Featuring interviews, with friends, families, costars and himself, the portrait that is drawn of Morita is kind if some what bittersweet. In this documentary, lovingly finished, by Morita’s wife we get to learn about his past, the ups, and the downs of his career. His poignant story of military service, and personal loss perpetuated by the country that he served. His gentle, but grumpy grandpa way of teaching karate. There is no way to deny the power that Pat Morita’s portrayal of the humble karate sensei is one of the most recognizable characters from the 80’s. He was loved, well-respected, and talented, but certainly flawed as well.More than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story – 2021 The film celebrates his life and groundbreaking achievements, but doesn't over glorify him. He deserves credit for presenting a well-rounded portrayal of Pat Morita. In an interview with Tom Snyder, Morita lamented himself as a husband, but was a "good dad." Director Kevin Derek addresses that his children did not participate in the documentary. Pat Morita's daughters refused to be interviewed for the film. Morita drank himself to death over financial hardship and faded stardom. The final act is difficult to watch at times. Pat Morita was cheerful on the surface, but suffered deeply on the inside. He used alcohol as a coping mechanism for a lifetime of depression. Guerrero shows pictures and videos of Morita passed out drunk. This was no secret on set in Hollywood, but Morita always handled his acting in a professional manner. Morita "drank every day since he was twelve." He'd been a functional alcoholic his entire life, and went to great lengths to conceal his drinking. Evelyn Guerrero speaks honestly about his battle with the disease. The film takes a dark and tragic turn by directly confronting Pat Morita's alcoholism. Pat Morita had to refer to himself as "The Hip Nip" to casting agents. Mickey Rooney, Audrey Hepburn, and John Wayne were cast as Asians in leading roles, while he and Morita were forced to play buffoons. He talks about Hollywood's "Yellow Facing" of Asian roles. The interview with veteran character actor James Hong is especially enlightening. More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story frankly discusses the racism that Asian American actors faced in Hollywood and society in general. Demura had a great relationship with Morita and was honored to have been a part of the franchise. The doc's director, Kevin Derek, also gives Morita's stunt double, Fumio Demura, who did the actual fighting in all of The Karate Kid films, equal time. The early screen tests with Macchio and Morita, as Daniel and Mr. Morita's co-stars, Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Martin Kove, and screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen speak glowingly of their friend. These interviews, unseen footage, and his recollection of the process, including his Oscar nomination, are the highlights of the film. More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story goes behind the scenes to explain his casting in The Karate Kid. A successful surgery corrected his spine, but a childhood spent in hospitals and an American concentration camp left lasting psychological scars. The film explores this horrific incarceration and the profound effect it had on Morita. He was removed from medical care when Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps during World War II. He was diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis as a toddler and spent years of his childhood totally immobilized in a hospital. Noriyuki "Pat" Morita was born near San Francisco on Jto Japanese parents. More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story is told through archival interviews, remembrances from numerous co-stars, industry colleagues, and his third wife of eleven years, Evelyn Guerrero who was with him at the time of his death in 2005. He fought racism and Hollywood stereotypes with charm and humor, but was unable to conquer his addiction to alcohol. More Than Miyagi: The Pat Morita Story pulls back the curtain to reveal a complex, supremely talented, and troubled man. But Morita's life story and decades-long career was much more than this legendary role. Miyagi, in The Karate Kid and its three sequels. He will forever be remembered as the wise, kind, and ass-kicking mentor, Mr. Noriyuki "Pat" Morita broke many barriers on his way to becoming an American pop culture icon.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |