Review of The Karate Kid (1984) by Matthew F. J — 27 Jan 2015

Watching the original Karate Kid film today is quite an experience. The film is told in a very interesting way and John G. Avildsen, who's notorious for his "Rocky" series of films display here the same type of liking for an underdog story.

This is a good film, well shot and decently acted. Pat Morita is awesome as the old Japanese Karate teacher that helps a young lad facing his rivals by teaching him much more than some quick Karate moves but by being a father figure and a life teacher for the young Daniel.

The connections and interactions between characters can seem a little odd or dated by now but the dynamics are very well balanced and the director sure knows how to take his time to tell a story and let it grow slowly but surely building up towards a climatic ending.

today a film like this one would be at least 30 minutes shorter and far less elaborated but somehow it's good to watch a film that takes its time to unfold.