Kid 3: Karate

The Karate Kid Part III , released on June 30, 1989, is the final chapter of the original Daniel LaRusso trilogy starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita. Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Robert Mark Kamen, the film finds Daniel and Mr. Miyagi returning from Okinawa to Los Angeles, only to be targeted by a vengeful John Kreese and his wealthy Vietnam War comrade, Terry Silver. While initially met with mixed reviews for repeating the original's formula, the film has undergone a massive critical re-evaluation in recent years due to its deep ties to the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai . Plot and New Characters

The story picks up shortly after Daniel’s victory at the All Valley tournament. A destitute John Kreese, having lost his students and dojo, seeks help from Terry Silver, a ruthless businessman and martial arts expert who pledges to help Kreese gain revenge and re-establish the Cobra Kai dojo. Key new additions to the cast include: Karate Kid 3

In the first two films, Miyagi’s lessons are about balance and honor. In Part III , Miyagi essentially watches his son figure have a nervous breakdown. Daniel has panic attacks, nightmares, and finally, a public humiliation where he drops his gi and cries. Miyagi’s solution isn’t a cool training technique; it’s forcing Daniel to face the fear itself. The famous "Skeleton Training" scene, where Miyagi wears a Halloween costume to scare Daniel, is often mocked, but it is brilliant therapy: You must learn to fight when you are terrified. The Karate Kid Part III , released on