The Shelf · Movies

The Karate Kid

Released 1984Curated by SPMA Hub because sport culture lives beyond the field.

The Karate Kid explores the concept of being thrown into a new culture and learning to appreciate everything it offers.

Melissa Mihalis
Covered by Melissa Mihalis
The Shelf
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid
The Gist Of The Karate Kid

The Gist

Why it caught our attention

Let's go a little further back than usual. Today for our film of choice, we are going to go as far back as 1983. The Karate Kid!  And no, not the version with Jaden Smith. The one we are looking at today actually starred Ralph Macchio. A little retro for our modern audiences but we promise that this one does NOT disappoint.

At A Glance

The Karate Kid explores the concept of being thrown into a new culture and learning to appreciate everything it offers.

About This Shelf Item

About The Karate Kid

In this film, Daniel LaRusso befriends his handyman after he helps him out of a tough situation. From there Daniel learns the craft of karate from him in order to be able to defend himself against his bullies independently. Through these training sessions, a bond grows between the two, creating a friendship that would never have taken place if not given the opportunity. Eventually, he is to participate in a high profile match against an opponent where he shows how truly committed he is to the craft.

Why It Belongs

The Sport Connection

Karate originates thousands of years ago and is a practice that requires training and discipline that goes beyond the usual sport requirements. It also can take up to an entire lifetime to master. It is a sport of great integrity and commitment. In The Karate Kid, Daniel LaRusso is on his journey to learn karate under the teachings of his handyman who is trained in the arts.

The Karate Kid explores the concept of being thrown into a new culture and learning to appreciate everything it offers. Daniel not only learns Karate but some of the traditions and customs of Chinese culture. The culture clash for him was difficult at first, but come to the end of the film, he has a new appreciation for it.

Our Recommendation

Why Watch The Karate Kid

The original Karate Kid is an incredible film that gets a lot of love from us and people around the world. It explores a sport that doesn’t get too much recognition from North American production companies, therefore we advocate HUGE for this one.

Take It Off The Shelf

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Final Thoughts

Melissa's Final Thoughts

The original Karate Kid is an incredible film that gets a lot of love from us and people around the world. It explores a sport that doesn’t get too much recognition from North American production companies, therefore we advocate HUGE for this one. We will let you borrow this one from our shelf.