• The Karate Kid (1984)

    Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

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The Karate Kid
60
metacriticBased on 15 Critics
81
Based on 33 Users

Release Date: 1984

DVD Release Date: April 14th, 1998

PG |2 hr 6 min

Plot Summary

Daniel (Ralph Macchio) moves to Southern California with his mother, Lucille (Randee Heller), but quickly finds himself the target of a group of bullies who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate and preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.

Cast: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Randee Heller, Martin Kove, William Zabka, Chad McQueen, Tony O'Dell

Director: John G. Avildsen

Genres: Martial arts , Drama

Production Co: Columbia Pictures Corporation

Keywords: Growing up, Inspiring, Underdog, 1980s, Amusing, Charming, Rivalry, Friendship

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Cast & Crew

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 100
    Roger EbertChicago Sun-Times

    The Karate Kid was one of the nice surprises of 1984 -- an exciting, sweet-tempered, heart-warming story with one of the most interesting friendships in a long time. show more

  • 63
    Chris CabinSlant Magazine

    The Karate Kid might have been more endurable, maybe even endearing, if its runtime had been trimmed of a solid 30 minutes. show more

  • 75
    Gene SiskelChicago Tribune

    A pleasing but overlong version of the Rocky story told through the character of a put-upon young high school student who learns karate from an old Japanese master to vanquish the local school bullies. There is no reason this simple story should run 2 hours and 10 minutes. Such a running time strains the good will generated by a cast full of likable performances. [22 June 1984, p.12]

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com

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Awards

Nominated Actor in a Supporting Role
Oscars Academy Awards (1984)
Nominated Best Supporting Actor
Golden Globes (1985)