but I did watch it on video rental

[@just2coolkk]

i did more of the wax on and wax off stuff :D

[@SeanHendy]

The scene of Miyagi drunk, reminiscing about his wife during the war is one of the most underrated scenes of modern cinema.

[@kingofbudokai]

I don't think 40 years ago really counts as "modern" any more.

[@SeanHendy]

@@kingofbudokai oh dear, my poor child. Modern cinema is anything that is not classical film. It is not categorised based on when it was made.

[@HistoryandReviews]

@@SeanHendyyes, it is actually

[@ItApproaches]

Then later in the second or third movie, Miyagi says he never married....so not sure what happened there.

[@SeanHendy]

@@ItApproaches Yeah, there's the whole love rival thing back in Okinawa in the second movie.

[@proteuswest1084]

I can't imagine anyone who has seen Cobra Kai suggesting that you shouldn't watch it. It not only rebooted the Karate Kid universe and brought back the nostalgia from these movies with original actors and actresses, but it drew in new audiences as well with a new cast. I've never met anyone who disliked it.

[@lordelohim]

They exist. I don’t understand them. I consider Cobra Kai the best sequelization of something I have ever seen. It does justice to every character.

[@bensylar1910]

@@lordelohimAnd the new characters fit in so well. Hawk is my favourite. His overreacting to bullying seemed a little close to home and was really well done.

[@theaikidoka]

Well, their use of nostalgia is excellent without being fanservice, and the actors are all genuinely great, even the younger ones. However, it CAN get a bit 'high school relationship drama' at times, and some people find that off-putting. IMO, the parts where the child/adult relationships are explored (Robbie and Johnny for example) are much more powerful and interesting than the child/child ones, but that's just me as a 43 year old.

[@leovaalv]

So let me introduce myself. I LOATHE Cobra Kai... IMO it's the worst adaptation they could've done with the movies... the story is just so dumb, the characters are dumb (except for Hawk), and everything is just so... pathetic and unreal hahahaha.

[@RicoRaynn]

Honestly, with the addition of the Cobra Kai series these films have been elevated even further for me. I won't say any of them are masterpieces of filmmaking but the heart, soul, and emotion make them excellent entertainment that I rank with some of the best series in existence. Still the greatest mentor/student relationship in pop culture to me.

[@grc3rb]

Dude is cobra Kai that good?

[@Mr.EintheMorning]

​@@grc3rbCobra Kai took the garbage third film and spun it into gold. So yes

[@spextrekid9410]

It's very good. @@grc3rb

[@Dominx21]

@@grc3rbIt’s pretty good imo

[@fredwin]

@@grc3rb It's decent when it's avoiding tropes and some of the soap-operay aspects.

[@thedappermagician6905]

The worst thing about Miyagi losing his wife and unborn child is that he was fighting for the Americans and while he was overseas, his family was in a detention camp for Japanese citizens and they died there. So he came back fighting against his own country, to his new country that let his family die due to them being Japanese which is even more jacked up because Miyagi was Okinawan and don't readily identify technically as Japanese.

[@kharilane1340]

The Japanese-American soldiers in WWII were posted to the European Theater of the war. Imagine the "friendly fire" incidents if the Japanese-American soldiers had been in the island jungles with White GI's and Imperial Japanese troops!!!

[@kharilane1340]

The native Okinawan's have intermarried so much with the Japanese that they consider themselves Okinawan Japanese. Kinda like Irish-American considers himself American.

[@grega8586]

*"So he came back fighting against his own country..."* Explain, please?

[@kevinmoore2929]

​@grega8586 Miyagi was born in Okinawa, therefore making him Japanese by birth. Is it REALLY that hard to understand? True he probably should have said Miyagi's home country but I'm guessing you didn't follow that point.

[@adamscott7354]

So he WAS in the 442'nd, that makes sense.

[@druidkhan6066]

Ralph Macchio, the actor who played Daniel, kept the car his character was given.

[@andreadeamon6419]

He also had the original gi and the headband. They're at his home in frames. The car is in the garage - he just had a new motor installed. Could you imagine working at a garage and he pulls up and asks how much to change the engine?

[@Provoses]

@@andreadeamon6419 dang he made away like a bandit. Good for him

[@cixelsyd40]

He didn't get the car until the 3rd film wrapped.

[@cixelsyd40]

@@andreadeamon6419iirc he actually got Netflix to pay for the restorations in return for letting them use the car in the Cobra Kai series.

[@shadout]

@@cixelsyd40 No wonder they made his character a car dealer.

[@SeanHendy]

It's difficult to express just how BIG this film was back in the day when it was released. The actor 'Pat' Morita had an incredible life, and was known for previous roles in the likes of Happy Days. He actually didn't have a background in martial arts, and learned for the film. As a kid, he and his family were actually interned in a camp during WWII, his family having been living in America at the time. It made Ralph Macchio into an overnight star, and of course Elisabeth Shue was also hot property also starring in Back To The Future too. No doubt that this film was responsible for a significant increase in interest in Karate as well.

