"The Karate Kid" was very popular on it's 1984 release although it seems a little dated today.
Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mom (Randee Heller) move from New "Joisey" to California, land of the blondes so that mom can accept a new job. She is ecstatic about the move while Daniel has a hard time fitting in and longs for home. Daniel is befriended by some local boys and while kicking the soccer ball around the beach, he meets the comely Ali (Elizabeth Shue). An immediate attraction ensues. Unfortunately for Daniel Ali is the ex-girlfriend of motorcycle riding bully Johnny (William Zabka) who is a black belt in karate. Daniel runs to Ali's defense when Johnny pesters her and breaks her stereo.
Johnny "kicks sand" in Daniel's face and embarrasses him in front of the others at hand. Johnny plans to gamble a stamp and send for Charles Atlas' course....Nah. Daniel tries to hide his injuries from Mom but is unable to do so. Daniel meets house repairman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) who takes pity on the boy. When Daniel is further beaten by Johnny and his gang, Mr. Miyagi shjows his skill by clobbering all five members of Johnny and his gang. Mr Miyagi then offers to teach him karate.
Daniel is confused by Mr. Miyagi's methods. He has Daniel sand the floors of his outdoor patio, wash 'n wax several cars and paint his fence and house. All of this of course, has a purpose...to develop Daniel's reflexes, stamina and resolve. Daniel and Mr. Miyagi visit the local karate club and discover that Johnny and his gang's violent ways are instilled by their macho karate instructor an ex-marine named Kreese (Martin Kove). A challenge is issued to him that Daniel will best the group in an upcoming tournament.
Meanwhile Daniel continues to date Ali who comes from a rich and affluent family. At a country club dance they break up when Daniel believes that Ali was using him to get to Johnny her ex. As the tournament approaches, Daniel sharpens his skills, he makes up with Ali. At the tournament, Daniel does well and reaches the semi-finals. Kreese orders one of his boys to disqualify himself by using an illegal tactic on Daniel so that Daniel and Johnny will meet for the championship and Johnny will be able to destroy Daniel in the match in front of all. All doesn't go as planned and...............................................
As was often the case when a film such as this is successful, it is followed by a sequel or two. The final shot clearly indicates that a sequel was in order and Karate Kid II and III followed. Chad McQueen, who plays "Dutch" is the son of the late actor Steve McQueen.
Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mom (Randee Heller) move from New "Joisey" to California, land of the blondes so that mom can accept a new job. She is ecstatic about the move while Daniel has a hard time fitting in and longs for home. Daniel is befriended by some local boys and while kicking the soccer ball around the beach, he meets the comely Ali (Elizabeth Shue). An immediate attraction ensues. Unfortunately for Daniel Ali is the ex-girlfriend of motorcycle riding bully Johnny (William Zabka) who is a black belt in karate. Daniel runs to Ali's defense when Johnny pesters her and breaks her stereo.
Johnny "kicks sand" in Daniel's face and embarrasses him in front of the others at hand. Johnny plans to gamble a stamp and send for Charles Atlas' course....Nah. Daniel tries to hide his injuries from Mom but is unable to do so. Daniel meets house repairman Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) who takes pity on the boy. When Daniel is further beaten by Johnny and his gang, Mr. Miyagi shjows his skill by clobbering all five members of Johnny and his gang. Mr Miyagi then offers to teach him karate.
Daniel is confused by Mr. Miyagi's methods. He has Daniel sand the floors of his outdoor patio, wash 'n wax several cars and paint his fence and house. All of this of course, has a purpose...to develop Daniel's reflexes, stamina and resolve. Daniel and Mr. Miyagi visit the local karate club and discover that Johnny and his gang's violent ways are instilled by their macho karate instructor an ex-marine named Kreese (Martin Kove). A challenge is issued to him that Daniel will best the group in an upcoming tournament.
Meanwhile Daniel continues to date Ali who comes from a rich and affluent family. At a country club dance they break up when Daniel believes that Ali was using him to get to Johnny her ex. As the tournament approaches, Daniel sharpens his skills, he makes up with Ali. At the tournament, Daniel does well and reaches the semi-finals. Kreese orders one of his boys to disqualify himself by using an illegal tactic on Daniel so that Daniel and Johnny will meet for the championship and Johnny will be able to destroy Daniel in the match in front of all. All doesn't go as planned and...............................................
As was often the case when a film such as this is successful, it is followed by a sequel or two. The final shot clearly indicates that a sequel was in order and Karate Kid II and III followed. Chad McQueen, who plays "Dutch" is the son of the late actor Steve McQueen.