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Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller ... see more see more... , William Zabka , Ron Thomas , Rob Garrison , Dana Anderson , Frank Burt Avalon , William H. Bassett , Frances Bay , Brian Davies , Larry Drake , Juli Fields , Tom Fridley , Peter Jason , Israel Juarbe , Christopher Kriesa , Bernie Kuby , Todd Lookinland , Chad McQueen , Tony O'Dell , Sam Scarber , Larry B. Scott , Scott Strader , Jeff Fishman , Bruce Malmuth , David de Lange , Joan Lemmo , Helen Siff , Molly Basler , Pat E. Johnson , Pat Morita , William Bassett

Newly arrived in California from New Jersey, teenager Daniel (Ralph Macchio) almost immediately runs afoul of karate-trained high school bullies. He is rescued by Japanese janitor Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pa... read more read more...t" Morita), who agrees to teach Daniel how to harness karate for good instead of brutality. The film culminates in a championship karate bout, pitting Daniel against his sworn enemy Johnny (William Zabka) -- the cruel and thuggish boyfriend of Ali (Elisabeth Shue), with whom Daniel has fallen in love (and vice versa). Real-life karate champ Chuck Norris was offered the role of Kreese, the sadistic coach who goads Johnny into fighting dirty, but Norris turned down the role, refusing to be shown utilizing his skills negatively onscreen. Vastly popular, The Karate Kid spawned three sequels of rapidly descending merit, as well as a Saturday-morning cartoon series. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

71% liked it

289,755 ratings

Critics

90% liked it

42 critics

PG, 2 hr. 2 min.

Directed by: John G. Avildsen

Release Date: January 1, 1984

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DVD Release Date: April 14, 1998

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Stats: 13,973 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (13,973)

  • sanjurosamurai
    May 6, 2012
    sanjurosamurai
    every watch solidifies my feelings for this film that im sure ive seen a dozen times. my love for elizabeth shue is part of the reason i struggle with the sequels, due to her absence. the film is more depth and less stereotypical martial arts fare. i love this film.
  • aquateen2
    March 7, 2012
    aquateen2
    It's a very predictable film. But it doesn't matter. Because the Karate Kid is one of the most heartwarming films ever made. With one the best screen couple's I have ever seen in the history of cinema. Its an irresistable underdog story of coming of age, love and redemption.
  • spielberg00
    September 28, 2011
    spielberg00
    From the director of ROCKY, among other films, THE KARATE KID is one of the most memorable sports films of the 80s that I've seen. Sometimes, we have to ask ourselves if the reason this spawned so many sequels is because just this original was a one-of-a-kind martial arts flick ... read morethat never comes around.
  • movieguru12
    August 31, 2011
    movieguru12
    Over the last 20 years there have been a lot of great movies and there has also been some awful movies as well. But the 80s was a golden age that impressed the lives of millions. The Karate Kid was the spectacular diamond of that age. The movie starts off with Daniel Laruso (R... read morealph Macchio) and his mother Lucille (Randee Heller), moving from Newark to California. Then when they're moving in Daniel meets Freddy, who he thinks is his friend but later on when they're at a beach party and Daniel is beaten to death by Johnny (William Zabka) that is proven otherwise. At the beach Daniel also meets Johnny's ex-girlfriend Ali (Elisabeth Shue), a girl from Beverly Hills who Daniel falls for. Their backgrounds do clash a bit since he's from Rosita but they make it work. Daniel also befriends the handyman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) who becomes his best friend and teaches him karate in order for him to become champion and accomplish his dreams. Without a doubt an 80s classic! :) :) :) :) :) :)
  • skeletonking101
    May 26, 2011
    skeletonking101
    It just seems out dated by todays standards not saying its bad
  • DreamExtractor
    March 20, 2011
    DreamExtractor
    A really good movie, but I like the updated one better, still a great movie though.
  • ajv2688
    January 18, 2011
    ajv2688
    An 80s classic, and I love it! This is a fantastic teen sports drama romance movie with a great cast and a great script. I highly recommend it.
  • cosmo313
    November 10, 2010
    cosmo313
    As a general rule, I'm not a big fan of 80s pop culture, but even then, I'll be damned if I can't find something to enjoy from it, and this is one of a few great examples. The story beats and cliches spawned by this movie didn't all originate with it, but still, this movie has an... read more impact that still continues to this day.

    As formulaic as this is, it doesn't really feel derivate and run of the mill. That's a good thing, and a sign that Rocky wasn't just a fluke for director John G. Avildsen. This is a hard film to dislike. We (most of us) know what it's like to be the underdog who can't get a break from bullies. Also, Morita is just so wonderful and memorable in a role that I think he got at least an Oscar nomination for. He brings a great mixture of warmth, compassion, wisdom, and depth that leaves you feeling happy and awestruck.

    The villains are a bit hammy, but they're still pretty good. They take it serious here, which unfortunately was something that didn't carry over into the sequels.

    Even though this reeks of cliches, (when viewed many years after its release) it still feels fresh and new. I definitely recommend this, as it is one of those feel good films that is inspiring and unforgettable.
  • coollala0910
    October 7, 2010
    coollala0910
    A good film that teaches us powerful life lessons. A boy is taught karate by a the wise Mr. Miyagi that way he can kick the bully's butt in a karate tournament. The acting and story is excellent in this film. The karate fight scenes are so BA (y'all know what that stands for!). A... read more must-see for thse suffering of low confidence and bully problems. A powerful movie like this help.

    Daniel: "Hey, what kind of belt do you have?"
    Miyagi: "Canvas. JC Penney, $3.98. You like?"
  • TheGame90
    August 3, 2010
    TheGame90
    Hey...It's a classic...just a feel good movie

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Critic Reviews

Richard Schickel
August 1, 2008
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine

This film's art consists entirely of hiding the cynicism of its calculations under an agreeably modest and disarming manner. Full Review

March 21, 2007
Variety

Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part. Full Review

Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

An exciting, sweet-tempered, heart-warming story with one of the most interesting friendships in a long time. Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

The Karate Kid exhibits warmth and friendly, predictable humor, its greatest assets. Full Review

Dave Kehr
January 1, 2000
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader

It's primitive, predatory stuff. Full Review

Emanuel Levy
April 5, 2011
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

Upbeat, sentimental and predictable tale, but the acting of Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita (who was Oscar-nominated) is good and their friendship charming. Full Review

David Nusair
June 25, 2010
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews

Predictable yet satisfying... Full Review

Jordan Hiller
June 12, 2010
Jordan Hiller, Bangitout.com

Avildsen crafted an inspired movie with the perfect mix of 80's bravado and 70's artistic integrity. Full Review

Josh Larsen
June 8, 2010
Josh Larsen, LarsenOnFilm

Irresistible wish fulfillment. Full Review

Peter Canavese
May 27, 2010
Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

The Karate Kid brought something fresh to the table and proved exceptionally skilled at reaching its adolescent audience. [Blu-ray] Full Review

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Facts

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    • Tommy: Get him a body bag!
    • Miyagi: Learn balance Daniel san... Wax-on... Wax-off.
    • Miyagi: No such thing as bad student, only bad teacher.
    • Miyagi: Wax-on, wax-off.
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The Karate Kid Trivia

  • What is the first name of "The Karate Kid"?  Answer »
  • Melrose Place's Andrew Shue played professional soccer for the MLS. In what movie does his sister, Elisabeth Shue, learn the basics of juggling the soccer ball?  Answer »
  • it what movie would u find the pharase wax on .. wax off?  Answer »
  • Name the movie where you can learn the crane technique.(hint: it's done on a wood post)  Answer »
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