The Karate Kid (1984)

Genre: Sports/Drama/Action

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elizabeth Shue, Martin Kove, Randee Heller, William Zabka

Daniel (Macchio) and his mother Lucille (Heller) have just moved in to Los Angeles from Newark when Daniel’s mother got a new job offer. Daniel is not liking the move and is finding it hard to adjust. He befriends and falls in love with Ali Mills (Shue) who comes from an affluent family who too loves him back. Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny (Zabka) is jealous of Ali's new love and does not like the fact that she has gotten over him for someone else. Johnny makes Daniel’s life miserable by beating him up and bullying him at every opportunity. Daniel is unable to stand up for himself and Ali does not appreciate that. Mr. Miyagi (Morita) is the local repairman in Daniel’s neighborhood who learns of Daniel’s problem and agrees to teach him Karate to defend himself. Daniel has two months to train himself for the big championship where he intends to take Johnny down once and for all. The movie has garnered a cult following over the years and has become a known name in martial arts movies. The character of Mr. Miyagi as the wise Japanese old man has been replicated through various forms over the years. The plot, however, is too basic and highly predictable right till the very end. In spite of its overtly predictable plotline, the movie manages to keep audiences engaged and shows the true spirit of Karate over what the commercial Karate schools intend to teach. A good entertainer for the entire family.

Thumbs up: Great action-packed martial arts entertainment

Thumbs down: Simply and predictable story

Rating: 6.8/10