‘Karate Kid: Legends’ reconnects generations, finds new footing in familiar steps

‘Karate Kid: Legends’ reconnects generations, finds new footing in familiar steps

The Karate Kid legacy returns to the big screen with Karate Kid: Legends, a film that ties the past, present, and future of the beloved franchise in one emotionally driven, high-kicking narrative.

And just like any good martial arts comeback, this one starts with a quiet student, a troubled city, and a fight that’s more than just physical.

A tale of fists, fears, and fresh starts

Set years after the events of the 2010 reboot and the Cobra Kai series, Legends introduces us to Li Fong (Ben Wang), a gifted kung fu student from Beijing who, after a personal tragedy, moves to New York with his mother (Ming-Na Wen) in search of a fresh start. But as with most journeys in the Karate Kid saga, the past finds a way to follow.

In the city, Li finds unlikely friendships — including Mia (Sadie Stanley), a spirited teen who introduces him to the neighborhood and her father Victor (Joshua Jackson), a pizzeria owner struggling under mounting debt. What begins as a quiet life quickly escalates: Li is harassed by school bully Conor (Aramis Knight), then targeted by thugs working for local loan shark and dojo owner O’Shea (Tim Rozon).

Victor, impressed by Li’s martial arts skills, convinces him to train for a local boxing match to help cover his debt. When the match turns ugly and Victor is hospitalized after taking illegal hits, Li is shaken, paralyzed by guilt and haunted by memories of a brother he once failed to protect.

That’s when Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enters once more. Seeing Li spiraling, he travels west to convince Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) to help train the boy for the Five Boroughs Tournament. With their combined teachings, Li begins blending kung fu with Miyagi-Do karate — a union of styles, philosophies, and second chances.

Old moves, new kicks

Training under two legends, Li sharpens his skills — including a feint flying kick that becomes his signature. In classic Karate Kid fashion, the climax comes in the tournament finals: a race-to-eight match against Conor. Li’s earlier failure empowers him to land the decisive flying kick. The moment does not just won him the whole thing, he won against his own past.

After the dust settles, the film serves a final slice of nostalgia: Li sends a pizza to Mr. Miyagi’s LA home, where Daniel and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) share a moment — and possibly dream of their own pizza shop.

Nostalgia meets next-gen

Karate Kid: Legends doesn’t stray far from the franchise blueprint — new kid in town, new bullies, training montage, big win — but that’s also its strength. It reintroduces the themes to a younger audience while giving longtime fans a respectful nod.

While the subplot with Victor’s boxing arc felt slightly offbeat and dropped too soon, it subtly reinforces Li’s inner conflict and guilt — showcasing that his real battle isn’t with fists, but with fear.

Ben Wang shines as the emotional core of the movie, matching intense action choreography with heartfelt performance. The fight scenes, while polished with modern editing, still deliver tension and energy — even if some longtime fans may find them a bit too clean.

A standout moment comes in the form of archival footage of Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita), bridging generations and solidifying the connection between Mr. Han and the original Karate Kid legacy. The inclusion of iconic training methods like the “jacket on, jacket off” drives it home: this isn’t a spin-off — it’s the same story with a new rhythm.

Final verdict

Karate Kid: Legends may not hit the same emotional highs as the originals, but it packs enough heart, homage, and fresh talent to earn its place in the dojo.

Whether you grew up with Daniel LaRusso or just caught Cobra Kai on streaming, this latest chapter welcomes both old and new with open arms and ready stances.