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10

adamhui78Aug 3, 2017

Roger Ebert and Rita Kempley are the only critics here who got this one right. Sure it's somewhat predictable and melodramatic at times, but the real magic here is the father/son type relationship between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel, and Morita andRoger Ebert and Rita Kempley are the only critics here who got this one right. Sure it's somewhat predictable and melodramatic at times, but the real magic here is the father/son type relationship between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel, and Morita and Macchio are perfect in those roles.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

arikaganApr 29, 2018

When this film was released in the summer of 1984, it was a surprise critical and financial hit. The premise of this film is genius. When teen Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to Reseda, California from Newark, New Jersey, he encountersWhen this film was released in the summer of 1984, it was a surprise critical and financial hit. The premise of this film is genius. When teen Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves to Reseda, California from Newark, New Jersey, he encounters some bullies that make his new life hell. Daniel meets handyman Miyagi (Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita) who secretly knows karate and takes Daniel under his wing so he can learn how to defend himself against the bullies. This film is so relevant today, even over 30 years after hitting theaters.

Starting with cast performances, everyone delivered a solid performance. Ralph Macchio first became successful after 1983's book-to-film adaptation 'The Outsiders'. But 'The Karate Kid' is what turned him into an overnight sensation. He'll forever be known as Daniel-san. His portrayal of Daniel LaRusso was outstanding, and you clearly sympathize with his character, particularly if you have dealt with bullying in your life. The performance is believable and emotional, and you see how it affects him. Pat Morita delivers an exceptional performance as Mr. Miyagi. You would never think an elderly man knew karate, and so well at that. He believes karate is for defense only, and although he doesn't like fighting, he eventually agrees to help Daniel train. When you learn about Miyagi's tragic backstory, you also sympathize with him. You imagine how somebody could survive dealing with a tragedy like he did. And the chemistry between the two characters is outstanding, something you don't see too often with completely different characters. William Zabka, a.k.a., the King of 80s Jerks or King of 80s Bullies, delivers an intimidating performance as as the leader of the Cobra Kai, Johnny Lawrence. As the main bully, he's angered when he is trying to get his ex-girlfriend back, and Daniel enters the picture and becomes interested in her. Elisabeth Shue gives a fine performance as Ali Mills, Daniel's love interest. Their relationship is great because he lives in a lower class area in California while she lives in a very upper class area in California. There's clearly a spark between the two of them, and Ralph and Elisabeth have great chemistry. Martin Kove, who is the Cobra Kai sensei and runs the dojo, also gives a great performance, even if he isn't in it for as long as the other Cobra Kai members. His character doesn't see karate as most do, and he teaches his students to show their enemies no mercy. His view of karate is that you should confront your enemy and show them pain to make them suffer. He's the polar opposite of Miyagi. The supporting Cobra Kai members also give solid performances. Bobby is a remorseful member of the Cobra Kai and doesn't agree with all of Johnny's actions towards Daniel. Dutch is more like Johnny but truly doesn't like Daniel and shows no remorse whatsoever. Tommy seems to be in the middle, but he and the other Cobra Kai members start to see Kreese for who he truly is. Randee Heller who plays Daniel's mother definitely goes through a lot in this film. Having to move to California to start a new job and learning that her son is getting severely bullied is not something a mother should have to deal with. Here she is starting a new life, but her son wants to go back to his old life back home. The whole cast give great performances. There isn't a single bad performance in this film.

Robert Mark Kamen's script is exceptional, smart, and clever. He tells a great story with fantastic dialogue and multiple moral lessons. You really have to think when you hear characters like Miyagi speak. Reading between the lines is very important in this film. And who doesn't remember 'Wax on, Wax off'? This movie is EXTREMELY quotable and for good reason.

Bill Conti's score is so underrated. It's one of my favorite film scores of all time, and whenever I watch Daniel's training montage or the final fight between Daniel and Johnny, the score that plays is so wonderful, youthful and emotional.

I also really like the costume design. Not including the hilarious shower costume Daniel wears to a Halloween party, the Cobra Kai's skeleton costumes look amazing, and the gis that Daniel and the Cobra Kai wear also look great. I even own Daniel's gi (not the one that was worn in the film). The fact that Johnny's gi is sleeveless shows the Cobra Kai are badass and don't play by the rules.

I don't have any problems with this film. There's great storytellings with great delivery of the script. The action sequences are great. The cinematography is great, even if there isn't much of it. There are great messages throughout the film that are still relevant to this day. I truly believe this is a perfect film.… Expand

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9

alejandro970Jun 30, 2019

The most simple and practical lesson of martial arts: wax on, wax off; wrist up, wrist down; wrist left, wrist right. All this with a teacher who teaches with the basis of mercy and respect, in compelling story. A classic of 80's.

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10

robertoiglesiasNov 19, 2017

Wait, hold on! Why does the remake have more positive reviews than this? Seriously!!
The Karate Kid(1984) is a masterpiece and is very well developed. It's likable, enjoyable, and overall amazing.

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7

drlowdonJan 16, 2021

When Daniel LaRusso moves to California and becomes a target for a group of bullies from the 'Cobra Kai' karate dojo, local handyman Mr Miyagi, agrees to teach him karate and shows that there is more to the martial art than just fighting.When Daniel LaRusso moves to California and becomes a target for a group of bullies from the 'Cobra Kai' karate dojo, local handyman Mr Miyagi, agrees to teach him karate and shows that there is more to the martial art than just fighting. The plot of The Karate Kid is fairly predictable, and this is certainly a product of its era, but there is an undeniable charm and warmth that shines through and even thirty-five years after its release this is still a fun watch.… Expand