“The Karate Kid” is a martial arts movie about an Italian-American teenager from New Jersey who moves to Los Angeles with his mother. He is the victim of bullying, and is helped out by repairman Mr. Miyagi, a martial arts master who teaches him some karate moves for self-defense. Director John D. Avildsen (“Rocky” 1976) and screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen put together a classic sports movie with marvelous production values, great writing, and good acting, especially by the two principals.
The two stars, Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, have outstanding chemistry, both delivering relaxing and unassuming performances. Morita was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Co-stars include Elizabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, Chad McQueen (son of Steve McQueen), Tony O’Dell, Rob Garrison, and Pat E. Johnson as the head referee.
The very watchable “The Karate Kid” was a huge hit at the box office for producer Jerry Weintraub, Delphi II Productions, Jerry Weintraub Productions, and Columbia Pictures. It was the fifth highest grossing film of 1984, with sequels in 1986, 1989, 1994, 2010, and “Karate Kid: Legends” coming out on May 30, 2025.
The Karate Kid (1984)
cinema
My Review
“The Karate Kid” is a martial arts movie about an Italian-American teenager from New Jersey who moves to Los Angeles with his mother. He is the victim of bullying, and is helped out by repairman Mr. Miyagi, a martial arts master who teaches him some karate moves for self-defense. Director John D. Avildsen (“Rocky” 1976) and screenwriter Robert Mark Kamen put together a classic sports movie with marvelous production values, great writing, and good acting, especially by the two principals.
The two stars, Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, have outstanding chemistry, both delivering relaxing and unassuming performances. Morita was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Co-stars include Elizabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, Chad McQueen (son of Steve McQueen), Tony O’Dell, Rob Garrison, and Pat E. Johnson as the head referee.
The very watchable “The Karate Kid” was a huge hit at the box office for producer Jerry Weintraub, Delphi II Productions, Jerry Weintraub Productions, and Columbia Pictures. It was the fifth highest grossing film of 1984, with sequels in 1986, 1989, 1994, 2010, and “Karate Kid: Legends” coming out on May 30, 2025.