The Karate Kid

The Karate Kid, a 1984 John G. Avildsen film, is a youth-oriented karate version of the hit boxing movie Rocky (also directed by Avildsen).

Impact

The Karate Kid spawned an entire franchise of related items and memorabilia, such as action figures, head bands, posters, t-shirts, etc. It also had three sequels, and it launched the career of Macchio, who would turn into a teen idol featured on the covers of magazines such as Tiger Beat. It enhanced the careers of both Elisabeth Shue and Morita (previously mostly known for his role in Happy Days as the owner of Arnold's, the hamburger hangout), who made several other movies including the three sequels. It has also been credited with renewing youth interest in martial arts, with an emphasis on personal discipline rather than the often gratuitous and cinematic violence that martial arts films are known for. The characters of Daniel and his mother are also noteworthy as positive media portrayals of Italian Americans.

Related Topics:
Tiger Beat - Elisabeth Shue - Happy Days - Martial arts - Martial arts film - Italian American

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