The Karate Kid (1984)

Bias Rating

Analyzing...

Leans Right

Viewer Rating

Rating: 7.2

Overview

Daniel and his mother move from New Jersey to California. She has a wonderful new job, but Daniel quickly discovers that a dark haired Italian boy with a Jersey accent doesn't fit into the blond surfer crowd. Daniel mana...

Starring Cast

Ralph Macchio • Pat Morita • Elisabeth Shue

Where to watch

Netflix

Prime Video

Apple TV

Bias Dimensions

Political: Leans Right

Diversity: Moderate

Overview

Starring Cast

Ralph Macchio • Pat Morita • Elisabeth Shue

Where to watch

Netflix

Prime Video

Apple TV

Detailed Bias Analysis

Analyzing...

Leans Right

Primary

Political: Leans RightConfidence: Medium

The film champions individual responsibility, discipline, and the wisdom of tradition as the solution to personal adversity, aligning its dominant themes with conservative values rather than systemic critiques.

Diversity: ModerateConfidence: Medium

The movie features visible diversity through its prominent Japanese mentor character, Mr. Miyagi, though its central protagonist and other key roles are traditionally cast. The narrative positively frames its white male protagonist and does not explicitly critique traditional identities, while subtly incorporating themes of cultural exchange and overcoming bullying.

Secondary

LGBTQ: N/AConfidence: High

The Karate Kid (1984) does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The narrative centers on a heterosexual romance, a male mentorship, and overcoming bullying, with no elements related to queer identity or experiences.

FemPower: NoConfidence: High

The film does not feature any female characters engaging in direct physical combat. Female characters are present in supporting roles but do not participate in any fight scenes against male or female opponents.

Gender Swap: NoConfidence: High

The Karate Kid (1984) is the original film in its franchise, introducing all its characters for the first time. There is no prior source material or previous installment from which characters' genders could have been established and subsequently swapped.

Race Swap: NoConfidence: High

As the original film in its franchise, "The Karate Kid" (1984) introduced its characters for the first time. There was no prior source material or previous installments to establish a canonical race for any character that could then be changed.