Huang:
Although there were things I thought were hokey about the Karate Kid film, I will say one thing about it...it has heart. It wasn't a slapped-together movie.

Actually, there are some things in it that are reminiscent of my all-time favorite KF film, Shaolin Martial Arts, from 1974, directed by Chang Cheh and starring Fu Sheng. I feel this film started the trend of long, seemingly initially meaningless tough training that pays off in the end. If you can find it, check it out...I saw it years ago. Far better quality than most of the "rushed production" type of kung fu film.

By the way...in an earlier post you mentioned Tan Tao-Liang. I saw him at the 1993 Tat Wong tourney, his school (which I think is around Monterey Park in L.A.) was competing. Their TKD looked very good. And you're right, his background (and many of the old-school KF movie stars) was hard-core.
Jim