[@Y2Jay88]

The scene right after Daniel passes out after watching Mr Miyagi take out the Cobras is legendary as it is close to 8-9 minutes of uninterrupted dialogue without a single cut/break. Their chemistry together was insane and it is said they clicked on day 1 of meeting each other.

[@usmcmech96]

Mr Myagi was a member of the 442nd infantry regiment who were made up of Japanese Americans. They remain the most highly decorated unit in the US Army from their time fighting in Europe in WW2. He received the Medal of Honor, Silver Star, Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts.

[@blairpenny1526]

And his wife and son died an internment camp as he fought valiantly. Heartbreaking

[@valogden]

I dated someone that was in the 442 infantry. They really went through a lot.

[@js0988]

While their families were in internment camps!

[@alaneskew2664]

There's actually an old movie about the unit called Go For Broke!

[@RyoHazuki224]

How messed up was it that we had Japanese soldiers fighting for the US in Europe while we were fighting against Japan, and we were putting Japanese Americans in internment camps in the process?!? And see thats the kind of history that gets white-washed these days.

[@ignaciojaramillo6232]

The drunken scene sealed Pat Morita's supporting actor Oscar nomination (he should have won) and is revealing of Japanese culture, since deeply felt or repressed emotions can be expressed while sharing drinks, and also strengthens their senior-junior relationship and personal bond. The way his voice cracks always gets me.

[@Faltor895]

Yes. Please watch the next 2 movies and Cobra Kai series!

[@Rhocake]

Holy crap! I hadn't seen this movie since I was a kid and rewatching with you today I'm only now realizing that Mr. Miyagi fought for the United States and his wife died in a Japanese internment camp because the US government wouldn't send a doctor. That hits sooo much harder watching this as an adult, it brought me to tears.

[@agarven1]

I met Ralph Macchio/ Daniel, William/Johnny and Martin Kove/ Kreese last year at a convention. All three guys are amazing to meet. They all are so kind. When filming Karate Kid for the end and the extras were yelling at William because they hated his character. William Zabka mother was in the crowd. She was yelling he is a nice person. Bill is an amazing person to talk to

[@officialmonarchmusic]

Watching Cobra Kai, I'm kind of amazed how Martin Kove was able to stay in such great shape for the show, considering he's an older guy

[@michellebarry1555]

Pat was a friend of my Dad’s. I only met him once (my Dad has lived in Hawaii for most of my life), one summer I was visiting my Dad. They took me bowling 😂. He was a very nice man and actually very funny!

[@D.D.-ud9zt]

Well you probably know this, but he was a comedian. Supposedly Stan Laurel as he was dying was said to by one of his friends, "It's hard to die, isn't it?" "Not as hard as comedy" was the response. The line is attributed to a few different comedians but was likely said as someone's last words anyway. Good line. Anyway like we saw with Robin Williams a great comedian can make a great dramatist.

[@charlize1253]

For a teenage sports movie, this film has some interesting subtleties. Both Kreese (the Cobra Kai teacher) and Mr. Miyagi are military veterans, but both obviously learned very different lessons from their wartime experiences. The irony that Bobby, the only Cobra Kai who showed any principle or empathy, was the one Kreese ordered to cheat and take Daniel out. And the father-son relationship between Daniel and Miyagi always surprises first time watchers.

[@scrabdusanproductions2104]

It's interesting because this is my favorite movie, but I never thought of it as a sports film. More of a bullying flick than anything in my opinion, and a showcase of how to deal with it. Good stuff.

[@RemyJackson]

And Bobby's instant regret afterward, in tears apologizing to Daniel tells alot about his character. It made his character more memorable than the other Cobra Kais. Especially now that the actor has passed away. *edit-my mustake, it was not Bobby's actor that passed away, it was Tommy's actor

[@hamachi-]

watch karate kid 2 and 3 before cobra kai 👍, note that cobra kai is very fun and binge worthy show

[@tru3sk1ll]

Cobra Kai is really good IMHO

[@JustTerry-p5d]

I'm obsessed with Cobra Kai

[@dannyaspiras7810]

You need to watch cobra Kai but watch karate kid 2&3 first 💯👍🤓

[@babs3241]

I like it a lot, too. I love that it just kind of picks up like their world has been ticking along for a few decades, and now we're just catching up with people we already know.

[@jimglenn6972]

I like 1&2. The third one, I think, is not well written and the villains are cartoonish. The location of #2 is great and the female lead is very beautiful!

[@BattleDrum]

I am a 90's kid and yes, can confirm 80's movies were extremely influential for me growing up. Karate Kid, all the John Hughes movies, Stand by me, SO MANY BANGERS and it's not even close

[@SunGawdRa]

My god, I would LOVE if Natalie watched Stand By Me.

[@kroanosm617]

Watched this a few times and just realized Mr. Miagi's family was in an American relocation camp. They died because doctors didn't care enough to show up for them. He most likely joined the war to prove his loyalty. Crazy how I missed that all these years.

