Karate Kid, The (1984)
Stars
Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Director
John G. Avildsen
Danny (played by Ralph Macchio) moves to California from New Jersey. After he gets picked on at school, the local handyman / Karate instructor Kesuke Miyagi (played by Pat Morita) agrees to teach him Karate.
Daniel's training begins, and under Miyagi's guidance Daniel prepares for a Karate tournament where he will get the chance to get revenge on the bullies.
Martial Arts Styles Used
Karate
Weapons Used
None
The Karate Kid is a true 80s classic. This is a stylish film with sometimes quite brutal fight scenes, a good storyline (the classic good vs evil) and performances by Morita and Macchio in particular which are now ingrained in popular culture.
Ralph Macchio is perfectly cast as the film's hero, with his boyish good looks and Italian grit. The Karate Kid is the film that still defines Macchio's career.
But the film's real star is Pat Morita, who as Miyagi is endearing, and the perfect Karate instructor / father figure for "Daniel-San". From the first time we see him defend Daniel against the school bullies dressed as skeletons using Karate, Miyagi guides Daniel through his Karate training, and teaches him that there is more to Karate than fighting.
Author: The Bear Martial Arts Team
