The Karate Kid (1984)

Director:

John G. Avildsen

Writer:

Robert Mark Kamen (written by)

Release Date:

22 June 1984 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Only the 'Old One' could teach him the secrets of the masters.

Plot:

A handyman/martial arts master agrees to teach a bullied boy karate and shows him that there is more to the martial art than fighting.

Plot Keywords:

Karate | Bully | Fight | Apartment | Master

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations

Cast

Ralph Macchio	...	Daniel Larusso
Pat Morita	...	Mr. Kesuke Miyagi (as Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita)
Elisabeth Shue	...	Ali Mills
Martin Kove	...	John Kreese
Randee Heller	...	Lucille Larusso
William Zabka	...	Johnny Lawrence
Ron Thomas	...	Bobby Brown
Rob Garrison	...	Tommy
Chad McQueen	...	Dutch
Tony O'Dell	...	Jimmy
Israel Juarbe	...	Freddy Fernandez
William Bassett	...	Mr. Mills
Larry B. Scott	...	Jerry
Juli Fields	...	Susan
Dana Andersen	...	Barbara

Runtime:

126 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | Japanese

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Canada:G (Quebec) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario) | Iceland:L | Portugal:M/12 | South Korea:12 | Argentina:13 | Chile:TE | Finland:K-12 | France:U | Norway:12 | Singapore:PG | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:PG | West Germany:12 | Australia:PG | UK:12 (re-rating) (2005)

Filming Locations:

19223 Saticoy Street, Reseda, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Delphi Films

Trivia:

The long, continuous shot from the moment Daniel exits the locker room at the tournament until the panoramic view of the entire gymnasium took over 35 takes to get right, according to Ralph Macchio.

Goofs:

Continuity: After the fight with the kids (as skeletons) Miyagi lifts Daniel over his left shoulder, in the next shot Daniel is over his right shoulder.

Quotes:

[they arrive at their new home]
Lucille Larusso: This is it. This is the end of the line.
Daniel: You're telling me.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Freak Out (2004)

Soundtrack:

FEEL THE NIGHT

Best American martial arts movie ever made

This movie will perhaps be remembered as the best martial arts movie ever made. Movies of this genre are usually more concerned with action scenes that the stories tend to be poor and appeal to the audience on a short run. With the exception of Kurosawa's films, the Karate Kid is perhaps one of the best and most popular martial arts movies ever. Ralph Macchio, who is also good in "the Outsiders," does a fine portrayal of the novice, frustrated Daniel Larusso (he was 23 years old when he made this film??). Equally superb is the wise and "cool-as-a-cucumber" Mr. Miyagi, played by Pat Morita. Once again, John G. Avildsen has directed a film that glorifies the fiesty nature of underdogs. This is the "Rocky" movie of the 80's.