This film's art consists entirely of hiding the cynicism of its calculations under an agreeably modest and disarming manner.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted: 35
Fresh: 31
Rotten:4
Average Rating: 6.8/10
Consensus: Utterly predictable and wholly of its time, but warm, sincere, and difficult to resist, due in large part to Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio's relaxed chemistry.
Runtime: 2 hrs 7 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: In John G. Avildsen's THE KARATE KID, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mother (Randee Heller) move from New Jersey to Southern California, where he's not too keen about his new home--until he meets... In John G. Avildsen's THE KARATE KID, Daniel (Ralph Macchio) and his mother (Randee Heller) move from New Jersey to Southern California, where he's not too keen about his new home--until he meets Ali (Elizabeth Shue), an attractive girl who seems to like him. But trouble looms when Ali's ex-boyfriend (William Zabka) and his gang of ruffians start tormenting Daniel. One day, as Daniel is suffering a beating at the hands of these louts, Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita), an elderly Japanese handyman, comes to his rescue. To Daniel's amazement, Miyagi manages to take down the whole group all by himself using karate. Daniel begs to learn this ancient martial art, and soon Miyagi begins the boy's training, teaching Daniel that there is more to karate than fighting. Through a series of lessons, the wise mentor instills a sense of honor and nobility in his young pupil while preparing him for the ultimate karate showdown. However, as Daniel studies the discipline and art of karate, his enemies are learning a dirtier kind of fighting from Kreese (Martin Kove), a cold-blooded ex-marine. Ultimately, the boys will fight to the finish in the All Valley Karate Championship in a rousing and triumphant finale. Morita is a gem as the elderly father figure Miyagi, giving the character warmth, wisdom, and comic charm. Macchio's underdog character inspired an entire generation to run out and join the nearest karate school while chanting "wax on, wax off." [More]
Starring: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove
Starring: Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, William Zabka, Randee Heller
Director: John G. Avildsen
Director: John G. Avildsen
Get This Movie
Reviews for The Karate Kid
This is the kind of movie where you find yourself cheering even though you know you're being hoodwinked.
Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part.
A surprise summer hit in the States, this is another film-making-by-numbers exercise in teenage wish-fulfilment.
While this may be as soppy and predictable as they come, it still reminds you why you used to enjoy '80s teen flicks so much in the first place.
Formulaic, manipulative, hokey — and thoroughly rousing… the film's sincerity and poignance have a way of steamrolling over gaps in plausibility and logic.
All hail the Crane Kick, liberator of self-doubting wimps over bullies, redeemer of lost causes, winner of Elisabeth Shue's heart.
An exciting, sweet-tempered, heart-warming story with one of the most interesting friendships in a long time.
Latest News for The Karate Kid
June 03, 2009:
Taraji P. Henson Is The Karate Kid's Mom ![]()
We haven't heard much about it in awhile, but the Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith-led "Karate Kid" remake is still moving forward -- MTV reports that Taraji P. Henson has signed on... More...
March 30, 2009:
Name Change for Karate Kid Remake? ![]()
Jackie Chan is preparing to step into the role of Mr. Miyagi in the upcoming "Karate Kid" remake -- which, according to Chan, may instead be called "The Kung Fu Kid." More...
January 14, 2009:
Jackie Chan Waxes On Karate Kid Remake ![]()
Jaden Smith's "Karate Kid" has found his mentor: Entertainment Weekly is reporting that Jackie Chan is set to play Mr. Miyagi in the remake, with "Pink Panther 2" helmer Harold... More...
November 17, 2008:
Sony Woos Family Filmgoers ![]()
Eager to take advantage of the mini-renaissance of family-friendly films at the box office, Sony has quietly ramped up its plans in that area, moving ahead with a variety of... More...
Related Forums for The Karate Kid
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
|
The Code |
23% 23% |
Confessions of a Shopa… |
39% 39% |
Inkheart |
80% 80% |
Gran Torino |
28% 28% |
Tyler Perry's Madea Go… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
22% 22% |
Push |
12% 12% |
The Unborn |
RT On Current TV
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- The Karate Kid at Rotten Tomatoes
- The Karate Kid at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

TIME music critic Josh Tyrangiel remembers - and appreciates - the high peak of Michael Jackson's career in the early '80s.

With the Best Picture Oscar noms now 10 deep, BuzzSugar looks at 10 films that should have made the cut.

Sequels never used to be as good as the original, but now they can be even better. Can Transformers 2 follow suit?

The AV Club's Zack Handlen explores why Snowbeast has been dismissed and forgotten.



Top Critic


