IT'S not often I find S4C worthwhile, but they took over my Saturday lunchtime with Karate Kid.

Fifteen years after I last loved it and every scene was still superb, perfectly nudging this irrepressible teenage drama on to its gloriously sentimental showdown.

Clint Eastwood probably wouldn't appreciate the comparison but with Mr Miyagi so fresh in my mind, the likeness was unavoidable.

Master pugilist with a past grudgingly takes on new pupil and develops a paternal relationship as both reach for redemption.

Rocky and any other number of fight films ran a similar course, but Eastwood's work since Unforgiven flows much more deeply and darkly, particularly in Mystic River - that master study of conscience and consequence.

Clint produces, directs and leads as Frankie Dunn, a retired boxing 'cut man' with an estranged daughter, a kit bag full of regrets, and a grim gym that he manages with one of his former fighters, Scrap (Freeman).

Trailer Trash Maggie (Swank) is late into the game at the age of 31, but she finally convinces them to give her a break.

The girl does good, but as the wins rack up so does the potential for a fall, or at least the slam of a great twist halfway through. Even if you see it coming, you won't be able to duck it.

Morgan's Shawshank-like voiceovers risk hamminess as they strive for some profound wisdom (Miyagi did it better), but the performances here are so genuine they'd breeze through US airport security.

Swank sweats talent while Eastwood pounds morality without mercy, perhaps with a horseshoe in the glove. Very good, Clint-san.

Mono rating: nine out of ten.

Paul Platt