The Karate Kid

What makes The Karate Kid kick above it's weight 23 years later is the complex and thoroughly unlikeable Daniel. He's a moaner, a whinger, and frankly at times-deserves to be bullied.
East Coast to West doesn't always travel well and this pint-sized Karateoutofabook punk must have forgotten his travel pills. He's Italian, plays soccer, and is a hothead. Daniel is different and somehow relishes his victim status at the hands of his WASP tormentors.
But people persist in liking him. His single mother is a delight, the kind of woman who lights up a room and who anyone else would love to have as a mum. Except Daniel. He dates the hotest girl in school who just happens to be the ex squeeze of his nemesis-not a smart move if you are trying to fit in. And of course his bikefixing, Karate teaching father-figure, who he frequently strops out on.
Not a nice picture.
But teenagers, even bullied ones, are not always nice. They are infuriating, lazy, explosive. In short they are Daniel. And that's what makes this movie exceptional in teen drama. It's honest. We hate daniel as much as we want him to succeed-but he has his moments-just like all teenagers when for a split second we see the adult they will become shine through. Daniel has them but they are when others are usually not watching. The scene where Daniel puts his master to bed is one such moment-touching and human.

the karate kid is absoultely brilliant 80s action/martial arts film.it has a great story.great actors top screenplay and some well choregraphed martial arts by pat johnson.the main roles of daniel and mr myiagi totally steal the film because its the interplay between the 2 main leads which make this film such a hit.also give credit to martin kove who plays baddie john creese.the film is a joy to watch and even though its over 26 yrs old it still a cult classic

BRING BACK THE 80'S! WOW, I love this film, I was 10 when this was first released and like many kids of that era I was so inspired I took up martial arts and am now an instructor, 15 years later I still watch this film with fond memories of the time.

The karate kid is a great classic film. This is the first karate film i watched when it was first released in the 80's and it brings back a lot of memories when i watch it till now. Basically its about a teenage kid (Daniel) who just moved to a new city with his mother and he enrols at high school. He soon learns his fate when a group of college boys find out his chatting up with the wrong girl. Thats where the trouble starts and he gets beaten up and always assaulted by the gangs leader who knows karate too well. When Mr Miyagi comes in the scene thats when you know for sure that Daniel will be trained by him so he can get even with the bullies. The film is funny mainly by Daniel and Mr Miyagi as well as some great scenes on how Daniel gets taught karate. Some lovely oriental tunes and nice songs in the film which makes this the best karate classic ever.

This film is simply brilliant. It is true what the previous reviewer said about Daniel being a bit of a muppet at times but you can overlook this due to the shear class of the karate teaching, philosophying, bonsai growing, general all round nice guy Mr Miyagi. If you haven't seen this movie yet I don't where you have been, but I seriously recommend buying this as it is a great family film and will be loved by all. Oh and by the way, rumour has it that Will Smith is remaking this film with him producing and his son starring. No offence to Will Smith but no matter what he does he will never be able to do this film justice, boycot it at all costs and buy the original!