Jun 14, 2010

The new Karate Kid stars Jaden Smith and Jackie Chan. Rated PG for bullying, martial arts action violence and some mild language.

In Columbia Pictures’ “The Karate Kid,” 12-year-old Dre Parker (Jaden Smith) could’ve been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother’s (Taraji P. Henson) latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying—and the feeling is mutual—but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible.

Even worse, Dre’s feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng. In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts “the karate kid” on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), who is secretly a master of kung fu. 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.

There are a few violent bullying scenes and the main character gets beat up pretty badly. The only blood in the movie is a tiny cut on the main character’s face. Lots of kung-fu fighting. In one scene a character has his leg nearly broken. There is some dirty fighting and kicking while they are down. A student gets slapped by his instructor for showing mercy. The word Ass is used a lot and a main character gets drunk.

How to Use the Karate Kid (2010) as a Learning Tool: The 2010 version of “The Karate Kid” is not just a movie about martial arts; it’s a story about adaptation, resilience, and personal growth. Parents and educators can use this film to discuss important life lessons with children.

The movie showcases how Dre Parker learns to adapt to a new culture and face challenges head-on, which can be a great starting point for discussions on overcoming difficulties and embracing change. Mr. Han’s teachings emphasize that kung fu is more about discipline and self-control than fighting, offering a valuable lesson on the importance of inner strength and maturity. Additionally, the film addresses bullying and how Dre learns to stand up for himself with confidence and dignity.

Watching this movie together can be an opportunity for families to talk about respecting others, the value of friendship, and the significance of cultural diversity. Encourage children to reflect on how Dre’s journey can inspire them to face their own challenges with courage and perseverance.