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This week, Phil has chosen to talk about THE KARATE KID (1984).
Written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G Avildsen, THE KARATE KID is a long time fave of Phil’s. Telling the story of Daniel - a new kid on the block who’s developed the unfortunate habit of getting beaten up on the daily - and his rise to karate dominance with the help of friendly maintenance man, Mr Miyagi!
Phil approached this chat like the giddy school boy he is. Forty-two years on, is Nicky just too grown up these days to warm to the film’s charms? Listen to the chat and find out.
This conversation was recorded in January 2026.
References mentioned, and wider reading…
Lessons from The Karate Kid by Gwendolyn Bluemich
https://community.thriveglobal.com/lessons-from-the-karate-kid/
The Difficult Realities of the Karate Kid Lessons We Can Learn About East Asian Representation in Mainstream Culture…
https://www.cultursmag.com/the-difficult-realities-of-the-karate-kid-lessons-we-can-learn-about-east-asian-representation-in-mainstream-cinema/
HOW THE KARATE KID RUINED THE MODERN WORLD by Dr. David Wong
https://www.cracked.com/article_18544_how-the-karate-kid-ruined-modern-world.html
To book Ralph Macchio…
https://www.aaespeakers.com/keynote-speakers/ralph-macchio
Phil’s first contribution to the pod’s research!
https://screenrant.com/karate-kid-daniel-villain-theory/
Obama catches a fly
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45j8CtSm50U
Smithy’s training montage at Sport’s Personality of the Year
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvvKUtHlDK8
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