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The Karate Kid (1984)

PG | | Action, Drama, Family | 22 June 1984 (USA)
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A martial arts master agrees to teach karate to a bullied teenager.

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Daniel
... Miyagi (as Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita)
... Ali
... Kreese
... Lucille
... Johnny
... Bobby
Rob Garrison ... Tommy
... Dutch
... Jimmy
Israel Juarbe ... Freddy
... Mr. Mills
... Jerry
Juli Fields ... Susan
Dana Andersen ... Barbara
See full cast »
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Storyline

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>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

karate | teenager | fight | paint | training | See All (148) »

Taglines:

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

Genres:

Action | Drama | Family | Sport

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

|

Release Date:

22 June 1984 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Karate Kid  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,031,753, 24 June 1984, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$90,815,558
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

, ,  »
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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The football jersey that Daniel is wearing while talking to Mr. Miyagi on the bed is a #89 San Diego Chargers jersey, which in 1984 would have been wide receiver Wes Chandler. See more »

Goofs

During the tournament, in a close shot of Johnny as he faces his first opponent, a scene marker is visible being held between the actors before the fight starts. See more »

Quotes

Miyagi: Go, find balance.
[chuckles]
Daniel: [starts to drive away]
Miyagi: Banzai, Daniel-san.
Daniel: Hey, banzai!
Miyagi: [beat; then, louder] Banzai!
Daniel: [louder] Banzai!
Miyagi: [shouts] Banzai!
Daniel: [shouts back] Banzai!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic: Hurricane Fluttershy (2012) See more »

Soundtracks

Desire
Written by Andy Gill and Jon King
Produced by Jon King and Andy Gill
Performed by Gang of Four
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Was Mr Miyagi supposed to be Japanese or Chinese?
Q: Why does Mr Miyagi call Daniel "Daniel-san"?
Q: What is 'The Karate Kid' about?
See more »

User Reviews

 
Wax on...Wax the best movie ever!
31 January 2005 | by – See all my reviews

This is a classic coming of age story. A story about a boy who has to face his fears, girls, and moving to a new environment. Daniel, who is a big up stater, clashes with the rich people of the Cali high life and learns that not all people are who they seem. The Kobra Cai, as they are called in the film, bully Daniel and Daniel just seems like he has no choice but to take revenge. So he learns the next best thing--KARATE. Even though he has no idea what hes doing. He goes with the flow. Mr. Mayagi teaches him respect, discipline, and anyone can over come their fears. This is one of the best films of the 80's. It even has classic names of the 80's, like Johnny, Daniel, Tommy, and my favorite, Bobby. So if you don't have anything better to do, then check out Karate Kid. You might even learn a thing or two about a thing or two.
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