The Karate Kid is the 1984 American hit martial arts film, directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen.
It is an underdog story, capitalising on the previous success of Rocky.
The film features the Gōjū-ryū, Gōjū Kai style of karate.
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The Karate Kid was a commercial success upon release and garnered critical acclaim, earning Morita a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor, but how much did you really know about it?
Take a look at these ten interesting facts. Are there any you didn’t know? Comment and share!
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10. The Studio Wanted To Drop This Particular Scene
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The studio wanted to drop the “drunk Miyagi” scene, feeling it slowed the pace down. Director John G. Avildsen argued for it and has felt it was the scene that got Pat Morita nominated for an Oscar. We’re bet they glad they kept it!
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9. Ralph Macchio Was Given The Yellow Car
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The yellow classic automobile that Daniel polishes in the famous “wax-on/wax-off” training scene, then later offered by Mr. Miyagi as Daniel’s birthday gift, was actually given to Ralph Macchio by the producer, and he still owns it. The car is a 1948 Ford Super De Luxe.
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8. Many Cast Didn’t Believe Ralph Macchio’s Age
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Surprisingly, during filming in late 1983, Ralph Macchio was age 22. Some of the Karate Kid cast did not believe him when they asked about his age.
7. Some Of Those Spin Kicks Were More Realistic Than They Looked
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The last spin kick that Daniel is hit with before he is saved by Mr. Miyagi actually hit Ralph Macchio and hurt him.
6. One Of Chuck Norris’s Students Are In The Film
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The referee in the final match is Pat E. Johnson, a karate expert and former student of Chuck Norris. He instructed many movie stars in karate. He is credited as the “fight instructor/choreographer” for the film.
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5. Actors Had To Be Replaced With Real Karate Students Because They Were Hit Too Hard
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The skeleton fight scene endured numerous takes because the actors complained that Fumio Demura (Pat Morita’s stunt double) was hitting them too hard, which caused the scene to lose some of the choreography and authenticity. Fumio told the director that if he could use his own students they would get the shot in one take. The director agreed and they shot the fight scene successfully in one take. One of the doubles is a descendant of the legendary “King of the Frontier,” Davy Crockett.
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4. Charlie Sheen Turned Down A Part In The Movie
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Charlie Sheen was offered the role of Daniel LaRusso, but he turned it down.
3. Some Of The Karate Moves Were Made Up
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2. They Had To Seek Permission From DC To Use The Name
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Karate Kid was the name of a character in DC Comic’s “Legion Of Superheroes” who was a member of the Legion. DC Comics, which owned the name, gave special permission for the title to be used. There’s a thank you to DC Comics for allowing the use of the name at the end of the credits.
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1. Coca Cola Insisted Product Placements In The Film
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During production, Columbia Pictures was owned by Coca-Cola, who insisted that it’s products appeared on screen. Minute Maid at the breakfast table and Sprite in Miyagi’s workshop, for example.