The Karate Kid

UK Release Date: 31 August 1984

Certification: 12

Director: John G. Avildsen

Cast: Randee Heller, Matin Kove, Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka

Rating: 89%

I'm a black belt in Taekwondo

Review:

Over the past couple of weeks I’ve discovered Cobra Kai on Netflix and have enjoyed bingeing it - I’m a black belt in Taekwondo so I related to the martial arts aspect and the benefits it has on both your body and mind. So I decided that it was only right to go back to where it all began and watch The Karate Kid.

 

What really stood out to me were the performances. Ralph Macchio shot to stardom with his role as Daniel LaRusso, becoming one of the most in demand child actors. He’s able to portray a likeable, relatable character that has a more complex side to him. Elisabeth Shue is enjoyable as Daniel’s love interest, Ali, helping make Daniel a more emotive character. Martin Kove is a menacing villain who ups the stakes of the action. But the late great Pat Morita is the real superstar in The Karate Kid. His performance as Mr Miyagi received an Oscar nomination and rightfully so. He can be unintentionally funny, sincere and teach valuable life lessons all within a few scenes. I don’t think The Karate Kid would’ve been successful without him and in my opinion he’s one of the greatest movie characters. William Zabka is the only cast member that wasn’t at the same standard as the rest but i think that’s partly down to him having a poor character arc which was perfectly resolved in Cobra Kai. 

The constant turmoil between Johnny and Daniel has lasted for near enough four decades. For years fans have debated who the hero really is - Daniel starts nearly every fight and can even have sudden outbursts of anger and recklessness. If theories like that are actually reasonable and not too far fetched then it’s credit to the great character study by the late John G. Avildsen, which is somewhat reminiscent (underdog story) to his breakout movie, Rocky. 

Cobra Kai’s fight scenes are jaw dropping at times so I didn’t expect The Karate Kid’s to be anywhere near as good but the use of karate is very impressive. Every fight in the All Valley Tournament, whether brief or not, was thoroughly entertaining. And how can i not mention the famous crane kick which is a lovely callback as Mr Miyagi learns that Daniel has been practicing it without him.

Whilst I loved the action The Karate Kid is ultimately a story about family and friendship and how important they are. Ali is the only person who gets Daniel through high school and Mr Miyagi is an incredible mentor but most importantly, Daniel’s best friend. 

Bill Conti’s score is exceptional. The main title immediately transports you into this world, forgetting about any outside problems. And ‘Daniel’s Moment of Truth’ is a masterpiece, up there with the best pieces of music I’ve ever heard. It’s so powerful and triumphant to the point I can vividly remember the scene in the movie just through hearing the music.

For such a small scale movie (made with a budget of just $8 million), The Karate Kid has inspired a generation spawning sequels, reboots and TV shows. One of the best and most influential movies of the 80’s.