“You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.”

This is one of my dad’s favorite movies, so of course I grew up on it and have seen it countless times. I think it’s safe to say I both respect and enjoy this film more with every rewatch. It’s so motivating and both inspiring and inspired. John Avildsen really knew how to make movies that make you just want to go outside and run a mile or accomplish something big in life.

It’s a very slow movie in the absolute best way possible. This film could pretty much be studied for how good its character work and development is. Not a single scene is unnecessary, but adds to the story or characters in some sort of way. I honestly think this movie could be even longer too, even though it’s already two hours.

I think we can all agree that everyone needs a Mr. Miyagi in their life. Pat Morita really gave a special performance, and it’s such a shame that he got nominated but didn’t win best supporting actor for this role (not that the person who won didn’t deserve it) and didn’t get much work outside of this franchise. I think if everyone had a mentor like him, the world would be in a much better place. The way he teaches Daniel not only discipline and patience, but how to be kind, humble, and respectful will never not be inspiring.

I definitely have to mention the score and soundtrack too. It’s also weird how Bill Conti didn’t get much work outside of this and Rocky, because the composing done here is phenomenal. The scene with Daniel standing on the wooden posts always gives me goosebumps, and so does the one at the end when Mr. Miyagi claps his hands together. Onto the soundtrack, I’m sorry but “You’re the Best” definitely beats any of the songs from the original Top Gun and even “Eye of the Tiger,” though it’s definitely a close one, in Rocky III. Props to the cinematographer too. Some really good shots.

Daniel can definitely be a bit of a frustrating character at times, but still easy to root for, I think because of how eager and willing he is to learn. His quirks especially with Ali also make him a fun character. Man, I’m thankful my mom isn’t like his though.

The antagonists, being the dojo Cobra Kai, and in particular Johnny and his gang are both easy to root against but also kind of funny and interesting in their own way. After watching Cobra Kai, it’s kind of crazy how well they unintentionally set up Bobby to become a pastor in that show. Just some of the subtle things he does that show he isn’t like the others were pretty spot on to where he eventually ended up. Johnny is also a really good main antagonist, and I’m glad to see where his character went in Cobra Kai.

But to end this review, I absolutely have to talk about the classic training montage and third act. I don’t think the training montage Avildsen did here is quite as good as Rocky because it’s a lot shorter, but again just the shot of Daniel on the wooden post on the beach with the amazing score in the background was enough. And that third act tournament - yeah, if you are ever not feeling motivated to workout or do anything, just watch it. One of the best endings to a movie ever - period. The last shot is so perfect.