Two-time Academy Award - winner (Best Actress, Boys Don't Cry, 1999; Best Actress, Million Dollar Baby, 2004) Hilary Swank shines in her first starring role as The Next Karate Kid, co-starring Oscar - nominee (Best Supporting Actor, The Karate Kid, 1984) Noriyuki "Pat" Morita. When her parents are killed in a car accident, 17-year-old Julie Pierce (Swank) falls under the wise and patient guidance of Mr. Miyagi (Morita), who teaches the sullen teen to dispel her anger through the healing powers of the martial arts. So when she becomes the newest target of the Alpha Elite - a sadistic gang of high-school bullies - it's up to Julie to teach them a lesson they'll never forget.