[@wadesutton4148]

Happy to see Nat reacting to this because I can't wait to see how nuts she goes during the inevitable Cobra Kai reaction. On a side note: about a year and a half ago, I took my daughter to Steel City Con for her 16th birthday. All she wanted for her bday was to meet William Zabka (Johnny Lawrence ) and Martin Kove (Sensei Kreese). I can not stress enough how great Kove was. When he found out it was her birthday, he began signing pictures and different things to give her. We had only paid for her to get a pic with him and when the attendant at his booth approach to make us pay for the autographs, Kove chased the woman off. He totally made her birthday. Zabka was a lot of fun to meet as well, but Kove was so wonderful and I'll always be grateful for the memory of that day.

[@blairpenny1526]

This is one of the best of all 80s movies. Absolutely legendary movie, and the scene where Mr. Miyagi is drunk and tell Daniel about his family makes me cry every time even as a 40 year old man who can quote the entire movie. That is a Medal of Honor that Daniel found BTW the absolute highest honor anyone on the military can ever receive. Miyagi is a legend in every way

[@ronin7997]

If you are going to watch the Cobra Kai series, definitely watch Karate Kid 2 and 3 beforehand. The Cobra Kai writers did an amazing job tying in film plot and continuity into the Cobra Kai series.

[@ortizmo]

I have to wholeheartedly agree with this even though I thought that 2 and 3 got progressively worse for the franchise. It's a real testament to the talents of the writers of Cobra Kai that they were able to take elements of what happened in those movies and make something so extraordinarily impressive that they are now doing a sixth season. They seriously do with Cobra Kai for the KK movies what Mandalorian did for Star Wars.

[@khaynelson1297]

I noticed u didn’t mention the next karate kid. I think we could agree it’s because that movies bad and pointless right?

[@kevinkuptz7397]

it amazes me how many reactors dont include maybe one of the most famous lines in the movie " put him in a body bag Johny"

[@Dr.Acula76]

Pretty sure it's "get him a body bag, yeah"

[@Michael-dy2lb]

The best scene in the entire movie is when Miyagi is celebrating his anniversary. We realize he's celebrating the best day of his life and reliving the worst. We also find out not only was he in the Army fighting during WWII, he was awarded the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor the military has. Daniel already likes Miyagi as a person, but he leaves with a far higher sense of respect.

[@MyUnsecretIdentity]

Cobra Kai is definitely worth the watch but you should see parts 2 and 3 first, although it's not required for season 1. One of the appealing things about the show is the returning characters from the movies, it's fun to see the whole "where are they now" aspect of it , but it's also about a new generation of students that have their own thing going on too and mixing those two together has made for a pretty great show.

[@khaynelson1297]

Noticed u didn’t recommend the next karate kid. I think it’s coz we all agree it SUCKS right. It’ll still be interesting to see Natalie bash on that train wreck though

[@jojogarlin8369]

Please dive in to the full series I would love to see you react to Cobra Kai!

[@DaveCrokaert]

+1

[@bbtank3000]

Natalie, the wax on the wax off lesson was more about strengthening muscles and muscle memory for blocking.

[@RedMenace71]

But let’s not pretend the free labor wasn’t part of it😂 Mr. Miyagi was no fool.

[@marcusfridh8489]

I was also to test his patience and self discipline, just like Yoda tested Luke as Dagobah in Empire strikes back.

[@JasonON]

All the chores were about training the muscles to move in new ways.

[@SgtPnkks]

​@@marcusfridh8489the empire strokes back? I think that might have been a different type of cave Luke was entering on dagobah...

[@mouthgina3213]

it was all about free labor

[@hdns4]

The Karate Kid 2 is definitely worth checking out, especially if you loved the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. I think most people agree that the sequel is good, but I'm actually of the opinion that it's even better than the first one. Then the third one is just ridiculous.

[@michaelsteven5558]

I do not know if anyone mentioned this, I went through a few pages of commentary, but during the scene where Mr. Miyagi was celebrating his anniversary and Daniel saw his medal. That medal is the Medal of Honor. Mr. Miyagi was given the honor of being in the 442nd Infantry Regiment in WWII, the most decorated regiment in U.S. History. 21 Medals of Honor bestowed.

[@TheRubyPiano]

Love love love the Karate Kid. You should watch the rest and then watch the Reboot show. So fun!

[@dragonflysurgeon]

I'm an older guy who was about the same age as the characters when this came out. I loved this movie and saw all the sequels. Cobra Kai is a fantastic continuation of the lives of Daniel and Johnny. Love the series.

[@scruffd0g193]

Such an all time classic movie. The OG Karate Kid will always be one of my favorites.

[@CitizenPain_p90]

'OG' means original gangsta, which is a term used in old rap songs referring to a person who is not young.

[@BabyMatiny]

@@CitizenPain_p90og also means Original

[@TheRoyalFino]

This series was left in my childhood till a few years ago; I finally tried watching Cobra Kai expecting to hate it but absolutely fell in love with it. The whole Karate Kid/Cobra Kai saga is an incredible story that I hope you dive into fully. Cobra Kai seasons are pretty breezy to get thru. The episodes are relatively short. You'll be able to get thru it fairly quickly.

[@sharkdentures3247]

One of my adolescent favorites! I was always a fan of chop-socky movies growing up (usually Asian ones). This movie was both a good martial arts movie, but a wonderfully heartwarming relationship/ family movie that never fails to bring a tear of happiness to my eye.

