‘More Than Miyagi’ is a fascinating documentary on the life and times of a motion picture and television legend. Pat Morita began his career as a standup comedian, stealing jokes from the Reader’s Digest. This led to TV guest star parts on sitcoms like Green Acres, The Bill Cosby Show and The Bob Newhart Show, as well as insulting stereotypical roles in the movies like Thoroughly Modern Millie.
One of his big benefactors was of all people Redd Foxx who cast Morita not only in a recurring role Sanford And Son (as Ah Chew) but in earlier days gave his career a boost by featuring him as his opening act in nightclubs.
But it was in his role as Arnold on Happy Days that the actor became a star. After just a few seasons, Morita left Happy Days to star in his own short-lived sitcom, Mr. T and Tina. Afterward his career more for less floundered until landing to role of Mr. Miyagi in The Karate Kid in 1989. This led to 3 Karate Kid sequels.
This is a story of a career and life with astronomical highs and devastating lows, from childhood illness to the Japanese internment camps to the Academy Awards.
Interviews with Happy Days and Karate Kid co-stars fill out an unexpected portrait of what was ultimately a tragic figure. Perhaps that’s why his two daughters refused to be interviewed for the documentary.
Morita wanted his story told in an unflinching manner in the hope that other folks addicted to alcohol and drugs might turn things around before it’s too late. Sadly, for Noriyuki "Pat" Morita that didn’t happen in his case. One of the most tragic stories concerns a Happy Days TV reunion in 2005 that he was too drunk to participate in.
‘More Than Miyagi’ is very definitely recommended for not only for Morita’s fans but for people who enjoy a deep dive into show business history.
Available February 5 on iTunes, Amazon, Vudu,
Google Play, DVD and Blu-ray.
The Oscar-nominated actor best known for his role of "Mr. Miyagi," left behind a painfully revealing autobiographical record of his much-too-brief time here on Earth, tracing his journey from being bed-bound as a boy to the bright lights and discrimination in Hollywood. Deep inside that sweet, generous, multi-talented performer seethed an army of demons, that even alcohol and drugs couldn't mask.
Featuring: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Henry Winkler, James Hong, Sean Kanan, Marion Ross, Esai Morales, Tommy Chong, Don Most, Anson Williams and more.
Run time: 89 mins. (Not rated)
Directed by Kevin Derek
Executive Producers: Evelyn Guerrero-Morita, Greg Lai, Cindy Lai
Producers: Oscar Alvarez, Kelly Jackson
Co-Producer: Byrad Yyelland
