Miyagi-Do vs. Cobra Kai: An Analysis of 'Karate Kid' and Its Netflix Sequel
Introduction
In 1984, the Karate Kid film franchise was born, introducing viewers to Daniel LaRusso, a young man who learns karate from Mr. Miyagi to defend himself against bullies. The franchise has since spanned multiple sequels, spin-offs, and even a Netflix series, Cobra Kai.
Cobra Kai picks up 34 years after the events of the original Karate Kid film, reuniting Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso as they each reopen their respective karate dojos. The series has been praised for its nostalgia, humor, and well-choreographed fight scenes. However, it also explores complex themes such as bullying, redemption, and the nature of good and evil.
The Miyagi-Do Philosophy vs. The Cobra Kai Philosophy
At the heart of Cobra Kai is the conflict between the Miyagi-Do and Cobra Kai philosophies. Miyagi-Do, as taught by Mr. Miyagi, emphasizes defense, balance, and respect. Cobra Kai, on the other hand, is more aggressive, focusing on strength, power, and dominance.
These two philosophies are constantly at odds with each other, both in the series and in real life. Miyagi-Do students are taught to avoid conflict whenever possible, while Cobra Kai students are encouraged to strike first and strike hard. This difference in philosophy often leads to conflict between the two dojos.
The Characters of 'Karate Kid' and 'Cobra Kai'
One of the strengths of Cobra Kai is its well-developed characters. The series does an excellent job of fleshing out both Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, giving them depth and nuance that was lacking in the original films.
Johnny Lawrence is no longer the one-dimensional bully from the original Karate Kid. He is now a complex and sympathetic character who is struggling to find his place in the world. Daniel LaRusso is also more complex than he was in the films. He is still a good-natured and kind-hearted man, but he is also capable of being ruthless when necessary.
In addition to Johnny and Daniel, Cobra Kai also features a number of other well-developed characters, including Miguel Diaz, Robbie Keene, and Tory Nichols. These characters are all complex and relatable, and they help to make Cobra Kai a truly engaging series.
The Themes of 'Karate Kid' and 'Cobra Kai'
Cobra Kai explores a number of complex themes, including bullying, redemption, and the nature of good and evil. The series shows how bullying can have a devastating impact on its victims, and it also shows how redemption is possible, even for those who have done terrible things.
Cobra Kai also explores the nature of good and evil. The series shows that there is no clear-cut line between good and evil, and that even the best people are capable of doing bad things. This is a complex and challenging theme, but Cobra Kai handles it with sensitivity and nuance.
Conclusion
Cobra Kai is a well-made and engaging series that explores complex themes such as bullying, redemption, and the nature of good and evil. The series features well-developed characters and well-choreographed fight scenes, and it is sure to please fans of the original Karate Kid films.
