KINORAFIELD GUIDE TO FILM
1984 · 127 min · PG

The Karate Kid

Directed by John G. Avildsen · Action, Drama, Family

The Karate Kid (1984) is a Action film, directed by John G. Avildsen set in Los Angeles during the 1980s. It runs 127 minutes and is rated PG.

A sports drama and martial arts, with a hopeful and tense tone. Themes of coming of age and friendship run throughout.

Composer
Bill Conti
Cinematography
James Crabe
Cast
Ralph MacchioPat MoritaElisabeth ShueWilliam ZabkaMartin KoveRandee HellerRon ThomasRob Garrison

The world of this film

Setting

Setting
When

Premise & themes

Tone
HopefulTense

Shape

Protagonist
Solo LeadChild Lead
Pacing
Measured
Based on
Pure Fiction
  • 2002

    Adaptation.

    Los Angeles · New York City · Florida — 1990s
    Urban · Wildernessdir. Spike Jonze
  • 1980

    Airplane!

    Los Angeles · Chicago — 1980s
    dir. Jim Abrahams
  • 2023

    American Fiction

    Boston · Los Angeles — 2020s
    Urban · Coastal Seadir. Cord Jefferson
  • 1998

    American History X

    Los Angeles — 1990s
    Urbandir. Tony Kaye
  • 1977

    Annie Hall

    New York City · Los Angeles — 1970s
    Urbandir. Woody Allen
  • 2012

    Argo

    Tehran · Los Angeles · Virginia — 1970s · 1980s
    Urbandir. Ben Affleck