The Karate Kid Part II

Right now you can watch The Karate Kid Part II in Australia on Netflix and BINGE, and in the US on Netflix and Philo — and the writing holds up regardless of the format's reputation. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. A 6/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Ralph Macchio brings more to the role than the format usually demands. Available now on Netflix — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, The Karate Kid Part II earns its spot. The look of The Karate Kid Part II gets people in the door, but the writing is what keeps them there. Summoned by his dying father, Miyagi returns to his homeland of Okinawa, with Daniel, after a 40-year exile. There he must confront Yukie, the love of his youth, and Sato, his former best friend turned vengeful rival. Sato is bent on a fight to the death, even if it means the destruction of their village. Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita bring voice work that does more than the format usually asks for. The Karate Kid Part II came out in 1986. The visual gags in The Karate Kid Part II reward close attention without ever depending on it. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

Animation fans will appreciate the craft, but The Karate Kid Part II works for viewers who do not typically seek out animation too. It stands on its own even without an obvious comparison point. A contained runtime means every scene is doing real work. Ralph Macchio's voice work is a big part of what makes it distinctive. If you have been sleeping on it because of the format, the format is not the thing here.