The Karate Kid
1984
***½
Director: John G. Avildsen
Cast: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Randee Heller, Martin Kove,
William Zabka, Chad McQueen
Daniel reluctantly moved to California with his mother. Things get even worse when he is constantly attacked by bullies. Daniel befriends his building's janitor Mr. Miyagi, who agrees to teach him karate with unusual methods. This classic underdog story follows in the footsteps of Rocky, also directed by John G. Avildsen. The resulting film is likeable if not terribly believable. Noriyuki "Pat" Morita is good fun as Mr. Miyagi. Followed by Part II, Part III, a revamped female version (The Next Karate Kid) in 1994 and a remake in 2010.
