In the current decade, too few films are released on the screens where martial arts are the basis of the storyline. Probably, the viewer “ate” such paintings in the 90s or, perhaps, the old stars were too old. In the context of the emerging trend, the Karate-Boy tape is special. Actors, roles and storyline will be presented in our review.
Remake of 1984 movie of the same name
The creators of the tape, led by Will Smith, ventured into a real adventure by trying to re-shoot the film of the same name, which was released back in 1984. At that time, America was experiencing a real boom in martial arts, raving about them and instilling a love for them in the younger generation. In order to insure against failure, the creators of the project had to change the style of martial arts.
In the new version of the film "Karate Kid" (actors and roles will be presented later), the young audience will enjoy the delights of kung fu, the more common and now popular style. Also, the effect of the picture was transferred from the United States of America to China, which added a unique flavor and bright colors. Well, the rest of the storyline has not undergone any changes.
Some unrealistic staging of battles
The new version was released in 2010 and instantly earned recognition, especially among the younger generation. Young people are not used to finding fault with shortcomings in performing skills and some unrealistic staging of fights. And this is exactly what the film "Karate Kid" sins. Actors exist in new realities, and now, in order to be remembered by the mass audience, it is necessary to focus on action. This is what the filmmakers understood. That is why a boy who studies martial arts for only a few months can soar easily in the air and fight with bandits who are twice his age.
Story line
A two-person family is moving from the dilapidated industrial giant Detroit to China, which is now flourishing. Sherry Parker and her twelve-year-old son Dre will now live in Beijing. However, if a woman is well received in the new team, then the guy immediately faces ethnic problems that have arisen. Difficulties arise in everything: lack of knowledge of the language, cultural traditions and customs.
And when friendship arises between cute Chinese girl Mei Ying and Dre, and then romantic affection, no one is happy about it: neither her father nor local hooligan teens who are fluent in kung fu art. And now the main character is challenged: he must meet with the leader of the gang at the upcoming grand tournament. Dre has only a few months at his disposal in order not only to master the basics of skill, but also to become a worthy opponent of Chen. If you have not watched the movie "Karate Kid", the actors will pleasantly surprise you.
Good old Jackie Chan
And, of course, such a film could not do without a world star, which is Jackie Chan. Slightly aged and slightly slowed down, the master here appears in a new role for himself. He will teach young Dre the wisdom of kung fu. Jackie Chan plays the role of Mr. Khan, an alcoholic who is battered by life, but who managed to find a new meaning, a new calling, and thus find a goal. According to the opinions of the audience, the beloved actor of several generations demonstrates very tolerable kung fu skills at his age. The unusual role of Jackie Chan somewhat dilutes the drama of the tape "Karate Boy". Actors of the main and secondary plan will be presented later.
Who played the main character?
If the producer of the tape was maestro Will Smith, then, in the main role, we must certainly see his versatile gifted son, Jaden. In fact, the son of stellar parents is actively involved in dancing, and this is precisely what helped the young actor to demonstrate the miracles of stretching and the unimaginable accuracy of movements on the screen. For this reason, the dramatic skills of Jaden Smith, which he brilliantly demonstrated in the film “Pursuit of Happiness,” faded into the background.
However, this was a good choice of the creators of the project, because the overwhelming majority of the adult and children's audience was imbued with compassion for the young Dre Parker. Angelic appearance and constant harassment by the local will not leave anyone indifferent. The viewer, like the protagonist, longs to stand up for the honor of Mei Ying and prove his right to exist in a foreign country. We can say with confidence that the actors of the film “Karate Kid” coped with the task set for them “excellently”.
Supporting Actors
The leader of the gang, Chan, was played by Chinese young actor Zhenwei Wang. His trainer, Master Li, was made by Yu Rongguan. The famous actress Taraji P. Henson, who has roles in the films “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, “Blood for Blood” and the series “Empire”, “House”, “Ambulance”, brilliantly performed the role of Sherry Parker. Also involved in the film: Harry Wang Gorkum, Wenwen Han (Mei Ying), Zhenwei Wang, Yi Zhao, Ji Wang, Luke Carbury and others. As you can see, the actors of the movie "Karate Kid" are mostly immigrants from China. According to many viewers and critics, it was local martial artists and stuntmen pulled the film to a fairly decent level. The scenes in the tournament itself look spectacular, but to some extent detract from the virtues of Jaden Smith.
Superb Soundtrack
Many young viewers remember the songs included in the soundtrack for the film, and the music that accompanies the action. It was written by Oscar-winning James Horner. Chinese motifs further accentuate the atmosphere of the film, and instrumental melodies competently interspersed with famous pop and rock compositions.
Dramatic tape
People like to look at the rebirth of heroes from non-existence, to observe the formation of a fighting character and an unshakable spirit. All this fully demonstrated the film "Karate Boy". Actors and roles were featured in this publication. Tears come to my eyes when a boy who is experiencing physical pain and humiliation is not going to give up. He gets up and moves on. He is confident in his own abilities, as well as in his own righteousness. Baby Dre "infects" this mentor, Mr. Khan. The interactions of this tandem are very revealing. And it's really worth a look. For the sake of this, you can close your eyes to the shortcomings in the production of battles with the participation of Jaden Smith.
Colorful productions of original episodes
Viewers of older generations and convinced moviegoers will remember the scene of the original 1984 film, where Mr. Khan teaches the main character to catch flies using traditional food tools. This technique in martial arts is considered the greatest skill. Original training methods are also remembered. What is the only iconic plot when the mentor repeatedly forced the boy to take off and put on his jacket. Training in nature (especially against the backdrop of the Chinese Wall) is amazing and fascinating.
Will the sequel be filmed?
In 2015, it was announced the continuation of the project and the imminent release of the film "Karate Kid 2". Actors playing the main roles in the first part of the remake agreed to participate in the new project. The exact release date for the movie is still unknown, but those who liked the first part are looking forward to the release. New adventures of Dre and his mentor Mr. Khan would not have been possible without the participation of matured Jaden Smith and the inimitable Jackie Chan. The victory at the kung fu tournament gives rise to a new wave of envy and indignation of local teenagers.
Conclusion
Today, the roles and actors of the movie "Karate Boy" were presented to your attention. For some, this film was a real revelation, someone was disappointed, but not a single spectator was indifferent. How many people, so many opinions. What do you think about this?