The Karate Kid Read Along Story Book - Empty Hand - based on the film starring Ralph Macchio and Elisabeth Shue redone as a book and cassette tape for the home - Daniel is new in town, and is getting picked on by the local bullies, who all are adept in karate. Determined to stick up for himself, Daniel begins to teach himself karate, only to discover that the caretaker at his apartment seems to be a grand master in karate. Agreeing to teach Daniel, Mr. Miyagi shows Daniel that there is more to karate than violence, and perhaps the best way to solve the problem he has with the bullies is in the All Valley Karate Championship.

The Karate Kid is a 1984 American martial arts drama film produced by Jerry Weintraub, directed by John G. Avildsen, written by Robert Mark Kamen, that stars Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita and Elisabeth Shue. It is an underdog story in the mold of a previous success, the 1976 film Rocky, which Avildsen also directed. The Karate Kid was a commercial success upon release and garnered critical acclaim, earning Morita an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The film became the first in a series, spawning three sequels and a remake in 2010. This book & tape version is based of the karate kid 1984 full movie

► The Cast

Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso
Pat Morita as Kesuke Miyagi
Elisabeth Shue as Ali Mills
William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence
Ron Thomas as Bobby Brown
Rob Garrison as Tommy
Chad McQueen as Dutch
Tony O'Dell as Jimmy
Martin Kove as John Kreese
Randee Heller as Lucille LaRusso
Julie Fields as Susan
Frances Bay as Lady with Dog
William Bassett as Mr Mills

According to the special-edition DVD commentary, the studio originally wanted the role of Mr. Miyagi to be played by Toshiro Mifune, but writer Robert Mark Kamen was opposed to that casting choice feeling that Mifune's interpretation of the character lacked the warmth and humor that the role needed. Mako was also considered for the role of Mr. Miyagi, but was not available due to prior commitments to film Conan the Destroyer, though he would eventually play a similar role in the film Sidekicks. According to Randee Heller, two days after she was cast, Jerry Weintraub informed her that they intended to replace her with Valerie Harper. John G. Avildsen said that after seeing Harper's audition they decided not to replace Heller after all.

► Music

The musical score for The Karate Kid was composed by Bill Conti, a frequent collaborator of director John G. Avildsen since their initial pairing on Rocky (1976). The instrumental score was orchestrated by Jack Eskew and featured pan flute solos by Gheorge Zamfir. On March 12, 2007, Varèse Sarabande released all four Karate Kid scores in a 4-CD box set limited to 2,500 copies worldwide.

A soundtrack album was released in 1984 by Casablanca Records containing many of the contemporary songs featured in the film. Of particular note is Joe Esposito's "You're the Best", featured during the tournament montage near the end of the first film. Originally written for Rocky III, "You're the Best" was rejected by Sylvester Stallone in favor of Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger". Coincidentally, Survivor also performed the main theme ("The Moment of Truth" Music & Lyrics: Bill Conti, Dennis Lambert, Peter Beckett) for The Karate Kid.

Bananarama's 1984 hit song "Cruel Summer" also made its U.S. debut in The Karate Kid but was excluded from the film's soundtrack album. Other songs featured in the film but left off the album include "Please Answer Me" performed by Broken Edge and "The Ride" performed by The Matches.

Track listing for 1984 soundtrack

"The Moment of Truth" (Survivor)
"(Bop Bop) On the Beach" (The Flirts, Jan & Dean)
"No Shelter" (Broken Edge)
"Young Hearts" (Commuter)
"(It Takes) Two to Tango" (Paul Davis)
"Tough Love" (Shandi)
"Rhythm Man" (St. Regis)
"Feel the Night" (Baxter Robertson)
"Desire" (Gang of Four)
"You're the Best" (Joe Esposito)

► Sequels

The original 1984 film had three sequels, and it launched the career of Macchio, who would turn into a teen idol featured on the covers of magazines such as Tiger Beat. It revitalized the acting career of Morita, previously known mostly for his comedic role as Arnold on Happy Days, who was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award for his performance as Mr. Miyagi. Morita reprised his role in three sequels.

The Karate Kid Part II: A 1986 sequel in which Daniel accompanies Miyagi on a trip back to Okinawa (Japan), where he is reunited with loved ones, and is challenged by an old adversary.
The Karate Kid Part III: A 1989 sequel in which Kove reappears as Kreese, seeking revenge on Daniel and Miyagi with the help of allies played by Thomas Ian Griffith and Sean Kanan.
The Next Karate Kid: A 1994 revamp sequel in which Hilary Swank appears as Mr. Miyagi's new student, Julie Pierce.
The Karate Kid: A 2010 remake starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith

#thekaratekid audiobook

Everything great started in 1984 :)