[@44excalibur]

None of the young actors who were cast in The Karate Kid had any previous martial arts experience except for Chad McQueen, who played "Dutch" of the Cobra Kai. Chad was the son of the late actor Steve McQueen, who had trained in martial arts with both Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris, and Chad had been inspired by his father to study Tang Soo Do under Chuck Norris.

[@JB-ur3dw]

Actually the actor who played Bobby had martial arts experience. In fact he was a black belt prior to filming.

[@adgato75]

Holy shit, i had no idea that he was the son Steve McQueen. I always remembered him from this film because he had such a distinctive look.

[@user-si9fx4xb6v]

@@JB-ur3dw Correct, you are Ron Thomas who played Bobby is a Black Belt in Jiu- Jitsu. In a recent interview in Black Belt magazine, he mentioned that he was able to pick up on the Tang Soo Do techniques very quickly.

[@djcowell91]

Loved your "no, this isn't how it's supposed to end." You reminded me of Fred Savage's character in Princess Bride. 🙂

[@antoniosousa6163]

Karate Kid's one of my favorite movies. Please react to the others too and then the amazing Cobra Kai series!

[@seanellio]

She can skip "The New Karate Kid". :)

[@antoniosousa6163]

@@seanellio for now, yup👀

[@mattnar3865]

@@antoniosousa6163forever

[@GenerallyAGamer]

​@@seanellioHow dare you, that movie is a Treasure 😂

[@MickeRamone]

The older I get the more affected I am seeing the scene where we find out that Mr.Miyagi lost his wife and son...all the love and support he wanted to give to his son he gives to Daniel instead ❤ I HIGHLY recommend you to watch the 2nd and 3rd movie aswell, and then after the series "Cobra Kai", they are all very good and handled with care, respecting the first movie very much!

[@Armaldo468]

20:23 Oh my god, I can’t even begin to express how much I appreciate this little edited dig at Hollywood. Speaking as someone who genuinely wants to see Hollywood (and similar hives) crumble to dust and blow away in the wind, that was absolutely righteous, and I can’t applaud it enough. THANK YOU for that, Natalie. Mad respect. I don’t comment in main comment sections of most channels very often anymore-usually only speaking up in response to other comments-but I just had to comment on this gem. (Even if it *is* four months late and unlikely to be seen.)

[@SparkyClarke]

Cobra Kai NEVER DIES!!!

[@joemckim1183]

Strike First, Strike Hard NO MERCY

[@ortizmo]

Great GREAT show.

[@officialmonarchmusic]

Fear does not exist in this dojo

[@passionsquietrage]

Yes, Pat Morita(Mr. Miyagi) passed away in 2005. RIP

[@woodch]

A national treasure, through and through. And a damn funny comedian, to boot!

[@RonJomero]

Pat added a commentary track to a karate kid dvd shortly before his passing. He even did a sign off in-character at the end. Mr. Miyagi was the teacher and friend many of us young kids wanted and needed while growing up in this time. I'll miss him.

[@bravejango12]

Miyagi's wife was taken to a Japanese internement camp during WW2 where she died during child birth because medical care was almost non existent. They were the United States version of Nazi Concentration Camps. Pat Morita the actor that plays Mr. Miyagi spent WW2 in two separate internment camps the Gila River camp in Arizona for about a year and a half. Then he was transferred to the Tule Lake War Relocation Center in California.

[@SergioArellano-yd7ik]

No Nazi camps murdered people. But who knows what the Democrats that interred people would have done if FDR had lived longer.

[@kellyturner920]

Just like the Nazi camps, eh? Right down to the gas chambers and ovens? Never knew.

[@bravejango12]

@@kellyturner920 Did I say just like? Or is that what you inferred?

[@clarkbarrett6274]

​@@bravejango12"They were the United States version of Nazi Concentration camps" is a pretty clear - and inaccurate - statement. No inference is required. They were bad, they were wrong, but they weren't anywhere as bad or wrong as the Nazi camps. The U.S. shouldn't have interred those people.

[@bravejango12]

@@clarkbarrett6274 "Interned persons may be held in prisons or in facilities known as internment camps (also known as concentration camps). The term concentration camp originates from the Spanish-Cuban Ten Years' War when Spanish forces detained Cuban civilians in camps in order to more easily combat guerrilla forces. Over the following decades the British during the Second Boer War and the Americans during the Philippine-American War also used concentration camps." en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internment#External_links

[@freakscomeout]

This movie is such a timeless classic.So many people were inspired to get into martial arts after this film. That is one thing that I love about the portrayal of martial arts in this film, is that it shows how most of it started. It was developed through the muscle memory of everyday farm work.

[@fernandomendez2709]

One of my favorites 89s movies. The improbable friendship between a tennager and a person that turns out to be a Karate Master with nice philosophy.

[@Sherman1fan]

Trivia: No cell phones the 80's for the masses. Elisabeth Shue is great at soccer, Ralph was about 24 at the time of filming. Country club- in the novel Daniel was mistaken as a valet (or was it server?) in his outfit, so he blended in like he was staff/worker. Quick ending is continued in part 2. More about internment camps need to be known. Labelled as " enemy" from how you look like, stripped from your home, sent to basically concentration camps or farmland. Medical facilities were not a priority, so medics/doctors were not readily available.

