The Sensei

I highly recommend The Sensei. I was afraid at first that it would be a cheesy Karate Kid with a gay kid as the lead, but it was so much more than that. The movie dealt with many levels of prejudice, including sexual orientation, race, gender, religion, and HIV. It was touching while sending a powerful message. The depiction of the victimization endured by the lead character was realistic and horrific. Some parts of the film weren't quite as polished and smooth as a major production movie, but it is an independent film. For anyone who has dealt with any sort of prejudice or hatred, this is a movie that will make you feel strong and hopeful. For anyone who doesn't understand what GLBT youth have endured, be it 20 years ago or today, this is a movie that will open your eyes.

I am a martial arts instructor in Boston, MA. I just watched this movie with a group of my adult students. I was very pleased with the film, it's ambition, and Ms. Innosanto's vision to make a martial arts movie that represented the best the martial arts have to offer. The film gracefully takes on some very tough subjects: racism, social phobias, bullying, the challenges of family dynamics, and more. Well written and beautifully shot, this is a great film for anyone looking for a martial-arts-themed movie that goes beyond its genre of "punching and kicking" to get at the "battles" of real life. I loved this movie, and strongly recommend it to anyone interested in martial arts, community activism, and social change. Remarkable effort -- I would strongly recommend this film be used as a tool for teaching respect and tolerance in martial arts clubs, religious organizations, social groups, and even schools!

This was one of the best movies of the decade as a drama. Well told, well written, beautifully acted, nice twist. An inspiring tale for many audiences and worth any persons time every second of the movie. The transformation of characters engages the audience as the script progresses. The martial arts in the scenes are well filmed and appear to be very realistic. Seeing a female Martial Arts Teacher is inspiring for women of all ages and breaking stereo-types on many levels of race, sex, and sexual orientation. The strength of the movie comes through on so many levels and is heartfelt. It is the type of movie that I would recommend to young and old alike.

I just finished watching The Sensei starring Mike O'Laskey. It's a great movie with an amazing story! It tugged at all my heartstrings. Growing up in a super religious family, I related to so many emotions the character Mic portrayed. The montage at the end hit me the most. It's the part of the movie that I think Mic felt happiest. He has amazing personality traits I feel we share in common: nurturer, protector, kindred, and accepting. I used to work at a kids summer camp as camp counselor. I loved interacting with them and tried to be the best role model possible.

this martial arts film is also a film about about prejudice,hypocrisy,intolerance and violence.those are some weighty issues.and the film doesn't shy away from them.in fact,it wades right into them head-on.there is one scenes that depicts someone being savagely beaten.the worst of it isn't shown,but is is implied and you do hear it off camera.this is no fluff piece bu any stretch of the imagination.it's well done and doesn't sugar coat anything.but you get to see some touching moments as well.it would be wrong to compare this to The Karate Kid.they do both have similarities but this one has a much stronger message whereas in my opinion The karate Kid was more focused on the entertainment aspect.when you go into his film,expect to be jarred.for me,The Sensei is an 8/10