The Karate Kid (1984)
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90% of critics liked it
(42 reviews) -
71% of users liked it
(289,755 ratings)
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 "Pat" Morita), who agrees to teach Daniel how to harness karate for good instead of… More 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 "Pat" 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
- Directed By
- John G. Avildsen
- Genres
- Drama, Kids & Family
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1984 Wide
- Studio
- Columbia Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
This film's art consists entirely of hiding the cynicism of its calculations under an agreeably modest and disarming manner.
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, Variety
Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part.
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Geoff Andrew, Time Out
A surprise summer hit in the States, this is another film-making-by-numbers exercise in teenage wish-fulfilment.
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Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
An exciting, sweet-tempered, heart-warming story with one of the most interesting friendships in a long time.
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Janet Maslin, New York Times
The Karate Kid exhibits warmth and friendly, predictable humor, its greatest assets.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Ralph Macchio
as Daniel
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Noriyuki 'Pat' Morita
as Miyagi
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Elisabeth Shue
as Ali
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Martin Kove
as Kreese
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Randee Heller
as Lucille
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William Zabka
as Johnny
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Ron Thomas
as Bobby
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Rob Garrison
as Tommy
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Dana Anderson
as Barbara
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Frank Burt Avalon
as Chucky
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William H. Bassett
as Mr. Mills
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Frances Bay
as Lady with Dog
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Brian Davies
as Boy in Bathroom
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Larry Drake
as Yahoo
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Juli Fields
as Susan
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Tom Fridley
as Alan
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Peter Jason
as Soccer Coach
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Israel Juarbe
as Freddy
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Christopher Kriesa
as Official
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Bernie Kuby
as Mr. Harris
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Todd Lookinland
as Chicken Boy
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Chad McQueen
as Dutch
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Tony O'Dell
as Jimmy
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Sam Scarber
as Referee
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Larry B. Scott
as Jerry
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Scott Strader
as Eddie
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Jeff Fishman
as Billy
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Bruce Malmuth
as Ring Announcer
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David de Lange
as Waiter
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Joan Lemmo
as Restaurant Manager
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Helen Siff
as Cashier
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Molly Basler
as Cheerleading Coach
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Pat E. Johnson
as Referee
- Pat Morita
- William Bassett