[@jeffreysmith236]

not a concentration camp, very different meaning. No individuals in the internment camps were worked to death, shot, or herded into ovens to be gassed. They were contained behind barbed wire and had to have permission to leave, their housing was equivalent to enlisted quarters, not good, especially being forcefully taken from their homes, but families were at least kept together and had food and shelter. Very not good, but not horrible or awful. It was a violation of their Constitutional rights, no excuses, but no need to exaggerate. I found it interesting that the internment camps were shown and emphasized in the movie "Midway" in 1976, that was my first learning of them.

[@TheMarcHicks]

​​@@jeffreysmith236the first Concentration Camps were built during the Boer War in 1899. The name literally comes from its purpose, which is to CONCENTRATE an ethnic group in a single spot. In the Boer War, this was to prevent guerilla attacks against the British Army. The Nazis, of course, took that original Concentration concept and made it a million times worse with a combination of forced labour and industrial scale murder.

[@D.D.-ud9zt]

My family was rather poor, but the first time I even saw a cell phone was 1991, my Great Uncle was a bit of a big shot and had a car phone, not even really a cell phone. Going back and seeing older movies I've seen car phones as far back as 1980, but they were pretty rare, and actual cell phones were semi common only by the mid 90s.

[@leif712009]

Natalie, as someone who graduated from high school in 1989 I can tell you it was a simpler time and much much more fun. Didn’t seem like it at the time, but certainly does now!

[@patrickoconnor5494]

I'm sure your parents said the same about 1959 when Karate Kid was in theatres

[@ZavaXavier]

​@@patrickoconnor5494 What are talking about it came out in 1984.

[@rasmuslernevall6938]

​@@ZavaXavierRead the sentence a few more times and try to stress different words. I think you'll get it.

[@MadcapMatt]

If you look in the scene before the costume party you can see the shower behind Daniel. I didn't notice it until watching reactors on here decades later.

[@christopherwhite1648]

Medal of "Valor" was the Medal of Honor, the highest medal for valor in the United States military. Mr. Miyagi served in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, which was made up of Japanese Americans. The unit was the most decorated unit of its size in the United States Army. It was a real kick in the nuts because the majority were born in America and were interned in 1942 because of an Executive Order by FDR. The 442nd fought in France in 1944 -45. It is an amazing story.

[@Otokichi786]

Hold on there, Van Johnson. Tomoyuki "Pat" Morita was a TEENAGER during the 1940's. I recall my father, an elementary school teacher and U.S. Army reservist at the time, joined up to watch over his former students. The 442nd's first theater was Italy, which was just as bloody and difficult as their campaign in France. (If you look up the movie, "Go For Broke," Van Johnson plays an officer assigned to "nursemaid some Japs.")

[@oldfrend]

the medal of honor isn't just for bravery - it's for valor above and beyond the call of duty. meaning you couldn't have just been really good at your job, you had to have done something so suicidally crazy that no one would think less of you if you hadn't done it. think forrest gump running into a b-52 strike several times to save his friends.

[@cjd2889]

What's really sad is it doesn't come out and say it explicitly, but Mr. Miyagi volunteered to fight for America in WW2 and they put his pregnant wife in an internment camp where she died. That's what "relocation center" means in the letter.

[@guittadabe5214]

Ralph Macchio who played Daniel the Karate Kid was in his mid-20's at the time. I was amazed when I found that out as he truly has a baby face. I caught him again on Dancing with the Stars, and he was such a charming young man there too! It's so nice to find out that someone who plays a good person on screen is also nice in reality.

[@dougearnest7590]

Yeah, that's pretty rare. The nice people usually get the villain roles and the "good guys" end up being criminals in real life.

[@D.D.-ud9zt]

I read some old Victorian book that claimed the men of some Greek Island didn't grow a beard until their 30s, maybe relatives of the actor?

[@itubeutubewealltube1]

pat morita was in an internment camp himself when he was 11 years old...his family lost everything and his brother never recovered from the trauma

[@milhousevanhalen8631]

One of my key childhood films! Also has my second favorite movie ending of all time after the original Star Wars.

[@RickLacy-b3x]

Mr. Miyagi was in the 442nd Regimental Combat team in WWII.

[@johnrodgers8457]

Most decorated regiment of the war.

[@Otokichi786]

Only in this movie. He was far too young to have served in World War II, but he did honor relatives who had served in the 442nd RCT. My father was a (sorta) "old man reservist" who looked after his former school students in Italy.

[@RickLacy-b3x]

@@Otokichi786 Yeah, I realize, I just like the backstory. Great unit it was.

[@LoveOldMusic808]

@@Otokichi786 Yeah, you're right about his age. He was only 11 year old when his family got sent to the internment camp.

[@Korrd]

It's great to see someone enjoying films that were foundational when I was a kid. And falling in love with Pat Morita! What a treasure! So glad you liked this one.

