THE KARATE KID. Directed by John G. Avildsen; written by Robert Mark Kamen; produced by Jerry Weintraub for Columbia. Starring Ralph Macchio and Noriyuki "Pat" Morita. Rated PG.
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It's too bad the word "karate" appears in this movie's title. A lot of people might figure it's just another kick-'em-up martial arts picture and pass it by. Nothing could be further from the truth. I don't know enough about karate to say if Chuck Norris or The Karate Kid gets closer to its real nature. But I know a good movie when I see it, and The Karate Kid is such a one.
It would be easy to see this movie's resemblance to the original Rocky, even without knowing they have the same director. This time the underdog is Daniel (Macchio), a skinny (but athletic) new kid in town. He has his problems with a group of local bullies, especially since he has eyes for the ex-girlfriend of their leader. But he eventually comes under the tutelage of Mr. Miyagi (Morita), the maintenance man at his apartment complex. Miyagi is also a true karate master (even though his only belt is from J.C. Penny).
The bullies are also karate students. So the final conflict occurs not behind the high school gym, but in an officially sanctioned tournament. The opposing philosophies of the two karate teachers are on trial there, too. And of course there's no doubt as to the outcome. But it's still exciting and lots of fun.
Some of the story's little embellishments work better than others. The class conflict angle, with Daniel and Miyagi working-class ethnic and the bullies (and girlfriend) WASP and country-clubbish adds too much weight.
On the other hand, the relationship of Miyagi and Daniel as sonless father and fatherless son is very moving. The potential for too much schmalz is there. But a witty script and the two main performances save it.
Morita is a familiar comic face to anyone who has watched TV at all in the last 10 years. But his role here is quite different. He has some great one-liners. But Miyagi has much more than just comedic gifts to draw upon.
Macchio is a relative newcomer to movies. Although, at 22, he's not nearly as young as he looks in The Karate Kid. Daniel is a very appealing character, sensitive and strong. One of the girls in the movie wonders what Ali (Elizabeth Shue) sees in him. But I don't—I would have fallen for him myself at 15.
The Karate Kid should appeal to different kinds of moviegoers. There are some good karate fight scenes but not too much violence. It's a movie about teenagers that all generations can enjoy. That's a rarity in movies today, so take advantage!
NOTE: this movie made my 10-best list for 1984.
July 11, 1984