This film is an, absolute, CLASSIC! I was 8 years old in 1984, and I can remember seeing this in the movie theater. Still, one of my all time favorite films. R.I.P Pat Morita, LEGEND!
Pat was the first actor my casting director, Caro Jones, brought in for me to read. I had never heard of him. Pat came in, I was sitting behind my little vhs home movie video recorder. I said "Action" and Pat hit it outta the park. I said This is the guy. The Producer said No. I spent the next couple of weeks casting some more. Finally I said Give'em a proper screen test and you'll see. The Producer did and Pat got the job. Can you imagine the movie without Pat Morita? Neither can I.
Even in audition, Ralph Macchio doesn't sound like he's reading a script. His delivery is so natural. How this guy isn't a big star right now is beyond me. He's a first rate actor.
Thanks. When Daniel leaves the scene with Mr Miyagi asleep in the back ground, I had Ralph stop and turn and bow to Mr Miyagi. This wasn't in the script. But after seeing the scene as these actors played it, I felt that Daniel would have been so moved from the experience, from learning things about Mr Miyagi that he didn't know before, that he would have turned and bowed out of respect. Ralph understood immediately and played the bow perfectly. It worked. That's why directing is so much fun.
Wow, what a talented actor, Macchio is - he sounds like he's saying everything for the first time in the movie. Yet here he is almost identical to it. It is spookily good.
Ralph was not the only canidate for the part of Daniel. Robert Downey Jr was among the other dozen or so actors who came in to read. Robert is a surperp actor, but for the part of Daniel you need vulnerability. Vulnrability is not what first comes to mind when you think of Mr Downey.
Edit for UA-cam. Drunk scene was not part of audition, but good idea. BTW, drunk scene was said to be bad idea. Studio wanted to cut it. Slowed down the movie. I protested and won.
Thank you for this, Mr. Avildsen! I'm half Japanese and whenever I see Pat Morita it brings back the image of what my father used to be when I was a kid. I remember seeing it for the first time, a rerun on local tv, when I was a kid. This movie is my go-to when I'm down!
This movie is timeless.. I was 6 when it came out and was one of my favorites.. Now, my daughter is 6 and in Karate, so I recently watched this with her and she loves it as much as I did. It's not just the story, but also the lessons and philosophy that make this movie timeless.. Thank you for your work.
Mr. Avildsen, I can't express the level of gratitude I have for your sharing of these iconic moments in film history! As a big fan of The Karate Kid, I can only say thank you for the greatness you have given us.
This just fascinates me! I love watching (or learning) how pieces of a movie come together, and seeing this raw footage is like candy! Both men were/are amazing actors, and you can see it in their auditions. Amazing.
Wonderful movie and great casting. I enjoyed watching this when I was young and through the years and now enjoy watching it with my two young son's. Thank you!
Mr. Avildsen, thank you so much for making this movie. It will forever be my favorite. The cast, the music, the story. its too perfect. The music by Bill Conti is incredible. Miss you Mr. Miyagi :*)
I just now noticed these pieces of gold on youtube. Thank you for posting Mr. Avildsen. And thank you for deciding to direct this movie. It changed my life kind of. I was 6 when I saw it and immediately enrolled in Okinawan Shuri_Ryu classes. For the next 13 years karate shaped my character and paved the way for me to get where I am now. Thank you! Bravo!!!!!
Not quite. Caro Jones, my casting director on lots of my movies, had Pat come in to see me first thing. I had never heard of him. Pat came in, sat down, I had my little video camera set up, and I said, "Any questions?" Pat said, "Nope." And I said, "Go." I was knocked out. "This guy is great! He's Mr Miyagi." But the producer said forget about it, we need a real actor. The producer, Jerry Weintraub, finally gave Pat a real screen test and was convinced. Jerry mentions this in his recent book.
The Karate Kid 1 though 3 is a great trilogy. The new Karate Kid with Jaden Smith should've never been made. Horrible! It was a little kids movie. There will never be a better Karate kid movie than the original.
Shooting rehearsals and cutting the stuff together gives to a chance to see the movie before you do it for real. I reccommend it. It's a good idea on soe many levels.
