Movie Reviews: Selma (2014) & The Karate Kid II (1986)

This week, we're pairing two films that might seem worlds apart but share more in common than you'd expect: Selma (2014) and The Karate Kid Part II (1986).

✊ Selma — Ava DuVernay's powerful historical drama takes us to the heart of the 1965 voting-rights campaign led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We discuss the film's performances, its depiction of the fight for equality, and how courage and perseverance drive a movement in the face of violence and overwhelming opposition.

🥋 The Karate Kid Part II — Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi leave California behind for Okinawa, where Miyagi must confront his past and Daniel discovers that karate means much more than winning a tournament. We break down the sequel's deeper focus on Miyagi, Daniel and Kumiko's relationship, Chozen's rivalry, and how the change of setting gives the franchise a very different kind of story.

Two completely different movies. Two very different battles. One shared message about having the courage to stand your ground.