Fresh
This film's art consists entirely of hiding the cynicism of its calculations under an agreeably modest and disarming manner.
Richard Schickel, TIME Magazine
The Karate Kid
He taught him the secret to karate lies in the mind and heart. Not in the hands.
1984 · 2h 7m · PG
Action, Adventure, Drama, Family
Directed by
John G. Avildsen
Overview
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Director and cast
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
81%
Tomatometer
Fresh
Morita is simply terrific, bringing the appropriate authority and wisdom to the part.
Variety Staff, Variety
Rotten
A surprise summer hit in the States, this is another film-making-by-numbers exercise in teenage wish-fulfilment.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Fresh
An exciting, sweet-tempered, heart-warming story with one of the most interesting friendships in a long time.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Fresh
The Karate Kid exhibits warmth and friendly, predictable humor, its greatest assets.
Janet Maslin, New York Times
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