Karate Kid

A to Z Blogging Challenge: Movie Memories
Blogging about the movies that made an impact on my life

In 1984, Hubby was on TDY (temporary duty) in Sicily for a year. It was a remote assignment which meant the kids and I could not go with him. If you were ever a military spouse, you know what it was like.

At that time I was going through emotional struggles in my life. I had just graduated with my MA degree and was looking for work. And with my husband in Sicily, I was both Mom and Dad to the kids. I was lonely and miserable.

Then the Karate Kid (1984) shows up. I had no real desire to see it; I just thought it was a silly kids' movie. How wrong I was! The story of a young man learning about life, changing his perception of the world and developing a lifelong friendship was something that touched me on a very deep level.

I empathized with Daniel from the very beginning. He came from a broken family (like me) and was moving to a new school and a new city (yep, me too). I could relate. I don't remember how many times we moved and I had to start all over. Making friends is not easy. I had an immediate connection with Daniel which carried me through the story. 

Daniel's relationship with Mr. Miyagi was beautifully portrayed. I loved the scene where Daniel was accosted on Halloween night by the bullies and Mr. Miyagi leapt over the fence to defend him. There was a lovely shot of Mr. Miyagi posed for battle in the fog, slow motion...it was surreal.

MIYAGI: Man who catch fly with chopstick accomplish anything.