The Karate Kid is another movie that falls in the classic David Vs. Goliath plot where new kid on the block is Daniel (Ralph Macchio) is tormented by the school bully Johnny (William Zabka) who just so happens to be "King Karate". Unlike Three O'Clock High, this film is rich with small details that you don't think much of, but pay off in a big way later on. This is best exemplified by way of two pivotal scenes that take place.

The first being the 'Wax on, wax off' scene. Every newcomer to the film will not immediately pick up on how Miyagi (Pat Morita) is teaching Daniel. We all think that he is just using him to do hard labor to 'pay off' for the forthcoming lessons. It's only when in a fit of frustration that it comes out that he was being taught the basics all along. Even Miyagi says "all is not what it seems". I thought it was revolutionary in how these smaller scenes paid off in such a profound and satisfying way when it's finally revealed to us.

The other scene that most people probably never catch onto, other than the heartbreaking revelation of Miyagi's past regarding his wife and unborn child, is that the relationship between him and Daniel is made all the more clearer and why he bonded with him as he did. Daniel is more or less the son he never had, and he in turn was the father figure that he's been searching for ever since his own father passed away.. This is brilliant writing and why it's one of my all time favorite movies. It's in my Top 10 and has been that way since the day I saw it opening day.

Awesome story, great characters and the actors were made for this. Also, it's got Elizabeth Shue, who I had a major crush on as well. Still do to this day actually. She's the only reason why I have stuck with CSI this year. Anyway, if your a fan of the High School genre, David Vs Goliath or martial arts, this is the one to get. Highly recommend this as a Buy.

I remember commenting at work to my shift manager that I hadn't seen the movie since I was a kid and didn't remember any of it, we stopped what we were doing to watch it.  It was pretty sweet.  Though that might have been the last time I saw it , so it's been quite a few years...

Great interview. His enthusiasm for the movie that made his career is infectious to say the least. Hearing him talk about the movie made me want to watch it again right now. It's refreshing to see an actor take ownership of a role that basically has defined his career. Most actors would do everything in their power to have no association with a character they made famous. So yeah, the interview and the man himself....very fun and engaging. I'd watch this again for sure.