The Karate Kid
Movie Details:
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Family, Sport |
| Release date | June 22, 1984 |
| Running time | 2hr 6min |
| Age rating | PG |
| Starring | Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki “Pat” Morita, Elisabeth Shue |
| Directed by | John G. Avildsen |
| Written by | Robert Mark Kamen |
| Produced by | Jerry Weintraub |
| Cinematography by | James Crabe |
| Edited by | John G. Avildsen, Walt Mulconery, Bud S. Smith |
| Music by | Bill Conti |
| Production Company | Delphi II Productions Jerry Weintraub Productions |
| Distributor | Columbia Pictures |
Trailer, Teaser & Video:
Poster & Photos:
Cast & Characters:
- Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
- Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi
- William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
- Elisabeth Shue as Ali Mills
- Martin Kove as John Kreese
- Randee Heller as Lucille LaRusso
- Chad McQueen as Dutch
- Ron Thomas as Bobby Brown
- Tony O’Dell as Jimmy
- Rob Garrison as Tommy
- Pat E. Johnson as Head Referee
Storyline:
California, 1984. Having left Newark’s cold winters behind him, shy Daniel LaRusso moves with his widowed mother to the Reseda neighbourhood in sunny Los Angeles. But Daniel must find his feet. Of course, fitting in is easier said than done. And as if new beginnings weren’t challenging enough, a vicious gang of local karate bullies have set their sights on making life miserable for the young newcomer, in and out of school. With no one to turn to for advice, Daniel has a pivotal encounter with Mr Miyagi, the building’s inscrutable caretaker and unexpected master martial arts mentor. As the grizzled Karate expert takes Daniel under his wing, the teacher and student embark on a life-changing journey of friendship and self-discovery. However, does the inexperienced LaRusso and Mr Miyagi’s compassionate Okinawan defence style stand a chance against Cobra Kai Dojo’s brutal Johnny Lawrence, the two-time winner of the All Valley Under-18 Golden Trophy?
About Movie:
The Karate Kid is an American martial arts drama directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen. As the first in the iconic franchise, it stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, and William Zabka.
Columbia Pictures approached Kamen to compose a film similar to Avildsen’s previous success Rocky (1976), after Columbia signed the director. Kamen drew inspiration from the real-life events of an eight-year-old Tum Pai student’s story in Hawaii 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 was completed by December 16. The film was Macchio’s second major film role following The Outsiders (1983).
DC Comics, which had a character named Karate Kid, granted special permission for the film to use the title. Released on June 22, 1984, The Karate Kid became a critical and commercial hit, grossing over $130 million worldwide.
Praised for its action, themes, and performances, it also revitalized Morita’s career, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film launched a successful franchise and popularized karate in the U.S.
Budget & Box Office Collection:
| Budget | $8 million |
| Worldwide Collection | $130.8 million |