Watch The Sensei

The Sensei is a thought-provoking drama from 2008 that explores themes of racism, bullying, and self-discovery. The film, directed and written by Diana Lee Inosanto, is set in 1985 and tells the story of a gay teenager named McClain, played by Michael O'Laskey II, who is constantly harassed by his classmates for his sexual orientation, and is saved by a karate teacher named Karen, played by Inosanto.

Karen, also known as 'The Sensei', is a martial arts master who is respected in her community for her skills and wisdom. When McClain's parents hire her to tutor their son in self-defense, she discovers the extent of the bullying he is subjected to and decides to take a more active role in his life. As she teaches him karate, she also teaches him about Japanese culture and values, and helps him develop the confidence and self-respect he needs to stand up to his peers.

Meanwhile, the film also follows Karen's own struggles as an Asian-American woman in a predominantly white community. She faces discrimination and hostility from some of the townspeople, including a group of white supremacists who have been causing trouble in the area. The Sensei confronts them, both physically and verbally, which earns her both admiration and resentment.

As Karen and McClain's bond grows stronger, they begin to face new challenges together. One of McClain's bullies, a white supremacist named Thomas, played by Jonathan Neal, becomes interested in karate and asks Karen to teach him. Karen agrees, hoping to help him overcome his hate-filled ideology. However, her decision puts her and McClain's safety at risk as the white supremacists become more hostile and violent.

The Sensei is not only an exciting martial arts film, but also a powerful coming-of-age story that deals with complex issues of identity, prejudice, and redemption. Inosanto delivers an emotional performance as Karen, portraying her as a strong but vulnerable woman who tries to make a positive impact in a world that often refuses to accept her as an equal.

The film's other cast members also deliver strong performances. Keith David plays Mr. Parker, the principal of McClain's school, who is torn between his desire to protect his students and the pressure from the community to maintain the status quo. Melissa Taylor plays Karen's friend and confidante, Mary, who is a sympathetic ear for Karen's frustrations and fears.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Sensei is its cinematography. The film's beautiful landscapes and vivid colors capture the 80s era perfectly, while also highlighting the cultural influences that shape the story. The karate scenes are also expertly choreographed, and the fights are both thrilling and realistic.

Overall, The Sensei is a compelling drama that tackles serious topics with sensitivity and nuance. It is a film about finding courage in the face of adversity, and about the transformative power of compassion and understanding. It is a must-watch for martial arts fans, and anyone interested in stories that inspire and challenge the viewers.

The Sensei is a 2008 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.