The Karate Kid, at least the 1984 original, is a truly classic movie and I would recommend to just about anyone. In the movie Daniel Larusso (played by Ralph Macchio) moves to California against his will. He is immediately drawn into conflict with the local hooligans, and is beaten up regularly. Until he meets an old man from Okinawa who teaches him karate and turns his life around.
To say that The Karate Kid is the best film ever would be a lie, it certainly shows it age. It was in the made in the ‘80s and you can see it in the dress and haircuts, this can take away from the file or add a retro touch depending on how you look at it.
The film has all the signs of being cliché, young kid faces adversity, is defeated, through his strength of character he gains strength, the underdog wins out in the end. However The Karate Kid is not as terrible as one might think given the breakdown.
Firstly, the acting was pretty good, particularly Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, who is entertaining and believable. Mr. Miyagi’s additional story about his enlistment in the U.S. Army and his wife’s death in an internment camp during child birth ended up adding to the plot without overpowering it.
Also, by using karate as the unifying theme it also brings freshness to the action/drama genre. Lots of films have covered this story, few have used karate.
In conclusion The Karate Kid is a good film, typical of its time but good all the same. Definitely worth a rent if your into the ‘80s classics.
Good job- assignment done.
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