Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Ralph Macchio | ... | Daniel | |
Pat Morita | ... | Miyagi (as Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita) | |
Elisabeth Shue | ... | Ali | |
Martin Kove | ... | Kreese | |
Randee Heller | ... | Lucille | |
William Zabka | ... | Johnny | |
Ron Thomas | ... | Bobby | |
Rob Garrison | ... | Tommy | |
Chad McQueen | ... | Dutch | |
Tony O'Dell | ... | Jimmy | |
![]() |
Israel Juarbe | ... | Freddy |
William Bassett | ... | Mr. Mills | |
Larry B. Scott | ... | Jerry | |
![]() |
Juli Fields | ... | Susan |
![]() |
Dana Andersen | ... | Barbara |
Daniel and his mother move from New Jersey to California. She has a wonderful new job, but Daniel quickly discovers that a dark haired Italian boy with a Jersey accent doesn't fit into the blond surfer crowd. Daniel manages to talk his way out of some fights, but he is finally cornered by several who belong to the same karate school. As Daniel is passing out from the beating he sees Miyagi, the elderly gardener leaps into the fray and save him by outfighting half a dozen teenagers. Miyagi and Daniel soon find out the real motivator behind the boys' violent attitude in the form of their karate teacher. Miyagi promises to teach Daniel karate and arranges a fight at the all-valley tournament some months off. When his training begins, Daniel doesn't understand what he is being shown. Miyagi seems more interested in having Daniel paint fences and wax cars than teaching him Karate. Written by John Vogel <jlvogel@comcast.net>
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.