``The Karate Kid'' The best mentor movie where the mentor is more than the main character.

Miyagi's sorrow contained in "442nd Regimental Combat Team"

There is an unforgettable scene in ``The Karate Kid.'' This is the scene where Miyagi gets drunk while singing Satoshi Uehara's hit song `` Uramachi Life ''. He tells Daniel that he once belonged to the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. This unit recruited volunteers from concentration camps and was made up mainly of Japanese Americans. They fought bravely to prove their loyalty to America and are the most decorated unit in American history.

Miyagi also received the highest award, the Medal of Honor. However, he was unable to attend his wife's birth due to being sent to war, and she developed complications and passed away. In exchange for fulfilling his loyalty to America, Miyagi lost his wife and child. He probably became desperate, and a mental Intolerance widened in his heart.

Just as Daniel was looking for a teacher, Miyagi was also looking for a child. As if to fill in the Intolerance, Miyagi teaches Daniel karate, teaches him about life, and is himself saved. ``Drunk Miyagi'' is an essential scene in the sense that it suggests this. Initially, the studio apparently asked for the scene to be deleted, saying it would slow down the film's progress, but John G. Avildsen's decision to leave this scene in despite their requests was the correct one.

“Cobra Kai” preview

The drama `` Cobra Kai '' (2018~) is currently a hot topic on the streets. The story is about Johnny (William Zabka), who once lost to Daniel, who rebuilds the karate dojo "Cobra Kai." However, in this drama, there is no Miyagi who has already become a demon (he only appears in flashback scenes). Even though we are feeling a little sad, we are able to see how our former students will grow as mentors in the future.

Our “The Karate Kid” journey isn’t over yet!

Text: Rui Takeshima　

A pop culture writer who wants to be kicked by Hit Girl. Host of the web magazine "POP MASTER".

Watch now

View work information

(c) Photofest / Getty Images