The Karate Kid
June 22, 1984 in theaters
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Cast
Director
TRAILER
QUOTE
"Sweep the leg."
DID YOU KNOW?
Ralph Macchio was 22 years old when he played 16-year-old Daniel LaRusso.
THE VERDICT
Synthesized from published reviews
One of the defining coming-of-age films of its decade -- a story about mentorship, dignity, and the discipline required to become someone worth being. Pat Morita's Mr. Miyagi is one of cinema's great teacher figures, and the film earns its tournament finale by grounding the competition in something more personal than sport. Ralph Macchio's Daniel is genuinely vulnerable rather than merely sympathetic. A film that has lasted because it is about more than what it appears to be about.
GALLERY
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