[@scottvanhille5688]

Nat, so happy you FINALLY saw this 1984 gem, this is a trilogy, please watch them all. The song "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama is aimed at Daniel's transition from New Jersey to California and starting over there. Noriyuki Pat Morita ala Mr. Miya-gee (Miyagi) was perfect. Ralph's role here after being in The Outsiders the year before was great, he will always be known for his role as Daniel Larusso. I took karate in 1987, then 7 years old at YMCA, too bad I hated it lol. I still remember how good my sensei was, he got down on our level of understanding and worked patiently with us. Everyone must see this film, no matter if you're aren't a fan of karate. Hilary Swank in The Next Karate Kid (1994) followed by Jaden Smith aka Will's son and Jackie Chan in the remake (2009). Nice reaction. Stay Golden.

[@kevinmoore2929]

Go For Broke, starring Van Johnson, is about one of the first mainly Japanese Army units in WW II(mainly meaning the majority of their officers were Caucasians until the battlefield commissions started kicking in). The original Midway did cover a little about the Interment Camps.

[@SergioArellano-yd7ik]

Except there were no camps in Hawaii, there were too many of them.

[@LoveOldMusic808]

@@SergioArellano-yd7ik There were internment camps in Hawaii. Nothing near the size of the ones on the mainland. Around 2 thousand people were interned on all the islands.

[@44excalibur]

The Karate Kid did have an additional ending that was cut from the theatrical release, but ended up in the beginning of The Karate Kid Part II, where Kreese assaults Johnny for losing, and Miyagi saves Johnny and humiliates Kreese, and the Cobra Kai students all take off their belts and leave Kreese. That ending was cut from the first film because director John G. Avildsen wanted to end the first film at the height of the story's climax, with Miyagi's smiling face in the final frame.

[@presencerocks2224]

I never knew that was shot for the first film. I guess I always thought they just chose to start the movie there

[@44excalibur]

@@presencerocks2224 It was scripted for the first film. I don't know if they ever filmed it, or if they saved it for the sequel.

[@presencerocks2224]

@@44excalibur Either way its cool. I always thought it was such a brilliant way to start the second film and then it paid off so nicely at the end of that movie

[@k.delpino1124]

The late John G. Avidsen (Oscar-winner for Rocky, 1976) directed the first 3 films of the franchise. The Rocky saga's composer, Bill Conti scored all these films too. Karate Kid was actually the name of an DC character from the Teen Titans. So the rights to the name had to be acquired in order to use it as the movie's name. I was 4 years old when this was released. One of the greatest cinematic experiences i ever had. Daniel's story hit home for so many of us kids, learning to be brave and having the right guidance to do so. This movie got me into classical karate to study and later on other martial arts. I knew of the late Pat Morita as an actor and comedian (Happy Days, Sanford & Son). Morita's voice as Miyagi was the voice of his late father and the dialect took some time in a few readings. Such a great performance and him being nominated for an Oscar (Best Supporting) was so cool. William Zabka (Johnny) went on to become a Oscar nominee as well for co-writing and producing a short film, Most (2003). All these things, plus "Wax on, Wax off" and almost 40 years later. Gotta love it. Also RIP to Martial Arts' legend Pat E. Johnson, playing one of the referees and was one of the film's choreographers.

[@danfava8670]

Pls keep this franchise going. It wont disappoint.

[@stephenjenkins3995]

Definitely recommend watching the next 2 movies and them the Cobra Kai show. 2 and 3 arent as good, but the show elevates them a good bit. The show is probably the best legacy sequel out there, and one of the best shows still going right now

[@brianingram6942]

cobra kai is the correct way to do a sequel story to this. it's really good

[@ortizmo]

Boom. Cannot wait for Season 6.

[@paxtonpomykal5243]

The second movie is my personal favourite out of these movies... I only watched these films a couple of years ago and it makes the Jackie chan version seem a little disrespectful and cobra kai will be a fun journey

[@joemckim1183]

Chozen is such a great antagonist in Part II.

[@raxephon69]

LOVE Chozen Toguchi! (sure you know why!)@@joemckim1183

[@BubbaCoop]

11:12 That's incredible. You literally just summarized five seasons of Cobrai Kai less than halfway though a movie from 34 years before the show existed.

[@robertlombardo8437]

There is nothing new under the sun, right?

[@Bro-cx2jc]

The very ending, freezing on Mr. Miyagi's face with that triumphant and proud smile and the trumpets in the background, is a fantastic way to remember Pat Morita. I haven't seen any of the other Karate Kid movies or the series yet, but someday maybe I will (back when I saw the first one, the bad reviews on the sequels deterred me at the time, but nowadays I'm learning not to trust reviews as much).

[@lazyperfectionist1]

22:27 "He's bowing while still looking at him." In the east in general, and Japan in particular, the bow is a show of respect. This is a practice adopted by _numerous_ eastern-origin martial arts.

[@lionhead123]

i think everyone on the planet knows a bow is a sign of respect.

