A landmark of the 80's
I'm not exactly a fan of fighting or martial arts movies. It's usually a type of movie I avoid because I find it boring and tiring. However, I was surrendered to this film, which is surely one of the most famous of the 80s, a film that even today, thirty years later, feels good to review. Perhaps because of this, it is a film that still retains its place on the grid of cinema TV channels.
The script is simple, but quite appealing and full of well-crafted characters worthy of our sympathy. The protagonist is Daniel, a young teenager who has just moved to California and is trying to adapt to a new environment. However, he quickly wins the enmity of an older, wealthier and more violent boy, due to their common interest in the same girl. Forced to learn karate to defend himself, he befriends the janitor of his building, an elderly Japanese man who will teach him everything he needs to know about the martial art.
Ralph Macchio is nice and pleasant in his character, and he does a pleasant job that will earn him fame. In fact, it will become the only major role in the actor's career, who even today plays the same character in video games and series. Elizabeth Shue, for her part, made more intelligent use of the relative success she achieved in her role in this film. Although she doesn't shine, she does what she needs to do well, and that opened the door to a series of other jobs. But it's definitely Pat Morita who steals our attention whenever he's on stage. He is impeccable in the role of the intelligent and sensible Japanese. Through character, the film gives us a vision of peaceful karate, focused on defense and the need to be prepared to never really have to fight. The actor, by the way, was nominated for an Oscar for his performance. The film also features notable appearances by William Zabka and Martin Kove.
With good, elegant cinematography, crisp colors, and good shooting work, it's a film that doesn't feel as dated as other films from this decade. I particularly liked the sets of the Japanese house, with its gardens and magnificent carpentry details, and the classic cars in some scenes. The fight and action scenes look pretty choreographed, but they're still genuine enough not to look bad. The soundtrack, signed by Bill Conti, is truly memorable and a little gem that is generally overlooked, forgotten and overtaken by other more well-known and consecrated scores.