Karate Kid

In Brief

Popular Detroit 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) is forced to relocate to Beijing when his mom gets a job at a car factory there. His attempts at fitting in and wooing his pretty classmate are undone by a group of martial arts proficient bullies led by the vicious Cheng. All alone in an alien city with paltry language and karate skills, Dre befriends his apartment maintenance man Mr Han (Jackie Chan), who reveals himself to be a secret kung fu master and reluctantly agrees to take on a pupil for the first time.


We were lucky enough to receive preview tickets for the new remake of Karate Kid.
Now I am not always impressed by remakes if the original is a favourite, but with Jackie Chan playing the teacher and the amazingly talented Jaden Smith, I was hopeful.

I need not have worried, the film was faithful to the plot, holding close to the theme, it was in essence darker than the original, but we do live in darker times with regards to bullying.

Jaden Smith as Dre Parker acted his karate suit off, his athletic ability was amazing and plain to see not all was choreographed, he had obviously trained for the part.
Jackie Chan as his reluctant teacher Mr Han was also a darker character than he often portrays and the film shows us his beliefs and how and why he holds them.
The relationship between pupil and master is filled with comedic moments, the first task with the coat stand is a gentle lesson in fighting and respect.

I hope this film will take many a child, not just rushing off to the local martial arts class but on a journey of learned respect and kindness.

The film only downside and its not even that if you can sit, is the long running time.

It finishes in the ultimate battle and left us feeling that good wins out and wanting to cheer for the underdog.
Thoroughly recommend.