[@VandelYeIndustries]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE watch the rest of the Karate Kids and Cobra Kai ! It’s so worth it

[@djlow9915]

Perfect fun reaction for a Friday Nat 😊

[@arcanis4]

Yes please watch karate kid 2 and 3 and cobra kai afterwards!❤ Cobra Kai is absolutely amazing

[@blacksheep_edge1412]

22:17 That is not just a medal for valor, that is the Congressional Medal of Honor (Now just called the Medal of Honor). It can only be awarded to a person through an act of Congress, and is the highest honor that can be awarded to a member of the US military.

[@guitarman8462]

The actor who plays " Mr. Miyagi " was also on the show - HAPPY DAYS - with Fonzy - Ritchie etc

[@juvenciorosales35]

Holy shit this means shes gonna watch Cobra Kai!

[@duanevp]

About the letter when Miyagi gets drunk - he and his wife were American citizens, illegally imprisoned by the US government at Manzanar, like 120,000 others (only on the West coast) at the outset of WWII. Rounded up suddenly into these concentration camps starting only a few months after Pearl Harbor, most were forced to simply abandon their homes and businesses. One of the worst things the US government ever did, it was unforgivably racist and WILDLY unconstitutional. Yet many real-world victims still joined the military and fought for their country while their families remained locked up in interment camps in deplorable conditions in what were effectively tarpaper sheds. The 442nd infantry division was made up of Japanese-Americans many or most of whom had family in one of the camps, yet is THE most decorated unit in American history. The story of his wife having complications in childbirth but not having timely access to a doctor would have been quite plausible, especially early on. Pat Morita, who plays Mr. Miyagi, was himself imprisoned at Manzanar for two years.

[@SergioArellano-yd7ik]

What do you expect from hypocritical Democrats?

[@LoveOldMusic808]

Mr. Miyagi and probably his wife were Issei, first generation in the U.S.. They would have not been allowed to become U.S. citizens at the time. The 100th Battalion/ 442nd Regimental Combat Team were mostly Nisei second generation Japanese American born U.S. citizens.

[@Citizero]

Mr Miagi is the greatest movie mentor of all time imo. Cobra Kai the show is a present day continuation of the 3 movies and it is way better than it has any right to be. Miagi isn't in it but it has his spirit all over it.

[@zodiac_blue9116]

Need to watch KK 2 and 3! Great video and insights.

[@StCerberusEngel]

This movie has a special place for me as someone with a martial arts background. The philosophy and the techniques shown ring very true to life. Not all of the techniques, but most of them. There's always a defense to every attack. Someone always knows more. Don't go looking for a fight, or you'll find one. If one finds you, do what you have to or you may not be able to walk away. Points are points, but self defense is for life. Karate is never about the belt.

[@terrancebrown87]

“Wet behind ear” can’t believe I just caught that pun 😅

[@firegod001]

I love it when people call Mr Miyagi Japanese. He very clearly explains that Okinawa is his country, not Japan. Many Okinawans have felt that way, especially back then. A little bit of knowledge (that Okinawa is a part of Japan) can definitely be a very ignorant thing.

[@sagnikadhikary2917]

RIP Bobby!! Dude was Gangsta!!

[@gauntman9636]

"Bobby" (Rob Thomas) is still alive. "Tommy" (Rob Garrison, the crazy guy shouting "Yeah! Get him a body bag!") passed away in 2019.

[@sagnikadhikary2917]

@@gauntman9636 Oh. So that's the guy they gave the send-off to on Cobra Kai??

[@gauntman9636]

@@sagnikadhikary2917Yep! That beautiful send-off in season 2 was to Rob Garrison.

[@sagnikadhikary2917]

@@gauntman9636 Shucks. Been a while since I saw Cobra Kai. I kinda forgot. RIP Rob 'Tommy' Garrison.

[@MoviesTubeYou0675]

Ralph Macchio was 23, Elizabeth Shue was 21 and William Zabka was 19 during the filming of THE KARATE KID

[@marshallprince2583]

I was a junior in high school when I got my first motorcycle. I used to park it on the sidewalk right in front of the flagpole at school every morning. I loved that bike! It was thunderously loud even without trying to rev it up.

[@sarahsmith2156]

I love this movie so much, but Karate Kid 2 is actually my favorite of the series. So emotional and well done. you have to watch it!

[@guylis2]

Even after so many years, this movie is still good, check the 2nd and 3rd movie after and then the series cobra Kai

[@thedappermagician6905]

THE ROAD TO COBRA KAI BEGINS!!!

[@terrancebrown87]

I’m here for all of it!

[@timtebow2444]

Johnny Lawrence is the real karate kid

[@trevorsmith572]

Ppl liked cobra Kai?

[@isabadacoo]

​@@timtebow2444 100%

[@acdragonrider]

@@trevorsmith572you serious?! - JK Simmons

[@76ToneCrome]

In the dictionary under 'cute', it says Elisabeth Shue.

[@adrianpeart]

Yeah but her legs are locked together at the knee.

[@SergioArellano-yd7ik]

So cute you spelled her name wrong.

[@timothybrown5999]

@@SergioArellano-yd7ikit’s literally how her name is spelled

[@timothybrown5999]

@@adrianpeartgreat pull. Ain’t nobody leave this place without sanging they blues.

