Daniel LaRusso (Macchio) has just moved with his mother from New Jersey to Los Angeles and is finding it increasingly difficult to find his feet in the new city. Daniel takes a liking to high school cheerleader Ali Miss (Shue) but in return also angers her ex-boyfriend who is a karate student.

Daniel soon falls prey to continued beatings from the ex and his friends. Mr Miyagi (Morita), the handyman at Daniel’s apartment, happens to witness one of these beatings and single-handedly gives the bullies a lesson or two in the art of karate.

Mesmerised by what he sees, Daniel asks Mr Miyagi to become his karate teacher and they embark on a journey of power and strength.

The Karate Kid was directed by John G. Avildsen (Rocky) and earned Pat Morita an Academy Award® nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1984.