Karate Kid II: More Than Just a Sequel? (A few Thoughts)

Okay, so I just rewatched The Karate Kid Part II for maybe the millionth time (guilty pleasure, don't judge!) and I'm wondering if anyone else sees what I see. I think this movie sometimes gets unfairly lumped in as just a cheesy 80s sequel, but I think there's actually a surprisingly deep and nuanced exploration of cultural identity and generational trauma going on, especially through Miyagi. Like, the whole Okinawa setting isn't just a backdrop. Specifically, the scene where Miyagi is dancing in the Bon festival, it's filmed with this amazing, almost ethereal quality. Everything's soft, the lighting is beautiful, and you really FEEL that sense of community and connection to his heritage. But then you contrast that with the constant threat of Sato and Chozen, and you see this clash between tradition and the forces of resentment and modernization. It's more than just a karate movie, it’s about the difficulty of returning home after having to leave for so long. Also, the whole arc with Yukie is heartbreaking. You can see the pain in Miyagi's eyes and the regret for lost time. You defintely don't get that from the first movie! I also think Daniel's character development is interesting, though maybe underdeveloped? He's supposed to be learning more about Miyagi and about himself, but it often feels secondary to the Okinawa drama. Still, the way he sticks up for Kumiko, even when it's scary, shows he's absorbing some of Miyagi's principles. It could've been a throwaway side plot, but the focus on community feels very intentional. Anyway, these are just some random musings. I know it's not Citizen Kane, but I think The Karate Kid Part II has more to offer than people give it credit for. What do you think? Am I totally off base, or are there others who see some deeper layers here?