expediente · mfc-000407our own catalogue record · per-fact provenance on fileQ846679
Synopsis
New Jersey teen Daniel LaRusso moves to Los Angeles with his mother, and soon strikes up a relationship with Ali. He quickly finds himself the target of bullying by a group of thugs, led by Ali's ex-boyfriend Johnny, who study karate at the Cobra Kai dojo under ruthless sensei John Kreese. Fortunately, Daniel befriends Mr. Miyagi, an unassuming repairman who just happens to be a martial arts master himself. Miyagi takes Daniel under his wing, training him in a more compassionate form of karate for self-defense and, later, preparing him to compete against the brutal Cobra Kai.
Awards and festivals
1984Young Artist AwardsBest Family Motion Picture - Drama
1984Young Artist AwardsBest Young Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama — William Zabka · nominated
1984Young Artist AwardsBest Young Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture Musical, Comedy, Adventure or Drama — Elisabeth Shue
1985Academy AwardsActor in a Supporting Role — Noriyuki "Pat" Morita · nominated
1985Golden Globe AwardsBest Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture - Drama, Comedy or Musical — Pat Morita · nominated
Places
Set in Reseda, Los Angeles, California, 1984 · Newark, New Jersey, 1984
Filmed at Saticoy Street and Tampa Avenue, Reseda / Los Angeles, California — Daniel LaRusso's apartment building exterior was filmed at this corner.
Charles Evans Hughes Junior High School, Woodland Hills / Los Angeles, California — High school scenes.
North Hollywood, Los Angeles, California — AFI lists filming in North Hollywood; specific scenes not stated.
Encino, Los Angeles, California — AFI lists filming in Encino; specific scenes not stated.
Chatsworth Nature Preserve, Los Angeles, California — AFI lists filming at Chatsworth Nature Preserve.
Matadome gymnasium, California State University, Northridge, Northridge / Los Angeles — Tournament/gymnasium filming location listed by AFI.
Golf N' Stuff, Norwalk, California — AFI identifies Golf N' Stuff as the Norwalk location used in the film.
Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu, California — Beach scenes.
Cast
Ralph MacchioNoriyuki Pat MoritaElisabeth ShueWilliam ZabkaRandee HellerMartin KoveRon ThomasRob GarrisonChad McQueenTony O'Dell
Themes
mentorshipComing of ageteacher influenceAdolescencecult repertoryfriendship under pressuremasculinity under revisionAccessible cinema contextSummer open-air cinema
Tone and style
coming-of-ageFeel-goodfamily matineenostalgic crowd pleaserCozy comfortdate nightcharacter study
