Movie Review: ***^Karate Kid (1984)

Karate Kid (1984)  This movie fascinated me as a young man.  Miyagi (Pat Morita) was so clever in the way he taught karate, “paint the fence” and “wax on wax off.”  And he has a very willing and desperate student in Daniel (Ralph Machio).  All of this training is pointing to a major karate tournament where Daniel is to face down a whole school of students who have been tormenting him for some time.  This team is not very ethical, and are willing to cause permanent injury to get their way.  The final move of the tourney, with Daniel taking the role of the one legged crane after his leg is injured is classic.  This movie still scores for me.