The Karate Kid is a 1984 American martial arts drama film written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G. Avildsen. It is the first installment in the Karate Kid franchise, and stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue and William Zabka.
The Karate Kid follows Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), a teenager taught karate by Mr. Miyagi (Morita) to help defend himself and compete in a tournament against his bullies, one of whom is Johnny Lawrence (Zabka), the ex-boyfriend of his love interest Ali Mills (Shue).
Kamen was approached by Columbia Pictures to compose a film similar to Avildsen’s previous success Rocky (1976), after signing the director. Kamen drew inspiration from his own life when writing the film. As a result, he maintained strong opinions regarding cast, and petitioned heavily for Morita’s inclusion.
Preparations for the film began immediately after the final edit of the script was complete, and casting took place between April and June 1983. Principal photography began on October 31, 1983, in Los Angeles, and completed by December 16, 1983. The film was Macchio’s second major film role following The Outsiders (1983).
The Karate Kid was theatrically released in the United States on June 22, 1984. The film received mostly positive reviews from critics, many of whom praised the action sequences, writing, themes, performances, and music. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $130 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of 1984 and Hollywood’s biggest sleeper hit of the year.
The film revitalized the acting career of Morita, who was previously known mostly for comedic roles, and earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The film subsequently launched a media franchise and is credited for popularizing karate in the United States.
“Karate Kid 2” continues the story from the original film, following Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and his mentor Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita). This sequel sees the duo traveling to Okinawa, Japan, where Mr. Miyagi faces unresolved issues from his past and where Daniel confronts new challenges.
Plot: After returning from a karate tournament, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi visit Okinawa, where Miyagi’s past love, Yukie, and his old rival, Sato, live. Daniel finds himself caught in a local feud and a new karate challenge. The film explores themes of tradition, honor, and reconciliation, with intense martial arts sequences and personal growth for both Daniel and Mr. Miyagi.
Review: “Karate Kid 2” builds on the success of the original with a mix of action and heartfelt moments. The picturesque setting of Okinawa adds a new dimension to the story, and the film’s focus on Miyagi’s backstory enriches the character’s depth. The martial arts choreography is engaging, and the film maintains a balance between action and emotional depth. While it may not reach the heights of the original, it successfully expands on the characters and themes introduced in the first film, offering a satisfying continuation for fans of the series.
