Product Details

• Actors: Pat Morita, Hilary Swank, Michael Ironside, Constance Towers, Chris Conrad
• Directors: Christopher Cain
• Writers: Mark Lee, Robert Mark Kamen
• Producers: Jerry Weintraub, R.J. Louis, Susan Ekins
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Sony Pictures
• VHS Release Date: September 19, 1995
• Run Time: 107 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303344224
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,312 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

A vast improvement over its immediate predecessor, The Karate Kid III, this appealingly understated 1994 drama features a compelling performance by Hilary Swank, who would later win a Best Actress Oscar^® for her work in Boys Don't Cry. Swank plays 17-year-old Julie Pierce, the recently orphaned and troubled granddaughter of an old war buddy of Miyagi Yakuga (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, the lone holdover from the previous Karate Kid films). Harassed at school by adolescent boys under the sway of an evil coach (Michael Ironside), Julie reluctantly finds refuge in the calm teachings of Mr. Miyagi. While the film's violence is as contrived and silly as that of the other KK features, the script provides exotic compensations via a subplot set in a peaceful Buddhist monastery. Still, it's Morita's crafty professionalism and Swank's emotional authenticity that makes this film more watchable than anyone might have expected. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Return of Mr. Miyagi., March 27, 2002

By 

tvtv3 "tvtv3" (Sorento, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Next Karate Kid [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Though this film isn't as good as the first two KARATE KID movies, it is just as good if not better than KARATE KID III. In this film, Mr. Miyagi takes a trip out East to receive a special commendation from the President for his unit's extraordinay achievements during WWII. He stays over at the home of the widow of his former best friend. The woman is having a difficult time raising her granddaughter, Julie, who was orphaned after her parents were killed in a car accident. Mr. Miyagi suggests she take a trip to California and stay at his place on a vacation while he stays and takes care of her home and her granddaughter. Other than being fiercely angry at life, Julie is also having problems at school and is being harassed by the school's administratively supported bullies, the Alph Elite. Through the tutoring of Mr. Miyagi, Julie is able to control her anger and find focus in her life.

Hillary Swank pulls off a believable and emotionally-deep performance as Julie Pierce. The role needn't required so much depth, but her character reminds one of the girl next door.

However, as good as Swank is, the real reason to see this film is Pat Morita. It's great to see Mr. Miyagi again. His character reminds me of a real life Yoda. As long as the story is decent, one can't get enough of a great character like him. There are also some great quotes in the movie. My personal favorite is "Never trust a spiritual leader who can't dance." A fun movie that is surprisingly enjoyable.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fighting no good, but if must fight, win!, November 16, 2003

By 

Gary Selikow (Great Kush) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Next Karate Kid [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The Next Karate Kid

Miyagi Yakuga (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita) is called on for help, by the widow of an old war buddy.
She doesn't know what to do with her pretty but rebellious teenage granddaughter, after the recently orphaned girl was put in her care.
Meanwhile the girl, Julie, has her own troubles with a gang of local thugs at her school, led by a sadistic sports coach, while keeping her pet, a lame hawk hidden in the school grounds.
Her own love interest, a boy named Eric, is involved in the same battle with the gang called the Alpha elite.
Mr Miyagi knows just what to do, and the first thing is to teach Judy some self-discipline and inner calm.
The best line in the movie comes from Mr Miyagi, and isn't it the truth?

`Fighting no good, but if must fight, win!'

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who Says The Good Guy Has To Be A Guy?, August 27, 2005

By 

Sandi "Shopaholic" (Clarksburg, WV United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Next Karate Kid (DVD)

My kids were very happy to find this one at Wal-Mart for $5.50 and so was I. I LOVED this one, mainly because of the girl factor. A young Hilary Swank makes a great karate kid!