Only the ‘Old One’ could teach him the secrets of the masters.|Jun. 22, 1984|United States|126 Min.|TV-PG
Genre: Action;Drama;Family
Description: “The Karate Kid” is a classic 1984 film that tells the story of 17-year-old Daniel LaRusso, who moves with his mother, Lucille, from Newark, New Jersey, to Reseda, Los Angeles. They meet Mr. Miyagi, a kind and humble Okinawan immigrant who works as their handyman. Daniel befriends Ali Mills, a high school cheerleader, which angers her ex-boyfriend, Johnny Lawrence, a black belt and top student of the Cobra Kai dojo. Johnny and his gang frequently bully Daniel, culminating in a brutal Halloween attack. Mr. Miyagi intervenes and effortlessly defeats Johnny’s gang, prompting Daniel to ask for karate lessons.
Mr. Miyagi initially declines but takes Daniel to Cobra Kai to resolve the conflict. They meet sensei John Kreese, a ruthless Vietnam veteran, who dismisses their peace offer. Instead, Miyagi proposes that Daniel compete against Johnny in the All-Valley Karate Championships, with the condition that the bullying stops during Daniel’s training. Kreese agrees but warns of continued harassment if Daniel doesn’t participate.
Daniel’s training begins with menial chores, which he later discovers teach him defensive techniques through muscle memory. As their bond grows, Mr. Miyagi shares his personal history, including the loss of his wife and son during WWII. Beyond karate, Miyagi imparts life lessons on balance and the importance of training both the spirit and the body. Daniel applies these lessons to improve his relationship with Ali.
On Daniel’s 18th birthday, Miyagi gifts him a karate gi and a car for the tournament. Daniel surprises everyone by reaching the semi-finals, while Johnny dominates the competition. Kreese instructs his student, Bobby Brown, to injure Daniel’s knee with an illegal move, which forces Daniel to withdraw. Despite the setback, Daniel’s journey leaves a lasting impact, showcasing resilience, mentorship, and the power of perseverance.
Cast director: John G. Avildsen
Cast actor: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka, Ron Thomas, Rob Garrison, Chad McQueen, Tony O’Dell
Original name: The Karate Kid