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A review by komet2020
Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me by Ralph Macchio
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me is one of the most heartwarming and life-affirming books that I have read in a long time. Ralph Macchio provides an enlightening and sobering summation of his life and career from the time he auditioned for The Karate Kid a movie that, since its release in the summer of 1984, has taken on an iconic status and enjoys an ever-growing fan base. I have to pinch myself because it seems incredible that it has now been 39 years since I first saw the movie.
Early in July 1984, a friend of mine from high school who had joined the Army months earlier, returned home on furlough after completing his medic training at Fort Sam Houston (TX). At the time, I was 19-and-a-half and had completed my sophomore year of college.
Along with a mutual friend, we went out to the movies downtown. We were undecided on what movie to see. But we three settled on "THE KARATE KID" not knowing what to expect.
By degrees, the movie sucked me in. My friends and I would laugh when Mr. Miyagi would give Daniel these seemingly pointless tasks to perform. But Daniel stayed the course and showed he had grit. So, when the movie reached its climax with Daniel taking on his tormentor and bully, Johnny Lawrence, and winning the tournament, we were thrilled.
To this day, I smile whenever I think about "The Karate Kid" because it's one of those movies that always delights me. Indeed, reading this book has kindled inside me a desire to see The Karate Kid again, along with The Karate Kid, Part II, both of which I haven't seen since they debuted in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Along with the current Netflix series 'Cobra Kai' which brings an extra richness to the lives of Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, their families, and some of the other key figures from The Karate Kid movies.
I think that the following remarks by Ralph Macchio aptly sum up what The Karate Kid movie has come to mean to generations of movie goers who, since 1984, have taken it into their hearts for the values it conveys:
"The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment. Sure, the cynics can call it the silly popcorn karate movie that it is. And that's fair enough. But the human elements beneath all of that and the impact on the world's audience will never cease to inspire me in my life. And what a wonderful gift that is."
Early in July 1984, a friend of mine from high school who had joined the Army months earlier, returned home on furlough after completing his medic training at Fort Sam Houston (TX). At the time, I was 19-and-a-half and had completed my sophomore year of college.
Along with a mutual friend, we went out to the movies downtown. We were undecided on what movie to see. But we three settled on "THE KARATE KID" not knowing what to expect.
By degrees, the movie sucked me in. My friends and I would laugh when Mr. Miyagi would give Daniel these seemingly pointless tasks to perform. But Daniel stayed the course and showed he had grit. So, when the movie reached its climax with Daniel taking on his tormentor and bully, Johnny Lawrence, and winning the tournament, we were thrilled.
To this day, I smile whenever I think about "The Karate Kid" because it's one of those movies that always delights me. Indeed, reading this book has kindled inside me a desire to see The Karate Kid again, along with The Karate Kid, Part II, both of which I haven't seen since they debuted in 1984 and 1986, respectively. Along with the current Netflix series 'Cobra Kai' which brings an extra richness to the lives of Daniel LaRusso, Johnny Lawrence, their families, and some of the other key figures from The Karate Kid movies.
I think that the following remarks by Ralph Macchio aptly sum up what The Karate Kid movie has come to mean to generations of movie goers who, since 1984, have taken it into their hearts for the values it conveys:
"The film is a prime example of when Hollywood gets it all right. It teaches and inspires through pure entertainment. Sure, the cynics can call it the silly popcorn karate movie that it is. And that's fair enough. But the human elements beneath all of that and the impact on the world's audience will never cease to inspire me in my life. And what a wonderful gift that is."