Looking for Mr. Miyagi (2014) Reviews

• Excellent documentary about martial arts and mid-life crisis

  bergns2014-04-12

  "Inspiring documentary proving it's NEVER too late for radical change. Think "Super-Size Me" meets Martial Arts. David is having a mid-life crisis. His weight is up, his energy is down. At 46 he takes up karate. His mission: become a Black Belt by age 50." I really enjoyed watching the journey of filmmaker David Liban as he attempts to earn his black belt. If you like the work of Morgan Spurlock then I definitely recommend this film. I loved the way David Liban incorporated humor and heart into this film. The scenes with his wife and children really struck home with me as a viewer. This is a must watch for anyone considering martial arts as way to get fit and rekindle their passion for life.

• 'If you liked "Super-Size Me" and are "into" karate, then this is a must-see movie.'

  steve-972-2420182014-04-11

  Despite a successful career and a loving family, at 46, David Liban was depressed. He had few, if any, interests outside of his family and work, and with the big five-o fast approaching, he felt almost trapped in his own skin. So, what does any self respecting adult do when they see a mid-life crisis approaching? Do they buy themselves a Porsche? Nope. Do they find a young lover? Nope! A change of career? Not a chance! They take up Karate, of course! David shares his very personal story of his journey towards the coveted black belt, through the eyes of a Husband, Father and Karateka. We pick up his story mid-way through the kyu grades and watch as he struggles with his fitness in the dojo. We see the number of hours and his dedication to his art, represented by pebbles in a jar – each stone representing an hour's training. In this movie we see the guilt of creating a 'karate-widow' of his wife and the impact on his family life, balanced delicately against the personal benefits enjoyed from regular training. We see Liban-San putting in those extra hours, training in his basement. We see him seeking advice from his Sensei (Gary Swain, no less) and we see him struggle to break a board with a punch (and failing). MiyagiMovie3 This all builds up our investment in David as a character, and the movie makes us want him to succeed! Like most of us, David starts to make a few new friends through the dojo, and these often become (well, they did for me) life-long friendships stronger even than the relationships we have with some of our 'real' relatives! He wants to drop a few pounds to improve his performance and stamina in the dojo, and he turns to professionals to get help – we see his progress from a 'fly on the wall' perspective in both his gym work and the medical supervision he receives. We get to travel around Colorado with David as his kyu and dan gradings are shared with the audience, and all this is interspersed with interviews with, and comments from, a very impressive cast of karateka, including Gary Swain, Chris Wilder, David Jones, and many other 'famous names' from Shotokan Karate including ISKF Chief Instructor and 10th Dan, Sensei Teruyuki Okazaki. I loved this movie. I loved this movie. It could easily have been my story, and if I hadn't already returned to karate after a long (23 years) break, this movie would, I am sure, have been the kick in the ass I needed to get me back to a dojo. Sensei Gary Swain puts a perspective on what karate is in the movie when he says: "If I thought that all I was doing was teaching people to kick and punch, I'd quit tomorrow. That's teaching violence; I don't want to teach violence. Karate is a method of honing the body and the mind so you can use it to protect yourself." - Gary Swain, ISKF 7th Dan.

• David Liban is a gifted filmmaker

  johncbaileyactor2014-04-11

  There is nothing about Miyagi that I do not find outstanding and captivating. Seamless and courageous. I cannot remember the last time I laughed and cried for the most unexpected reasons during a film I will remember for a very long time. I am saving any further review for a second viewing. David Liban deserves to have this film seen the world over. Looking for Mr. Miyagi is an unexpected gem. I would recommend anyone see this film. The cinematography could have been pedestrian. Mr. Liban could have settled. He did not, and neither did his cast and crew. One of the more intriguing films I never expected to be much more than a gimmick, this film is so full of heart that I am left without my usual aptitude for in depth criticism other than to say "David Liban, please continue to create, to innovate, and above all to surprise us with your next venture." John C. Bailey

• You're never too old to be a Karate Kid

  Ace1102902014-05-28

  A documentary with heart and soul, this movie follows one man as he tries to get his black belt before he's 50. You meet his sensei and his physical trainer as they help you understand just what it takes to become a black belt in Karate and be healthy at the age of 50. This movie is filled with all types of cool facts about Karate, Health and Fitness but the main reason I liked it was for the main character David. The documentary isn't just about him trying to get his Black Belt, it's about him making changes in his own life and you get to see those take effect. David is a father, a husband, and a teacher. As he goes through the ins and outs of Karate and fitness training you see how it affects his personal life. In the beginning David cops to being neurotic, depressed, and unmotivated although he knows he shouldn't be. Through a change in his habit and lifestyle you see him reconnect to once again be happy, funny, and engaged in his own life. This movie is worth it for the humor and the heart behind every punch and kick.

• Super Karate Me!!!!

  andrewhooper332014-05-08

  I haven't seen too many documentaries outside of Super Size Me and the like, but this movie definitely is up there with them! The movie is about a man in his late 40's who is trying to get a black belt in Karate before he turns 50. The neat thing about the movie is that you get to learn a lot about Karate and about healthy living. The movie focuses not only on the main character's karate lessons, but it also explains many facts about Karate aren't commonly known. The movie has several Karate experts and martial arts masters not only help the main character in his journey, but also dispel many myths about Karate and Martial Arts. Many topics are covered: from the purpose of training to a Black Belt's approach to violence – you will learn a lot about Karate and what it takes to earn a Black Belt. The movie also focuses on the health side of practicing Karate. In order for the main character to reach a black belt before he reaches 50, he has to get into proper shape as well. This means running, lifting weights and changing his diet. He works closely with a personal trainer and an exercise scientist to learn the best way to get his body back in shape. I found this part of the movie very informative and helpful as it reveals some things about exercise and nutrition that I myself didn't know before. Overall this movie was very entertaining but mostly informative. After watching it I feel that I have a better grasp of the culture of Karate and a better idea of the dedication and determination it takes to achieve a Black Belt. Like Super Size Me it was packed with information but packaged in an interesting story. I highly recommend this movie for anyone interested in learning more about Karate!