2010 – The Karate Kid

June 20th, 2010 | admin | Life

I have to say – this film was absolutely stunning. One of the best films by far. I went and saw it today with my daughter.

Actually, we went to the cinema that was supposedly supposed to have subtitles in it as I struggle badly to figure out what is being said. Last week I take daughter to see “Prince of Persia”. I think my understand on what was said was about 5 to 10% for the whole film. Any way – I thought we go to this cinema but for some reason there was no subtitles. However, the sound seemed better for me to hear with – I had about 70 to 80% success rate in understanding what was said. So I am happy despite not having subtitles – “reading cinema” is what they call themselves.

When watching the film you will see how parts of it lies in parallel to the previous version of the film “The Karate Kid” however, the remake was definitely better in every way.

Any way – the film is astounding. I think it does capture:

a) Culture differences. Trying to show how different it is they used a black boy actor. I guess this does highlight more the differences between the East and the West as many Caucasians and Chinese are couples now. However, Black and Chinese is still an uncommon sight. Even Indian and Chinese isn’t as common if you ask me.

b) The innocence of love when he has some feeling for a Chinese girl who becomes his friend. It was typical how later the parents find out about it and then bar her from seeing him. Later in the film it shows the parents relenting and accepting the friendship. From my friends in China I do believe that China is more open – for example, I’ve been told that the parents would not object if my Chinese friend marry a Westerner lady. Seems much more open these days then say a few years ago. I should add that I really do think the film captures the simplicity of love.

Chinese ladies has a way to really make love simple and easy to understand. But at the same time it can be so complicated and difficult because they expect more from a relationship. I will not go down this path as I will end up writing a novel about it and still not done as opposed to covering what I wanted to say about the film.

c) I think the essence of learning Gong Fu was covered in the film. Simple in thought and style but abundance in learning and teaching about the way of life.

d) The film showed some beautiful scenery and could see a little about life in China. Really was amazing. At times I really felt that I would be happy to live in China for a few years. The experience gained on the way of life would be worthwhile. I do not think the same could be said about living in Malaysia for a few years.

I must wait until it comes out on DVD and watch it on DVD. You mark my words that I will watch it again. I would definitely rank this film on the top few of my favorites along with Avatar.