on the karate kid (parts 1 and 2)

Photo by Lina Kivaka on Pexels

    I was originally going to post this back in September, but I never did. I don’t want to wait until next September to gush about one of my all time favorite movies, so here the post is! I hope you enjoy, dearest reader!

    On with the show!

    For the last few years, whenever September rolls around, I am reminded of two of my all time favorite movies: The Karate Kid parts 1 and 2. 

     Woven throughout both films are the themes of love, courage, duty, and honor.

    The first Karate Kid is like an origin story. It details how Daniel and Mr. Miyagi met, and how having a mentor changes Daniel. We watch Mr. Miyagi take under his wing a sullen, young boy, and, through a healthy dosage of humor and wisdom, helps him develop a quiet inner strength in who he is and in what is right. 

    The second movie, my favorite, showcases how having a mentee changes Mr. Miyagi. In the second film, the training Mr. Miyagi has instilled in Daniel comes to fruition, and the young man in the second movie is a more confident and relaxed character than the boy we met in the first. Instead, it is now Mr. Miyagi who struggles with the people and trials in his life, and Daniel stands beside and strengthens his mentor in the same way that Mr. Miyagi had done for him.

    I also adore the romance plot in the second movie. It's so gorgeous and wholesome!

    And, aah, don't get me started on the soundtrack! I love it so much! Here are three of my favorites: 

End Credits Music from "The Karate Kid, Part 2"

    This version of "Glory of Love" by Peter Cetera that plays in the credits is slightly different than the radio one. Both versions are excellent, though! "Glory of Love" is my favorite song in all of the Karate Kid movies. I first watched the film in September, and by the time Spotify Recap came out about two months later, it was my most listened to song of the year! Yes, I know that's obsessive of me, haha, but I love to loop songs I love!

"The Moment of Truth." Survivor (From Part 1)

    I thought this video was so cool!! The sound quality from the record is quite excellent.

Daniel and Kumiko. Bill Conti (From part 2)

    (Skip to 1:35) This is such a gentle and sweet piece, and it plays during a really touching scene.

Two honorable mentions:

Training Hard. Bill Conti (From part 1)

Love Theme. Bill Conti (From part 2)

I also really love these two pieces as well!

    Anyway, these are the films that started my obsession with all things 80s! Thank you for taking the time to read my mini ramble. I hope you're able to make some special memories during these last few weeks of Autumn!

    Bye for now!

🌻🌻🌻