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What’s the Story?

Reviewed by Sarah Wenk

Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) moves with his mother from New Jersey to California and is confronted with a culture he doesn't fit into. After being beaten up several times by students from a local karate school (run by a sadistic teacher), Daniel finds a mentor -- Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), the maintenance man for Daniel's apartment building. Miyagi agrees to teach Daniel karate, although his methods are unconventional. But Daniel learns, and in the very exciting final tournament scene, he puts his lessons to good use.

Is It Any Good?

4

It's a rare movie that manages to be both entertaining and enlightening, and to remain so for twenty years. But THE KARATE KID is one of those movies. But there's more to the story than simply overcoming bullies. Daniel learns about Miyagi's painful past and his deep generosity, lessons that are as valuable to him as how to punch, or the now famous "wax on, wax off."

Daniel learns about the many different kinds of balance that it takes to become a man, and the audience learns along with him. It's all done with a very light touch -- no preachy speeches, just a gentle unfolding of experience and understanding. The performances are relaxed and natural. Even the obligatory relationship storyline is realistic and unaffected, with Elizabeth Shue as a refreshing normal-weight teenager. This is an excellent film, one that families can share.

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