The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid (1984)

Runtime: 126 minutes

Directed by: John G. Avildsen

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller

From: Columbia

The crowd I saw this wasn't the best around, but it was still neat seeing this theatrically: 

I recently mentioned how I watched something I hadn't seen in literally decades; that label also applies to this film. When I saw a short awhile ago that Fathom Events would be showing this film on the big screen as a 35th (!) anniversary deal-and it's also a way to plug the new 4K UHD release of the movie-it was the right time to revisit The Karate Kid.

I do get how some wouldn't be fans of the movie. It is really cliché, some may not enjoy how 80's-riffic it is and Mr. Miyagi as a wise old sage is a trope as “mystical Asian person who dispenses fortune cookie advice” is stereotypical, at least on the surface. Yet this is simply a nice movie and it is incredibly easy to root for the underdog Daniel LaRusso as he's the new kid in school and is bullied by incredibly evil teens just because he has a budding relationship with Elisabeth Shue and the leader of the pack used to go out with her. It is sweet that he has a single mother who cares about him and he was able to find a father figure who through some unorthodox methods not only taught him to stand up for himself but also become a better person. Unlike some other 80's flicks, this doesn't have any moments which seemed fine then but are incredibly insensitive or gross by modern standards.

Pat Morita is the highlight here; he was not only wise and amusing but you get to see why he would take interest in a teenage boy and help him out. Scenes such as finding out about his past help make Mr. Miyagi more than just stereotypical; so did Morita's great performance. The Karate Kid is more than just “You're the Best” or “Sweep the Leg!” or “Wax On, Wax Off!” It teaches some nice life lessons and is a reminder that you shouldn't learn karate just to beat people up, as it's far more than just that and that was just a way for Daniel-san to be more confident, earn the respect of his peers... and be lucky enough to win the love of 1980's Elisabeth Shue.