The Karate Kid is an underdog story about a young man who trains in the ancient art of ass-kicking in order to get revenge against the man who has wronged him and bang his ex-girlfriend in the process. It stars a 22 year old Ralph Macchio in the lead role of Daniel-san, with Noriyuki "Pat" Morita in the iconic role of Mr. Miyagi, a part which earned him an Academy Award nomination. While the film may at first appear to be a run of the mill inspirational rise to glory sports film, it's actually got far more depth than other films of that ilk. The development of the relationship between Daniel-san and Mr. Miyagi in particular is a highlight. It also taught a whole generation that violence is awesome and that the crane kick is the single coolest way of taking down another human being.