Save the Cat rankings

THE KARATE KID script analysis

THE KARATE KID script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A bullied teen moves to California, befriends Mr. Miyagi, learns karate through unorthodox training, and faces his tormentors in a tournament. Along the way he grows in confidence, forms a romantic subplot, and discovers the true spirit of martial arts.

85 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 36 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

Introduces Daniel arriving at his new apartment, setting the fish-out-of-water tone.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 20 / 5% target

35%

Miyagi explains “Empty hand, peaceful hand,” stating that true karate is defense and peace.

Empty hand, peaceful hand. Real karate, peaceful. Real karate, never attack, only defend.
3

Set-Up

Scene 4 / 10% target

40%

Daniel plays soccer at the beach and meets Ali, establishing his desires and relationships.

4

Catalyst

Scene 5 / 12% target

45%

Johnny confronts Daniel and Ali at the party, kick-starting the conflict.

5

Debate

Scene 8 / 20% target

40%

Daniel sits alone on the stairs, doubting himself and whether he belongs.

6

Break into Two

Scene 10 / 25% target

45%

Miyagi’s note instructs Daniel to paint the house, pulling him into training.

7

B Story

Scene 4 / 30% target

40%

The budding romance with Ali provides the emotional subplot.

8

Fun and Games

Scene 11 / 40% target

50%

The “wax on, wax off” training showcases the fun of unorthodox lessons.

Show me wax on, wax off.
9

Midpoint

Scene 14 / 50% target

45%

Ocean balance training raises the stakes: Daniel experiences success and growth.

Not to worry. Will feel good.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scene 15 / 65% target

40%

Two men harass Daniel and Miyagi at the truck, showing external threats intensify.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 31 / 75% target

50%

Daniel’s knee is injured during the semi-final, seeming to end his chance.

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 33 / 80% target

50%

In the dressing room, Daniel feels defeated: “I didn’t have a chance anyway.”

I didn't have a chance anyway.
13

Break into Three

Scene 36 / 85% target

45%

Miyagi confronts Kreese, reigniting Daniel’s courage to face the final.

Why you no pick on someone your own size?
14

Finale

Scene 34 / 95% target

50%

Daniel faces Johnny in the final match and wins, resolving the central conflict.

15

Final Image

Scene 35 / 99% target

40%

Daniel, Miyagi, and Ali leave triumphant, mirroring the opening image but transformed.