THE KARATE KID from COLUMBIA PICTURES (1984). The production budget climbed to $8 million. It grabbed $130 million at the worldwide box office. It would become one of the highest grossing films of the year. It made a "star" of Ralph Macchio (Daniel) and revived the career of 1970's comedian Pat Morita (Mr. Miyagi).
At the time - Critics said it was a rip-off of "Rocky" (1976) about an underdog who goes the distance in athletic competition.
Daniel is bullied at high school by several male students. He wants to defend himself and is mentored by Mr. Miyagi who knows Martial Arts "Karate." Daniel faces his bullies in a local Karate tournament. He reaches the championship title fight in a crowd pleasing moment.
"The Karate Kid" still stands up as an entertaining movie after nearly 40 years (1984/2024). Casting was very important and the chemistry between Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita is very good. Morita received an Oscar nomination as Best Supporting Actor. (He claimed that producers thought he was just a comedian and didn't want to cast him in a serious role).
It spawned 2 more sequels and both Macchio and Morita returned to their roles (1986 & 1989). "The Next Karate Kid" (1994) starred Hilary Swank but only Morita returned as Miyagi. Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith starred in a remake of "The Karate Kid" (2010).
The online streaming TV series "Cobra Kai" is a sequel to the original 1984 version. It has been renewed for a 6th season, but stopped production because of the Writers Guild Strike 2023. Ralph Macchio returned as the adult Daniel.
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