THE KARATE KID III

US, 1999, 111 minutes, Colour.
Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Robyn Lively, Thomas Ian Griffith, Martin Kove, Sean Cannan, Jonathan Avildsen.
Directed by John G. Avildsen.

This is the third in the franchise of The Karate Kid, the first two films being very popular, introducing Ralph Macchio as Daniel, and Pat Morita as Mr Miyagi, his trainer. In the past films they clashed with the head of another martial arts school, John Kreese, played by Martin Kove.

In this film, Kreese has lost his students, teams up with an old friend, Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and they plan revenge on Daniel and Mr Miyagi. Kreese goes to Tahiti to recuperate and the word goes round that he is dead.

In the meantime, Daniel and Mr Miyagi have returned from a tournament, the house destroyed by developers, Daniel giving his funds to Mr Miyagi to set up a bonsai shop. This attracts attacks from Silver and his thug cronies. There is pressure on Daniel to join a tournament but he refuses. There are quite some complexities, the destruction of the bonsai, threats to Daniel and Jessica (whom he has met at a club and is attracted to). Daniel is also involved in a fight in the club.

There is tension between Daniel and Mr Miyagi but all is resolved, the buildup to a final tournament where Daniel is to be destroyed, his turning the tide during the fight – defeat for the villains, happy ever after.

This film was not as popular with the public as the previous two films. There was a feature, The Karate Kid with Hilary Swank in the title role. There was also a remake with Jaden Smith, Will Smith’s son.


1. The popularity of the first two films? Audience expectations? The same credits in writing, direction, Bill Conti’s score?

2. The initial tension? John Kreese, his students, antagonism towards Daniel and Miyagi, his friendship with Terry Silver, toxic waste disposal, their discussions, planning revenge, Kreese reported dead?

3. Daniel and Miyagi, return home from the tournament, the home destroyed, Daniel homeless, giving his funds to Miyagi, the bonsai shop? Daniel’s mother caring for the uncle in New York? His meeting with Jessica, the attraction?

4. Mike Barnes, the challenge, Snake and Dennis, the plot against Daniel and Miyagi? Challenging Daniel to a tournament? Daniel firm, refusal?

5. The lies about Krease? The bonsai plant, the destruction, digging up the tree, Daniel and Jessica, the threats and the rope, Daniel forced to sign? And his clashing with Miyagi?

6. Silver, offering to training Daniel, the moves, mockery?

7. The night club, the fight, Daniel, apologies?

8. Kreese’s arrival, the truth, the attack? Miyagi refusing to help Daniel?

9. Daniel, the buildup to the fight, the thugs and their approach, the plan for Barnes to win, Daniel turning the Tide, winning?

10. The vindication of the Karate Kid?