By: Cade Sullivan & Joey Briseno

★★★★☆

‘The Karate Kid’ film from 2010 is a modern-day remake of the classic 1984 film, seeking to introduce a new generation to the timeless story of mentorship, self-discovery, and martial arts. Directed by Harald Zwart, this iteration takes the narrative from the familiar streets of Los Angeles to the bustling metropolis of Beijing, China. While some may look down on remakes as a whole, this adaptation manages to recapture the essence of the original while adding all-new cultural aspects and contemporary twists.

Jaden Smith takes on the lead role of Dre Parker, a young teenager forced to relocate to China due to his mother’s job. Smith brings a fresh energy to the character, and he is very believable as a character who is trying to find his way in life. His chemistry with Mr. Han (played by Jackie Chan), the maintenance man with a mysterious past, is the emotional heartbeat of the film. Chan’s portrayal offers a very different experience compared to Mr. Miyagi, but he is still able to have a positive impact nevertheless.

One of the strengths of this version lies in its breathtaking cinematography, which manages to capture the beauty and vibrancy of China. The scenic landscapes are a great backdrop to the martial arts sequences, which are well-choreographed and intense. The film embraces its setting, incorporating Chinese culture into the narrative. This pays homage to the roots of martial arts and enhances the visual appeal of the film.

The narrative progresses at a measured pace, allowing for the development of characters and relationships. Dre’s journey from an outsider facing bullying to a determined martial artist is a great show of resilience and makes it a journey worth cheering for. The film doesn’t shy away from addressing issues of cultural adaptation and the challenges of fitting in, giving it a more mature feel that it’s predecessor.

The mentor-student dynamic between Dre and Mr. Han is the emotional core of the movie. Chan’s stoic performance adds depth to the character, revealing layers of grief and wisdom beneath his tough exterior. The training sequences, which are reminiscent of the iconic scenes from the original, manage to have a balance between rigid instruction and softer moments. The emotional weight of the story is heightened by the addition of Mr. Han’s own struggles, helping the audience further emphasize with the character.

‘The Karate Kid’ incorporates modern elements, such as the use of technology and social media, without forgetting about the traditional values at its core. This fusion of the old and the new extends the movie’s reach to all generations. Dre’s journey becomes not just a personal quest for self improvement but a reflection of the theme of adapting to a modern world.

Despite its many strengths, ‘The Karate Kid’ is not without its flaws. The film occasionally leans too far into clichés, and some moments may feel overly familiar to the original that it takes its name from. The runtime, surprisingly over two hours, could have been lessened for a more fluid and better-paced experience.

The 2010 adaptation of ‘The Karate Kid’ successfully pays homage to its predecessor while carving out its own identity. With engaging performances, stunning visuals, and a timeless story of mentorship, this film proves that even in a different cultural setting, in a different time, the values of discipline, perseverance, and self-discovery remain. Dre is a great lead, and his underdog story is one that we were involved in throughout the runtime. We would recommend checking this film out.

You can watch this on the following:

Netflix: subscription

Amazon prime video: $3.59

YouTube: $3.89

Google play movies & tv: $3.89

Apple TV: $3.99

Vudu: $3.99