Mr. Avildsen, It is an honor to be able to comment to you about this film. When I watch this film I see a relationship between two people who are very different but somehow connect because they seem to need each other. The wise man and young boy light up the screen with a realism that just always moved me. As I get older I remember how impatient I was when I was young. I'm getting to the age(42) where I can relate to both characters and It makes me love this story even more. Wonderful movie!!!!
Thank you SOOO much Mr. Avildsen for making this movie. I hold it really close to my heart as it is a most favoured part of my childhood. I watched it today and felt really nostalgic, cause they really don't make em like this anymore. Everything in this movie was just perfect, such a wonderful job you did. Movies like these hold substance which movies today lack, which is why they are most cherished. Thank you soo much!
Wow... this is amazing to see. These two together on screen are like the best pair ever. I LOVED watching them two together. And I can't believe I'm seeing this on youtube. So amazed right now :)
You're leaving out the cat who wrote the story, Robert Kamen. Without Bobby K's script, we wouldn't be talking. He also wrote this week's Top Movie, TAKEN 2
Thank you so much for posting these videos. The Karate Kid is one of my favorites movies of all time. I've watched it countless times. I loved Ralph Macchio in it. Thank you so much for casting him! It wouldnt have been the same if he wasnt the karate kid.
Yuji can in and auditioned and was teriffic. Danny was an old pal of Pat's, very funny and totally different than his character, Sato. But Danny was also an excellent actor. This was clear after he auditoned. As a reult, he landed the role and performed it perfectly. He was always a pleassure.
Such a great movie. I liked all three of them. I really think the third movie doesnt get the credit it deserves. The pack of bad guys had such great charisma! Always makes me smile when I watch it.
Look at Ralph Macchio here, LOL! Can you believe he's 21 years old here. I looked just like him when I was younger, but I was 14. He looks so dam young.
Mr. Avildsen, thank you for sharing these hidden treasures with us! The Karate Kid is one of mine & hubby's all-time favorite movies, & it's a real treat to see what happened behind the scenes. All three movies tell a great story. And may I say that Ralph Macchio was my tween/teen crush back in the 80's. Too cute for the eyes.
I think Miyagi's part had improved by the time the movie was cut. Miyagi wasn't the kind of guy who would say anything "matter of factly." He was honorable and direct.
Thanks for sharing this and making such a timeless film. Karate Kid is one of my all-time top 5 favorite movies. In the past 6 months I've had the opportunity to meet Ralph and Billy who were absolutely perfect for the parts and great people in real-life too!
Interesting it would be this scene. One of the most iconic in the movie. It was meant to be broken into several takes with multiple angles, but Morita and Macchio were bringing it so strong, they kept it as one, long, continuous take from one angle.
My friend went to Los Angeles a year ago and I got him to take some pics for me in front of South Seas which is still in Reseda and also the school which is now used apparently as an ESL school.We live in Canada and he knows what a huge fan I am.Thank you so much for posting this for the fans!Much Love!
Thanks so much for not only sharing this, but for giving us these great movies. I just got done watching the 3 of them for old times sake and to me, they're timeless, the first 2 in particular. These were a big part of my childhood. I remember being so sad after hearing of Pat Morita's passing. Mr Miyagi was one of my favourite movie characters of all time growing up, and as others have said I really couldn't imagine anybody else playing the roles other than Pat and Ralph. Thanks again.
Awww, Ralph Macchio! He looks 14, yet he was 21 or so? He's so natural. I love this freakin' movie so much. The remake isn't bad, but it just doesn't have the magic of the original.
Thank you so much for sharing. This movie means a lot to me. In third grade I had a japanese American teacher who was not only my teacher in school. But an early life mentor. In June I'll be flying to Japan to fulfill my dream of visiting the land of his bloodline. To pay tribute to him.
Thanks for sharing this, John! Awesome that you have a UA-cam channel! I'm sure you know I speak for millions when I say "The Karate Kid" was one of the greatest icons of my youth/childhood! I'd like to extend my thanks to you and the late Pat Morita for creating one of greatest movies and most endearing characters (Mr. Miyagi) in cinema history! P.S. The remake was an abject DISGRACE!
the film that got me into karate and other martial arts, which in turn got me into pro wrestling, which then lead to me getting into film and tv acting... what a strange and fun cycle this has been!!
This is great. I watched the videos (this and the rehearsals and besides being a !great treasure! to all the fans it is also a great lesson in the art of filmmaking and how to achieve fantastic results. The movie is very rich in landscapes, with fantastic camera work, vibrant colors and compositions! Great team work! Thank you very much John! I'm a young filmmaker I really think you're great teacher!
Thank you very much for these KK archives, which give us a look into the creative process. Slate just did an article pointing to these, so you'll probably see an increase in comments.
This is great. I watched the videos (this and the rehearsals and besides being a !great treasure! to all the fans it is also a great lesson in the art of filmmaking and how to achieve fantastic results. The movie is very rich in landscapes, with fantastic camera work, vibrant colors and compositions! Great team work! Thank you very much John! I'm a young filmmaker I really think you're a great teacher!
There's a good interview here on YT where Pat Morita tells the story of how he was cast as Miyagi. He's very complimentary of Mr. Avildsen and Mr. Weintraub.
It's amazing how Pat and Ralph even have chemistry when separately filmed footage of them is cut together. I think part of what makes the film so interesting to watch and so inspiring is how we get to see two people from different cultures and with big personality differences form a bond with each other and learn from each other. It's got to be one of the great films to showcase how positive the American "melting pot" can be. Mr. Avildsen, do you have any insight on the casting of Tamlyn Tomita?
This is phenomenal. Thank you. Not just for this video. But yours, Bill's, and Pat's efforts at the core of this. Pardon me for names I don't know that I'm leaving out.
Every year my church does the Passion and I am allowed to present the High Priest Caiaphas. If there is one thing I am congnizant of doing is making sure I do not sound like I already know what I am going to say - it is difficult! I am also amused at how take after take the same line never comes out the same in pitch, cadence etc. By listening to these raw videos now I understand these two men are excellent actors. I have seen some awful screen tests by popular actors. But these guys are natural
Pat was sweet and funny. Incredibly talented and generous. Good company and a great friend.
I was blessed to know him. He is missed by millions.
This film is an, absolute, CLASSIC! I was 8 years old in 1984, and I can remember seeing this in the movie theater. Still, one of my all time favorite films.
R.I.P Pat Morita, LEGEND!
Pat was the first actor my casting director, Caro Jones, brought in for me to read. I had never heard of him.
Pat came in, I was sitting behind my little vhs home movie video recorder. I said "Action" and Pat hit it outta the park. I said This is the guy. The Producer said No. I spent the next couple of weeks casting some more. Finally I said Give'em a proper screen test and you'll see. The Producer did and Pat got the job. Can you imagine the movie without Pat Morita? Neither can I.
Even in audition, Ralph Macchio doesn't sound like he's reading a script. His delivery is so natural. How this guy isn't a big star right now is beyond me. He's a first rate actor.
I directed the movie and shot this video during the casting proccess.
He looks very young for a 22 year old.
hence the reason he usually played a teenager. same could be said for michael j. fox during those years.
Thanks.
When Daniel leaves the scene with Mr Miyagi asleep in the back ground, I had Ralph stop and turn and bow to Mr Miyagi. This wasn't in the script. But after seeing the scene as these actors played it, I felt that Daniel would have been so moved from the experience, from learning things about Mr Miyagi that he didn't know before, that he would have turned and bowed out of respect. Ralph understood immediately and played the bow perfectly. It worked. That's why directing is so much fun.
So cool. You can totally see why these two great actors got the parts and the rest was history.
Wow, what a talented actor, Macchio is - he sounds like he's saying everything for the first time in the movie. Yet here he is almost identical to it. It is spookily good.
Ralph was not the only canidate for the part of Daniel. Robert Downey Jr was among the other dozen or so actors who came in to read. Robert is a surperp actor, but for the part of Daniel you need vulnerability. Vulnrability is not what first comes to mind when you think of Mr Downey.
Classic footage. Thanks for posting. This is one of the all-time great movies.
Daniel here is 22 years old? WTF? He seems like 14!!!
My goodness, Ralph looks 12, not 22!
R I P Mr Miyagy.... (Pat Morita) He was such a "wise" ass Had a smart sarcastic answer for everything.....
I agree. Robert Kamen is the unsung hero of the movie. His script made it happen.
Edit for UA-cam. Drunk scene was not part of audition, but good idea.
BTW, drunk scene was said to be bad idea. Studio wanted to cut it. Slowed down the movie. I protested and won.
Thank you for this, Mr. Avildsen! I'm half Japanese and whenever I see Pat Morita it brings back the image of what my father used to be when I was a kid. I remember seeing it for the first time, a rerun on local tv, when I was a kid. This movie is my go-to when I'm down!
This movie is timeless.. I was 6 when it came out and was one of my favorites.. Now, my daughter is 6 and in Karate, so I recently watched this with her and she loves it as much as I did. It's not just the story, but also the lessons and philosophy that make this movie timeless.. Thank you for your work.
Mr. Avildsen, I can't express the level of gratitude I have for your sharing of these iconic moments in film history! As a big fan of The Karate Kid, I can only say thank you for the greatness you have given us.
Thanks a lot Mrs. Avildsen for making the 80´s a better place to live.
MAGIC... someone saw something great before it ever happened. Bravo...
Priceless footage! Love it!
He became a father figure to everyone. He was the missing father to Daniel. So controlled and wise. RIP Pat and thank you. Mr. Miagi 4ever :)
This just fascinates me! I love watching (or learning) how pieces of a movie come together, and seeing this raw footage is like candy! Both men were/are amazing actors, and you can see it in their auditions. Amazing.
Wonderful movie and great casting. I enjoyed watching this when I was young and through the years and now enjoy watching it with my two young son's. Thank you!
Mr. Avildsen, thank you so much for making this movie. It will forever be my favorite. The cast, the music, the story. its too perfect.
The music by Bill Conti is incredible. Miss you Mr. Miyagi :*)
Hard to believe he is 21 when this was filmed.
I just now noticed these pieces of gold on youtube. Thank you for posting Mr. Avildsen. And thank you for deciding to direct this movie. It changed my life kind of. I was 6 when I saw it and immediately enrolled in Okinawan Shuri_Ryu classes. For the next 13 years karate shaped my character and paved the way for me to get where I am now. Thank you! Bravo!!!!!
Director: Where did you get your belt ?
Mr . Pat: Jcpenny $ 3.98 ahhaaha :)
Not quite. Caro Jones, my casting director on lots of my movies, had Pat come in to see me first thing. I had never heard of him. Pat came in, sat down, I had my little video camera set up, and I said, "Any questions?" Pat said, "Nope." And I said, "Go."
I was knocked out. "This guy is great! He's Mr Miyagi."
But the producer said forget about it, we need a real actor. The producer, Jerry Weintraub, finally gave Pat a real screen test and was convinced. Jerry mentions this in his recent book.
The Karate Kid 1 though 3 is a great trilogy. The new Karate Kid with Jaden Smith should've never been made. Horrible! It was a little kids movie. There will never be a better Karate kid movie than the original.
YES! Thank you!
Shooting rehearsals and cutting the stuff together gives to a chance to see the movie before you do it for real.
I reccommend it. It's a good idea on soe many levels.
Ralph is such a great actor. His facial expressions and everything clearly won him the part he so talented!
Mr. Avildsen, It is an honor to be able to comment to you about this film. When I watch this film I see a relationship between two people who are very different but somehow connect because they seem to need each other. The wise man and young boy light up the screen with a realism that just always moved me. As I get older I remember how impatient I was when I was young. I'm getting to the age(42) where I can relate to both characters and It makes me love this story even more. Wonderful movie!!!!
Thank you SOOO much Mr. Avildsen for making this movie. I hold it really close to my heart as it is a most favoured part of my childhood. I watched it today and felt really nostalgic, cause they really don't make em like this anymore. Everything in this movie was just perfect, such a wonderful job you did. Movies like these hold substance which movies today lack, which is why they are most cherished. Thank you soo much!
Excellent! One can appreciate the strong writing and the acting involved in this film.
I'm so pleased you connectected with our story. Thank you for your gracious comment.
Just think if bruce lee and brandon lee had done an action film together in the 90's that would have been insane.
oh man now you have me imagining a film with bruce lee teaching his son kung fu.
Wow... this is amazing to see. These two together on screen are like the best pair ever. I LOVED watching them two together. And I can't believe I'm seeing this on youtube. So amazed right now :)
You're leaving out the cat who wrote the story, Robert Kamen. Without Bobby K's script, we wouldn't be talking. He also wrote this week's Top Movie, TAKEN 2
Thank you so much for posting these videos. The Karate Kid is one of my favorites movies of all time. I've watched it countless times. I loved Ralph Macchio in it. Thank you so much for casting him! It wouldnt have been the same if he wasnt the karate kid.
Yuji can in and auditioned and was teriffic. Danny was an old pal of Pat's, very funny and totally different than his character, Sato. But Danny was also an excellent actor. This was clear after he auditoned. As a reult, he landed the role and performed it perfectly. He was always a pleassure.
Such a great movie. I liked all three of them. I really think the third movie doesnt get the credit it deserves. The pack of bad guys had such great charisma! Always makes me smile when I watch it.
you missed the 4th movie :P with Hillary Swank :P
I cracked up at "fancy pants uncle"
Look at Ralph Macchio here, LOL! Can you believe he's 21 years old here. I looked just like him when I was younger, but I was 14. He looks so dam young.
Thank you for sharing this. Ralph and Pat were such natural actors, this role was perfect and they seem like great guys.
Mr. Avildsen, thank you for sharing these hidden treasures with us! The Karate Kid is one of mine & hubby's all-time favorite movies, & it's a real treat to see what happened behind the scenes. All three movies tell a great story. And may I say that Ralph Macchio was my tween/teen crush back in the 80's. Too cute for the eyes.
I think Miyagi's part had improved by the time the movie was cut. Miyagi wasn't the kind of guy who would say anything "matter of factly." He was honorable and direct.
I'm in love with Ralph
Wow. Macchio was a natural. Morita changed the characterization a lot.
Thanks for sharing this and making such a timeless film. Karate Kid is one of my all-time top 5 favorite movies. In the past 6 months I've had the opportunity to meet Ralph and Billy who were absolutely perfect for the parts and great people in real-life too!
The Red Foxx part of the story is news to me. And I never remember Pat being down troden. Pat was always ready to go. Whadda sweet spirit.
thanks for putting this up mr. avildsen!
what a treat for us fans. i grew up watching this. one of the BEST films of all time!
Interesting it would be this scene. One of the most iconic in the movie. It was meant to be broken into several takes with multiple angles, but Morita and Macchio were bringing it so strong, they kept it as one, long, continuous take from one angle.
this is epic! history...
See how round Ralph's face is? He was just a kid. Excellent editing. Like watching a movie. Macchio's reactions to just dialogue were very real.
wow.... great piece of film history, thanks for sharing this....
My friend went to Los Angeles a year ago and I got him to take some pics for me in front of South Seas which is still in Reseda and also the school which is now used apparently as an ESL school.We live in Canada and he knows what a huge fan I am.Thank you so much for posting this for the fans!Much Love!
The youngest 23 yr old I've ever seen. Larusso looked 15 in the first movie.
Cool. Very underrated actors.
Thanks so much for not only sharing this, but for giving us these great movies. I just got done watching the 3 of them for old times sake and to me, they're timeless, the first 2 in particular. These were a big part of my childhood. I remember being so sad after hearing of Pat Morita's passing. Mr Miyagi was one of my favourite movie characters of all time growing up, and as others have said I really couldn't imagine anybody else playing the roles other than Pat and Ralph. Thanks again.
Awww, Ralph Macchio! He looks 14, yet he was 21 or so? He's so natural. I love this freakin' movie so much. The remake isn't bad, but it just doesn't have the magic of the original.
One of the best Movies ever! The karated kid from 2010 can´t mess up with that even if Jackie Can is in it!
Thank you Director John G. Avildsen in sharing this video.
I understand exactly where you're coming from. His passing was a big, big piece of our childhood gone.
SERIOUSLY ONE OF MY FAVORITES
Thank you so much for sharing. This movie means a lot to me. In third grade I had a japanese American teacher who was not only my teacher in school. But an early life mentor. In June I'll be flying to Japan to fulfill my dream of visiting the land of his bloodline. To pay tribute to him.
Thanks For posting. He always looked so YOUNG. I didn't know (in the movie) his parent's were divorced. I thought his father died, ot took off (left)
Absolutely. I've always thought that an interesting movie would be if Daniel were to in turn teach his Karate to a new kid.
Thanks for sharing this, John! Awesome that you have a UA-cam channel!
I'm sure you know I speak for millions when I say "The Karate Kid" was one of the greatest icons of my youth/childhood! I'd like to extend my thanks to you and the late Pat Morita for creating one of greatest movies and most endearing characters (Mr. Miyagi) in cinema history!
P.S. The remake was an abject DISGRACE!
John I LOVE that you put up all these amazing never before seen videos from all time classics!!! Thank You.... Please keep these up for us forever :)
the film that got me into karate and other martial arts, which in turn got me into pro wrestling, which then lead to me getting into film and tv acting... what a strange and fun cycle this has been!!
The cast was perfection.
Thank you for uploading this. This is history of one of the most beloved movies in the making. THUMBS UP
This is great. I watched the videos (this and the rehearsals and besides being a !great treasure! to all the fans it is also a great lesson in the art of filmmaking and how to achieve fantastic results. The movie is very rich in landscapes, with fantastic camera work, vibrant colors and compositions! Great team work! Thank you very much John!
I'm a young filmmaker I really think you're great teacher!
John you are one of the best directors in history. Rocky is artwork and Karate Kid is Rocky;s legacy
Great movie. Just one question for Mr. Miyagi: if there are no bad students, where do the bad teachers come from?
Thank you for the great memories, Mr Avildsen.
Thank you very much for these KK archives, which give us a look into the creative process. Slate just did an article pointing to these, so you'll probably see an increase in comments.
absolutely perfect choices.
This is great. I watched the videos (this and the rehearsals and besides being a !great treasure! to all the fans it is also a great lesson in the art of filmmaking and how to achieve fantastic results. The movie is very rich in landscapes, with fantastic camera work, vibrant colors and compositions! Great team work! Thank you very much John!
I'm a young filmmaker I really think you're a great teacher!
i LOVE this series!!!!!
OMG YES!!! This isn't just a movie but in the right hands a damn good trilogy. Miyagi though the years. Great idea man.
this is beautiful, john. thank you for sharing. brings a tear to my eye... xo
There's a good interview here on YT where Pat Morita tells the story of how he was cast as Miyagi. He's very complimentary of Mr. Avildsen and Mr. Weintraub.
It's amazing how Pat and Ralph even have chemistry when separately filmed footage of them is cut together. I think part of what makes the film so interesting to watch and so inspiring is how we get to see two people from different cultures and with big personality differences form a bond with each other and learn from each other. It's got to be one of the great films to showcase how positive the American "melting pot" can be. Mr. Avildsen, do you have any insight on the casting of Tamlyn Tomita?
This is phenomenal. Thank you. Not just for this video. But yours, Bill's, and Pat's efforts at the core of this. Pardon me for names I don't know that I'm leaving out.
Thank you.
Very cool...thanks for sharing.
He is soooo cute!
Thank you so much for this, Mr. Avildsen!
Daniel was actually in his early 20's here...A lot of people thought he was a little kid...
This is so awesome, thank you for sharing this!
Thank you and good luck, luck being a big factor.
I love how pat talks in the 3rd person.
I wanna see the guys who did not get the parts.
Every year my church does the Passion and I am allowed to present the High Priest Caiaphas. If there is one thing I am congnizant of doing is making sure I do not sound like I already know what I am going to say - it is difficult! I am also amused at how take after take the same line never comes out the same in pitch, cadence etc. By listening to these raw videos now I understand these two men are excellent actors. I have seen some awful screen tests by popular actors. But these guys are natural
this makes me want to watch sidekicks again
Awesome. Thanks for the upload!
Priceless...