After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren't enough. Li's kung fu teacher Mr. Han enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
After a family tragedy, kung fu prodigy Li Fong is uprooted from his home in Beijing and forced to move to New York City with his mother. When a new friend needs his help, Li enters a karate competition – but his skills alone aren't enough. Li's kung fu teacher Mr. Han enlists original Karate Kid Daniel LaRusso for help, and Li learns a new way to fight, merging their two styles into one for the ultimate martial arts showdown.
The film is rated Left-Leaning (-1) because its core subject matter, focusing on the challenges of immigrant adaptation and promoting a nuanced view of multiculturalism through the blending of Eastern and Western traditions, aligns with progressive values.
The movie features an Asian immigrant as its central protagonist, reflecting an intentional choice in casting. Its narrative explores themes of cultural integration and the immigrant experience within a diverse setting, emphasizing positive social values without explicitly critiquing traditional identities.
Karate Kid: Legends does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. The film's narrative centers on conventional storylines of martial arts, mentorship, and cross-cultural experiences, without exploring LGBTQ+ identities or issues.
The film does not feature female characters in prominent fighting or martial arts roles. Key female characters, such as Dr. Fong and Mia Lipani, are not depicted engaging in or winning direct physical combat against male opponents. The narrative focuses primarily on male protagonists in combat scenarios.
The film maintains traditional gender roles for its male leads, including returning characters Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso, and introduces new characters without any indication of gender transformation or role reversal. No established character's gender has been altered from prior canon or source material.
The film introduces new Asian American characters while established legacy characters, Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Han, are reprised by their original actors, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, maintaining their established races. No pre-existing character is portrayed by an actor of a different race.
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources