The Karate Kid Part III

Back from Okinawa, Daniel and Mr. Miyagi find the apartment building demolished. Daniel spends his college fund on a bonsai shop with his friend. Meanwhile, the broke John Kreese seeks out Terry Silver, a toxic-chemicals tycoon and old war buddy who wants revenge. Silver hires the brutal champion Mike Barnes to force Daniel to defend his title at the All Valley. Miyagi refuses to train him, and Daniel accepts Silver's offer, who trains him cruelly. When he sees through the ruse, Daniel returns to Miyagi and faces Barnes at the tournament, winning with the kata.

1. Behind the scenesIt almost became a prequel

   Writer Kamen wanted a prequel, with Daniel and Miyagi traveling in a dream to 16th-century China and a female lead. The producers balked. He only came back after the studio paid him a lot more.

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2. Behind the scenesWho is older?

   Thomas Ian Griffith plays Terry Silver, a war veteran about 20 years older than Daniel, but he is four months younger than Ralph Macchio. Silver exists because Martin Kove, who plays Kreese, had a scheduling conflict.

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3. Behind the scenesRomance rewritten

   Robyn Lively was 16 when she filmed, and Ralph Macchio was 27. Jessica and Daniel's romantic scenes were rewritten into a close friendship. The film is dedicated to cinematographer James Crabe, who died in 1989.

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