[@doctaflo]

oh toootally cute-check out those love scenes in The Boys and thank me later ;0p

[@DamonNomad82]

As someone born in the early 80s with clear memories from the mid 80s onward, you are spot-on about the 80s being a simpler and (mostly) happier time. It was recent enough that we had the good stuff in terms of technology (albeit in somewhat more primitive forms like video and audio cassette tapes) without being oversaturated with things like social media and phones (unless you were both a technology geek and VERY rich) being limited to land lines. Socially, it was also a refreshingly easygoing time after the upheaval of the late 60s and early 70s. Movies from the era, like this one, really help bring those days back.

[@carrieallen]

One of my faves in the series is the Hilary swank one called The Next Karate Kid. It came out in the 90's and is super nostalgic.

[@jennifermichelleswanson3797]

Back in the 80's they didn't have cell phones. They barely had car phones back then. The only two kinds of phones there really were was the house phone or a pay phone. Most kids today haven't got a clue as to what a pay phone really is. I still have an old rotary dial phone. You can answer it but you can't dial out on it, because it doesn't have the touch tones now needed. Edit: Elisabeth Shue was good at soccer, because she has a brother that was a great soccer player. The bad thing was her brother passed away when she was like 24 or 25 or so when her brother had died. She played soccer because of her brother that died. Watch the movie 'Gracie' and you'll learn a little bit more. If you've never drank saki before, it's very strong. 21:36 this is a little of Pat Morita's real life, when he was in WWII. RIP Pat Morita. In Japanese culture the deeper you bow, the more respect that you have to the individual.

[@Dr.Acula76]

Not sure where you got that story from but Elisabeth's brother Andrew Shue, the professional soccer player and actor, is still living. He was best known as Billy on Melrose Place, but was an extra in Karate Kid as one of the Cobra Kai students at the dojo

[@KreefToniac]

Shiiiiii i love karate kid. Watch the 2 sequels then the series cobra kai, trust me you’ll love it

[@K3mbusm]

My favorite movie of all time, & Mr. Miyagi is my favorite movie character of all time. Thanks so much for reacting to it! I absolutely loved watching it along with you! I just subscribed so I can support you by watching more of your content in the future! Best of luck with your channel & God bless!

[@RyoHazuki224]

Please I hope you watch the second one! Its my favorite and such a great film! The third one, eh, not so much, but you definitely need to watch the second one. Fun Fact Ralph Macchio was about 24 when he filmed this movie. I remember memes coming out a few years ago stating that Ralph Machio is now the same age as Pat Morita was when he made the first Karate Kid. Surprisingly, Pat Morita wasn't even all that old when he made this movie, he was like in his early 50's.

[@markcruz359]

I've seen this movie so many times and i've seen so many reactors react to it, and i can honestly say this was the first time i seen the connection. Japan lost the world war, Mr. Miyagi lost both wife and child and Miyagi lost catching the fly with chopsticks to Daniel. So Mr. Miyagi saying to Daniel "win or lose doesn't matter" someone who's lost so much, brings so much more meaning to it.

[@nsgmma4680]

Great reaction! First time watching your channel, and I really enjoy the content. Watching Cobra Kai would be great. They are 20 to 30 min episodes, and 10 episodes a season. Before you start it, there is still Karate Kid 2 and 3 and also The Next Karate Kid to watch. All are key to fully enjoying Cobra Kai. Thanks again for the great content.

[@glenmartin7978]

Now you have to watch Karate Kid part 2 , part 3 and then Cobra kai. There is even a 4th movie that does not star Daniel but was Mr Miyagi's last Karate kid movie all 4 movies tie in with later series of Cobra kai

[@NealMarchuk]

Natalie, it's great to see you enjoying this classic from my childhood! I loved hearing you laugh at all of my favourite lines from Mr. Miyagi. And you're absolutely right about him -- he is a gem, and I've always loved his character in this franchise. Noriyuki Morita will always be missed.

[@matts3549]

THis is one of my top 5 favorite movies ever. Im so glad you watched it! I hope you watch the other 3 as well. Theyre all good in their own way, even number 4!

[@alpachinko9154]

Love your takes on the story and characters 👍🏽 Definitely worthwhile to watch the original II "Daniel-san" Karate kid, and "The next Karate kid" Hillary Swank reboot. The 2010 "Kung Fu kid" starring Jackie Chan & Jaden Smith isn't too bad either, even though it still got named "the Karate kid". "Fighter in the wind" (Kor) is a pretty underrated martial arts/comic action film that doesn't get shown enough love in the mainstream

[@plstne48]

The actor doing the crane move on the stump was the same actor who made it to the semifinals, until he was defeated by Johnny Lawrence.

[@Julini89]

Wonderful reaction hope you do 2,3 and the cobra Kai series I would love to see that.

[@michaelcoffey1991]

@Natalie if you like the next film, please seriously think of watching for your channel the 5 or 6 year Cobra Kai series as it fleshes everyone from the first two films you see. Still a classic feel good film. Timeless

[@notkg]

I have seen this movie many many times over the decades and never noticed Miyagi steal that black belt until just recently. Good on you for noticing that

[@tripkingdrip666-cashaura5]

I need part 2 now ugh such a good universe