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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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.

15 comments:

  1. OH, YESSSS!

    Love the original movie and the re-make. Great choice!

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  2. Karate Kid is a classic. I love the old version so much better than the newer ones.

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  3. Huntress, Katie: I absolutely love the original. Not into remakes of any kind. My movie philosophy is "don't mess with the classics."

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  4. The Karate Kid is a great movie!

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  5. Hi, Marjorie: A nice blend of comedy and drama.

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  6. Great personal story and fantastic "K" choice! As a movie lover, I was thinking about spotlighting this one myself. Well-done.

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  7. Hi, Matthew: Movies is one thing I always have an opinion on...that's why I chose it for the A to Z. Great to meet you!

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  8. i remember that movie...loved it, too! :)

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  9. mymy: It's one of my favorites, too.

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  10. My kids just watched and loved this movie!!

    Checking you out from the A to Z challenge. I hope you will stop by my blog, Thoughts from Tiffani, too!

    Tiffani

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  11. Saw this one Sunday afternoon in 1984 at Tolerance Cinema in Benton Illinois. It was one of the most satisfying movie experiences I ever had. Ralph M's foot + Billy Zabka's face = movie bliss. I have not seen the remake - might, might not. But I love the original! I also enjoy the biographical ties you bring to the post - it makes for good reading!

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  12. Tiffani: Thanks for stopping by. Glad your kids like the original Karate Kid...a true classic.

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  13. Craig: I don't think I'm going to see the remake either. The original is just too perfect. So true about Ralph's foot..LOL

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  14. classic film. what a great idea to do movies for A-Z.

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  15. Michelle: I figured movies was a pretty a good category for me. It's my passion. Thanks for visiting!

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