The Karate Kid
Dir: John G. Avildsen
1984
****
John G. Avildsen found his career peak in 1976 with his hit drama Rocky. It had a winning formula, so it would be foolish not to repeat it. The Karate Kid is basically Rocky for kids (and the Power of One is basically The Karate Kid with a historical and political setting). Karate was enjoying a second wave of popularity in the west and the sense of control attributed to the martial arts was far more child-friendly than boxing. The story is now a staple formula in adolescent dramas; Victim stands up to his bullies, young man finds the father he never had in an older mentor, overcomes subversive and enjoys a nice cold slice of revenge. The story appealed to everyone but the school bully, and he liked it anyway because of all the violence. I have to lean towards the theory that the overall message of the film is flawed though. Ralph Macchio's Daniel actually picks all the fights in the film and antagonizes his 'bullies' in various different ways, lashing out whenever he doesn't get his way. The film's villain, Johnny, actually only uses his Karate in defense, respecting the rules of control the martial art teaches. Even though Daniel learns 'control' he actually enters the final tournament without knowing the rules and makes somewhat of a mockery of the overall ideology. Daniel is the bully. Still, a film doesn't use a line and make it into a household phrase for nothing. It has genuine moments of tenderness and joy. It's a classic 80's kids film, they're all flawed and they're all wonderful.