The Karate Kid
12-year-old Dre Parker could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying but the cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make him an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is a kung fu master. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.
Critics Sentiment
Drunk Han reveals he killed his wife and son in car accident
Cheng's gang brutally beats Dre after the water bucket incident
The film jumps from the brutal beating scene to Mr. Han's impressive rescue, showcasing Jackie Chan's action skills and dramatic range.
The sentiment follows a classic underdog arc, starting modestly with setup and cultural transition, dipping during the bullying sequences, then building through training and cultural discovery. The film peaks with Jackie Chan's dramatic performance revealing his character's tragedy, before culminating in a satisfying tournament climax that showcases spectacular action choreography.
Full cast
Jaden Smith
Dre Parker
Jackie Chan
Mr. Han
Taraji P. Henson
Sherry Parker
Wenwen Han
Meiying
Zac Wang
Cheng
Yu Rongguang
Master Li
Wu Zhensu
Meiying's Dad
Wang Ji
Mrs. Po
Tess Liu
History Teacher
Xu Ming
Bao
Zhao Yi
Zhuang
Lü Shijia
Liang
Luke Carberry
Harry
Liang Geliang
Ping-Pong Man
Zhang Bo
Song
Jared Minns
Dre's Detroit Friend
Cameron Hillman
Mark
Ghye Samuel Brown
Oz
Zhiheng Wang
Meiying's Mom
Crew
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