The Karate Kid

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue
Directed by: John G. Avildsen
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
1984

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: A young man (Ralph Macchio) is being attacked by bullies. He befriends a mysterious man named Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), who begins teaching him karate in order to defend himself and win the girl (Elisabeth Shue) he loves.

Review:

Tim: This a very popular (dare I say beloved?) drama from the early 1980s. I remember watching this movie as a kid, and loving it. Years later, it has not lost its effectiveness. The movie works because it balances drama and action, youth and experience, and fighting and love. Like Rocky, it is an underdog story that we can all get behind.

The movie succeeds because of the chemistry between Ralph Macchio (whatever happened to him?) and Pat Morita. Macchio really brings to life the character of Daniel, and although he’s not always someone we admire, he is always someone whom we can root for and sympathize with. The real star of the movie, however, is Morita. His Mr. Miyagi has become iconic, the wise elder figure who provides insight and guidance to his younger protégé. His wax-on, wax-off scene is melded into the minds of everyone who as ever watched this movie. How can you ever forget that scene?

The Karate Kid does an excellent job of shifting between the karate action scenes and learning-about-life drama. These two are interlinked, and the film is at its best when Miyagi is teaching this to Daniel. The film’s climax with the crane technique is also legendary. This is an enjoyable movie for people of all ages, and best of all, you can’t watch this movie and not come away a bit wiser about life.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Karate Kid II, The Karate Kid: Part III