The Next Karate Kid (1994) | How Woke Is It?

Our VerdictMildly Woke

37%

The Next Karate Kid1994

In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected speech. These reviews reflect personal opinions and not statements of fact.

What We Think

'The Next Karate Kid' flirts with early-stage woke themes by swapping in a female lead but largely tells a traditional Karate Kid story. It’s certainly not a non-woke classic, but compared to recent fare, it’s almost quaint in its approach.

Score Breakdown

Compromised:Narrative Integrity

Mildly Woke

What is this?

While 'The Next Karate Kid' swaps the original male protagonist for a female lead, it generally preserves character growth and conflict. The story emphasizes personal journey over identity politics. However, the casting choice for representation’s sake was a clear deviation, though not off-the-charts by today’s standards.

Compromised:Cultural Foundations

Woke

What is this?

The film largely respects the notion of mentorship, discipline, and tradition. There’s a slight undermining of traditional gender roles by portraying a female lead learning martial arts, but it’s more novelty than an overt subversion of cultural foundations or masculinity.

Compromised:Ideological Monoculture

Mildly Woke

What is this?

There’s some elevation of girl-power themes, but not much demonizing of traditional perspectives. Alternative worldviews and generational respect are present, with Mr. Miyagi remaining a wise mentor. The film isn’t the ideological echo chamber we expect from modern Hollywood.

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Disclaimer: In a free society the right to critique art is essential and protected as a form of free speech and freedom of expression. The reviews and commentary on this site represent personal opinions and interpretations. They are not statements of fact and should not be taken as factual claims about any individual, company, or creative work.