The Karate Kid
A fatherless teenager faces his moment of truth in The Karate Kid. Daniel arrives in Los Angeles from the East Coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends. However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he tries to strike up a relationship with Ali, the Cobra leader's ex-girlfriend, but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Miyagi, whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate. Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery of the self- mind and body- and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi's guidance, Daniel developes not only physical skills but also the faith and the self confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life in the exciting finale to this entertaining film.
Member Reviews
Classic Action and Fun - LilyandMick
This movie has gotten so famous at the time and I even remember how excited and great sport the Karate became at the time when it came out. It was so great movie and inspiring for all the kids to learn some martial arts. Not only the main character was doing very well on his part, but Sensei had a unique part to this movie as well.Great 80s Flick - kav2001c
The original Karate Kid (followed by 4 sequels so far) is an iconic film; both for 80s culture & being a memorable film. Sure it has its cheesy moments but it is still watchable today and the final tournament is one of the most suspenseful moments in film.
Ralph is forced to move to California when his mother changes jobs, and he is soon being bullied by the locals over a girl. One night after taking a particularly brutal beating he is rescued by a maintenance man who agrees to teach him Karate so he can defend himself and fight for honour.1980 - jbouch
While some critics dismiss "The Karate Kid" as a 1980s teen movie, I place it in the same category as such classics as "Star Wars", "Rocky" and "Jaws." It is a beautifully-written, -acted and -directed film that pulls at your heartstrings and makes you cheer. Pat Morita's Mr Miyagi (for which he received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor) is one the archetypal characters in American film. His relationship with Ralph Maccio's Daniel LaRusso is as genuine and touching as any you will find in film. I remember seeing it in the theater when I was very young and the audience exploding into applause at the final "crane kick" scene. That does not happen very often.
The DVD of the entire series is now available (Part 2 is decent but Parts 3 and 4 are not). The best DVD feature is the making-of documentary. It's been 21-years since this film was in theaters and all the major contributors are still alive and in good spirits for the documentary. Everyone involved in the project sees this movie as the pinnacle of their careers (and I agree with them).
This is one of my favorite films. I give it my highest recommendation.
Member Reviews
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Classic Action and Fun - LilyandMick
This movie has gotten so famous at the time and I even remember how excited and great sport the Karate became at the time when it came out. It was so great movie and inspiring for all the kids to learn some martial arts. Not only the main character was doing ...Great 80s Flick - kav2001c
The original Karate Kid (followed by 4 sequels so far) is an iconic film; both for 80s culture & being a memorable film. Sure it has its cheesy moments but it is still watchable today and the final tournament is one of the most suspenseful moments in film.
Ralph ...1980 - jbouch
While some critics dismiss "The Karate Kid" as a 1980s teen movie, I place it in the same category as such classics as "Star Wars", "Rocky" and "Jaws." It is a beautifully-written, -acted and -directed film that pulls at your heartstrings and makes you cheer. ...