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The Karate KidRating:
Release Date: 14 April, 1998 Retail Price: $19.95 Sorry, this product is not currently available. Cast: Complete Cast (7 total) |
The Karate Kid Reviews
The Classic Underdog Story
"The Karate Kid" could have been 80s drivel, a nonsensical teen movie with very little redeeming qualities. Fortunately, "Kid" rises far above that, being not only an underdog story like "Rocky" (also from director John Avildsen)but also a companionship story and a bit of a love story. Rumor has it that the screenwriter wrote the script after seeing an article in the local paper about a teenage boy who defended himself against bullies by taking karate. A very simple concept, and yet one that works for several reasons. First, everyone can relate to the underdog story. Daniel's discomfort over moving away from home (New Jersey) to go across country to California, at a very crucial time in his life (high school) is not foreign to any of us. All of us have been in this position, in some form, at one time or another. Daniel is desperate to fit in, in a place where as a darkheaded Italian, he sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb around blonde Californians. A bit stereotypical, yes, but effective. The girl of his dreams is blonde and he meets her on the beach. His arch-nemesis is blonde, "hunky" in the teen sense, wealthy and does all the right things. The complete opposite of Daniel, who rides a bike and whose mom drives an old olive green station wagon with the embarrassing habit of stalling in wealthy neighborhoods. With so much stacked against him, we want Daniel to win.
Second, the casting makes it work. This was a relatively "little" film with a minor budget. No big names, no movie stars. Ralph Macchio gives a breakout performance as Daniel; Pat Morita is so perfect as his mentor and friend, Mr. Miyagi, could anyone else have ever played this part? Elisabeth Shue, as the girl of Daniel's dreams, gives Ali enough real qualities that she doesn't come across as a cardboard cutout that Daniel is pining for. William Zabka always seemed to play the bully in 80s movies and for good reason. His Johnny is cocky, smarmy and inflated with his own self-importance, not to mention a large amount of hostility toward outsiders.
Thirdly, and most importantly, this movie works so well and is such a classic because of the chemistry between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. This movie is really about more than just karate, although karate is a large part of it. It's really about the relationship between Daniel and Mr. Miyagi. Both are completely alien to the other in the beginning, they both eye each other warily, the boy from New Jersey and the older man from Japan. Soon, Mr. Miyagi becomes Daniel's savior, then his mentor and finally, his best friend. It's a sweet and touching metamorphosis and more of a "love story" than the storyline involving Ali, which seems to be more of an "opposites attract" thing.
Regardless, the conclusion of the film at the karate tournament is spectacular, akin to the final bout in "Rocky". Is there any question as to what the outcome is or should be? Of course not, but the journey of getting there is all the fun.
"Karate Kid" is more than worthy to adding to your home library and a feel-good film that benefits being watched again and again. Highly recommended.
Love this movie
This is one of my favorite movies ever. I saw this movie in the theater when I was ten and twenty years later I still love it. Great 80's music too.
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