The Karate Kid

Daniel (Ralph Macchio) arrives in Los Angeles from the east coast and faces the difficult task of making new friends. However, he becomes the object of bullying by the Cobras, a menacing gang of karate students, when he strikes up a relationship with Ali (Elisabeth Shue), the Cobra leader’s ex-girlfriend. Eager to fight back but afraid to confront the dangerous gang, Daniel asks his handyman Mr. Miyagi (Noriyuki ‘Pat’ Morita), whom he learns is a master of the martial arts, to teach him karate. Miyagi teaches Daniel that karate is a mastery over the self, mind, and body and that fighting is always the last answer to a problem. Under Miyagi’s guidance, Daniel develops not only physical skills but also the faith and self-confidence to compete despite tremendous odds as he encounters the fight of his life.

The Karate Kid was the 5th highest grossing film of 1984, and was such a big hit that it popularized youth martial arts classes in the US. Sequels and spin-offs to the original are still being made 40 years later. At the Avalon, it played for almost the entire summer from late June into September. In addition to its box office success and cultural impact, the film earned Pat Morita an Oscar nomination for his sensitive portrayal of Mr. Miyagi.

ONE SHOW ONLY! Sunday, August 16 @ 10:30AM in Avalon 1