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The Karate Kid, Part II

(1986, Rated PG, Family and kids, Starring Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Martin Kove)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Excessive violence mars so-so sequel.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Gambling (on the outcome of a martial-arts stunt). Despite lip service to non-violence, the action shows fighting as the ultimate solution to problems.

  • Violence:

    Severe karate beatings and retribution.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Karate Kid, Part II

Parents need to know that martial-arts violence and revenge contend with worthy themes of mercy, forgiveness and Japanese culture. Despite lip service to non-violence, the action shows fighting as the ultimate solution to problems, so kids will see lots of threatening behavior, severe karate beatings, and retribution.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why a movie that espouses non-violent solutions is so violent. How does the film maker justify the violent reactions of "good guy" characters? Can you think of other solutions to the predicaments the filmmaker created in order to "force" his characters into violent confrontations?
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