Karate Kid: cast, synopsis and where to see all the films of the franchise

One of the most nostalgic film franchises is “Karate Kid,” which has left an indelible mark on several generations and has earned a special place in pop culture.

The franchise consists of five films, including four with an original plot and a remake, as well as a web series. However, it was the first three films in the series, starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and Pat Morita as Mr. Miyagi, that truly enchanted the childhoods of many.

If you want to remember or find out more about the “Karate Kid” movies and know where to watch them, check out more below.

A resounding success at the box office, “The Karate Kid” has grossed more than $130 million globally. The impact was so significant that it contributed to the spread of the practice of karate in the United States. The film is directed by John G. Avildsen (the same as “Rocky: A Fighter”).

The young Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) is the protagonist of the story. Upon his arrival in California, he faces adaptation challenges. However, things change when Daniel gets involved with Ali Mills (Elisabeth Shue).

This relationship, however, arouses the jealousy of Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), Ali’s ex-boyfriend and best student at the Cobra Kai dojo. Under the command of violent sensei John Kreese (Martin Kove), Cobra Kai teaches an aggressive approach to karate.

To protect himself from Johnny and his gang, Daniel relies on the help of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), an expert karate master.

It is worth noting that Pat Morita received an Oscar nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category for his notable performance in this film.

The resounding success of “The Karate Kid – The Hour of Truth” started a media franchise. This sequel brings back John G. Avildsen as director and once again stars Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, reprising their iconic roles. The film repeated the strong commercial performance of its predecessor, grossing $130 million worldwide.

In the plot, after receiving correspondence informing him of his father’s impending death, Myagi returns to his homeland in Okinawa after four decades. Accompanied by Daniel, Myagi confronts his past when he reencounters the woman he once fell in love with, Yukie (Nobu McCarthy), and his old rival, Sato (Danny Kamekona), a prosperous industrialist who married Yukie in a combined.

Additionally, Daniel faces a new adversary, Sato’s corrupt nephew Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto), and experiences a new romantic interest in Yukie’s niece Kumiko (Tamlyn Tomita).

The latest film directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Ralph Macchio, “Karate Kid 3 – The Final Challenge” concludes the classic trilogy of the adventures of Daniel-san and master Miyagi. This time the box office, although still successful, was more modest than previous titles. Furthermore, the film received negative reviews from critics.

In the plot, John Kreese (Kove), the instructor of the Cobra Kai Academy, returns seeking revenge after his defeat in the tournament in the first film. Financially ruined, Kreese partners with corrupt businessman Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith). Together, they plot to destroy Miyagi and Daniel’s reputations and regain the honor of Cobra Kai.

Aiming to defeat Daniel in the next tournament, Silver hires aggressive fighter Mike Barnes (Sean Kanan).

In the fourth film of the series, Ralph Macchio does not reprise his role as Daniel-san. The new protagonist is Julie Pierce, played by Hilary Swank, who has already won two Oscars for best actress for her performances in “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Golden Girl”. However, Pat Morita returns as Master Miyagi for the last time.

In the story, Master Miyagi visits his former commander’s widow, Louisa (Constance Towers), Julie’s grandmother. After the death of her parents, Julie develops angry behavior that damages her social life. Miyagi intercedes for her, teaching her the principles of karate, which helps her overcome emotional challenges and face a shadowy school fraternity led by Colonel Paul Dugan (Michael Ironside).

A remake of the 1984 original, this film is not set in the same fictional universe as the previous four titles in the series. Here the plot was transferred to China and Karate was replaced by Kung Fu.

New characters include Dre Parker (Jaden Smith), a young man who moves to Beijing with his mother (Taraji P. Henson). Dre faces challenges adapting to the new culture, but falls in love with his classmate Mei Ying (Wenwen Han), who becomes friends with him.

However, Dre soon finds himself facing an adversary, the domineering Cheng (Zhenwei Wang). Fortunately, the young protagonist finds help from his building’s caretaker, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan), a kung fu master depressed due to past traumas, who instructs him in the arts of self-defense.

Available to Netflix subscribers

After completing all the films in the “Karate Kid” series, you can continue to explore the universe through the “Cobra Kai” series. This production picks up the events of “The Karate Kid” years later, reintroducing characters who have appeared throughout the franchise.

In Cobra Kai we follow Johnny Lawrence (one of the villains from the first film), as an adult and with financial problems. He decides to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo and begins training new students, in particular his neighbor, the young Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña). With this, he ends up rekindling his old rivalry with Daniel, now a successful businessman, who will spare no effort to put an end to Johnny’s dojo.

Cobra Kai (2018 – present) / Credits: Netflix (disclosure)

The post Karatê Kid: cast, synopsis and where to watch all the films of the saga appeared for the first time on Olhar Digital.

Source: Olhar Digital

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.