The Karate Kid is a 1984 American martial arts drama film written by Robert Mark Kamen and directed by John G. Avildsen. It is the first installment in the Karate Kid franchise, and stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue and William Zabka. The Karate Kid follows Daniel LaRusso, a teenager taught karate by Mr. Miyagi to help defend himself and compete in a tournament against his bullies, one of which is the ex-boyfriend of his love interest Ali Mills. Kamen was approached by Columbia Pictures to compose a film similar to Avildsen's previous success Rocky, after signing the director. Kamen drew inspiration from his own life when writing the film. As a result, he maintained strong opinions regarding cast, and petitioned heavily for Morita's inclusion. Preparations for the film began immediately after the final edit of the script was complete, and casting took place between April and June 1983.
| Director | John G. Avildsen |
| Produced by | Jerry Weintraub |
| Writer(s) | Robert Mark Kamen |
| Starring | Ralph Macchio, Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, Elisabeth Shue, William Zabka, Martin Kove, Randee Heller |
| Music | Bill Conti |
| Cinematography | James Crabe |
| Edited by | John G. Avildsen, Walt Mulconery, Bud S. Smith |
| Production, company | Delphi II Productions, Jerry Weintraub Productions |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
| Released | June 22, 1984 |
| Running time | 127 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $8 million |
| Box office | $130.4 million |
| Netflix ID | 60036164 |
About Karate Kid
A martial arts master mentors a bullied teenager in the art of self-defense. In 1985, Pat Morita was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film as Mister Miyagi.
Achievement of Karate Kid
Director John G. Avildsen also directed the movie Rocky which has the same underdog format of which Karate Kid is based.
Top Facts You Did Not Know About Karate Kid
Shoot Away, an arcade game that Ali and her friends play at an arcade.. Films directed by John G. Avildsen.. Films set in the San Fernando Valley.. Varèse Sarabande soundtracks.. 1980s teen drama films.. Martial arts tournament films.. Films set on beaches.. Film scores.. Films about bullying.. American martial arts films.. American high school films.. Films set in New Jersey.. Films shot in Arizona.. Films about educators.. American teen drama films.. Films shot in New Jersey.
Latest information about Karate Kid updated on July 28 2021.
