As a die-hard fan of the Cobra Kai saga, I can’t help but be thrilled at the swift return of the franchise following the series finale. What makes this even more exciting is the announcement of their first big-screen outing in 15 years! The film cleverly weaves the Miyagi-Verse narrative by featuring Jackie Chan as Mr. Han and Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, demonstrating an intriguing connection between their martial arts styles. But what truly piques my interest is the introduction of a fresh protagonist, Li Fong (Ben Wang), whose tale offers a captivating twist that distinguishes him from other franchise heroes.
It’s not hidden that many films, including most of them, adhere to a common structure: A victimized child discovers martial arts under an initially unwilling instructor with a sorrowful past. This child then applies their fresh knowledge to win a decisive battle, gaining their peers’ admiration and putting an end to the bullying. Although each film may have unique elements, particularly Cobra Kai, which continued the narrative for six seasons, Karate Kid: Legends is the first to significantly alter this pattern. Instead of Li starting off as Daniel or Dre Parker did, moving to a new location, falling in love with a girl, and getting tormented by her ex-partner, Li already possesses kung fu skills. Consequently, instead of being guided by a new mentor who helps him overcome his bully, Li takes on the role of the teacher himself.
Karate Kid: Legends Flips the Mentor-Mentee Narrative on Its Head
Li Fong Becomes Both the Student and the Teacher
As a movie aficionado recounting my experience with “Karate Kid: Legends,” I’d say that upon settling in New York, Li befriends a local girl named Mia Lipani, whose boxing champion father, Victor, is struggling to keep his pizzeria afloat due to financial woes from a shady character named O’Shea. When thugs sent by O’Shea threaten Victor, Li steps in and defends him, leading to Victor requesting kung fu lessons from Li. Though forbidden from engaging in combat following the tragic death of his brother at the hands of an envious martial arts peer, Li consents. This narrative twist allows the film to delve into the student-teacher dynamic from a fresh perspective, as Li follows in the footsteps of his late great-uncle and mentor, who was also a master in martial arts, preparing Victor for a significant boxing bout.
As a movie critic, I found “Karate Kid: Legends” to be an intriguing twist on the familiar “Cobra Kai” tale. Instead of the typical role reversal, we have young Li taking on the mentor role for a retired Victor. Despite his youth, Li is haunted by a past mistake – his failure to act when his brother was killed. He’s trying to make amends through this mentorship, and it seems like he’s finding some healing in this bond.
However, unlike other mentors in the franchise who guide younger characters, Li faces challenges that are beyond his years. When it comes to a villain like O’Shea, even with new martial arts skills, Victor suffers severe injuries due to rule-breaking by his opponent. Once again, Li freezes instead of intervening, blaming himself for the consequences.
Unlike other teachers in the franchise who are helping kids avoid bullying, Li is a kid himself, struggling to handle the real-life repercussions of Victor’s loss. It’s a poignant portrayal of the burden of guilt and the challenges of growing up amidst adversity.
In the course of the story, Karate Kid: Legends takes a familiar turn as Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso join forces to instruct Li for the Five Boroughs Tournament. This is to help him conquer his anxieties and aid Victor in settling his debts. Although brief, Li’s teaching phase provides a refreshing shift, enabling him to connect with Victor as he reveals the story of his brother’s demise. It underscores that even a skilled fighter like Li, faces numerous life challenges that require further learning. This arrangement paves the way for his transition back to being a student in the second half of the movie, highlighting his struggle to attain equilibrium and tranquility amidst life’s trials.
The Karate Kid Franchise Has Always Been About Students and Teachers
The Troubled Student and Reluctant Mentor Formula Still Works 41 Years Later
While not all “Karate Kid” films have been blockbusters, many fans would concur that the series’ most successful installments emphasize the profound student-teacher relationships that made the franchise endearing in its early days. For example, the original trilogy centered around Daniel and Mr. Miyagi, forming an unconventional father-son duo as Miyagi guided Daniel through life. The 2010 “Karate Kid” and “Cobra Kai” series also followed this pattern, focusing on fresh mentor-mentee pairings that resonated with viewers. This consistent focus on the original formula has proven effective across the franchise, yet today’s audiences seem to tire of repetition. Therefore, the new take on the formula presented in “Karate Kid: Legends” is a welcome change of pace.
| Installment | Student | Teacher |
|---|---|---|
| The Karate Kid Trilogy | Daniel LaRusso | Mr. Miyagi |
| The Next Karate Kid | Julie Pierce | Mr. Miyagi |
| The Karate Kid (2010) | Dre Parker | Mr. Han |
| Cobra Kai | Miguel Diaz, Robby Keene | Johnny Lawrence, Daniel LaRusso |
| Karate Kid: Legends | Victor Lipani, Li Fong | Li Fong, Mr. Han, Daniel LaRusso |
Similar to how Cobra Kai expanded the character of Johnny, Karate Kid: Legends delves into Li, portraying him as both a pupil and an instructor. Although the film doesn’t have the luxury of time to extensively develop Li’s relationships like the series does, it effectively demonstrates the significance of his mentor and student in his life. Mr. Han serves as both Li’s master and great-uncle, showing his efforts to aid Li following his brother’s demise, despite going against his mother’s wishes. Conversely, Li and Victor initially have a rocky relationship, but Li develops affection for the ex-boxer not only because he is Mia’s father, but also because he is a decent man trying to make ends meet. The fact that we witness Li confiding in Victor about his past is a reflection of their strong bond, and Li’s sense of responsibility towards Victor as his teacher when he ends up in the hospital underscores this connection. This dual role played by Li contributes to his intriguing character, making him captivating to watch.
Karate Kid: Legends Is at Its Best When It Forges Its Own Path
Future Karate Kid Installments Should Follow Suit
Despite not quite reaching the peak of its precursors, “Karate Kid: Legends” shines brightest when it emphasizes the unique elements that distinguish it from other series installments. The introduction of Li taking on his own pupil was an enjoyable twist and a smart way to rejuvenate the franchise’s formula. However, this aspect could have been more impactful if it had been the central focus of the movie instead of being introduced later on. Watching Li guide both students was thrilling, but their relationships with him seemed less developed compared to his emotional connections with Victor. If the film had been longer, allowing for a deeper exploration of Li’s other relationships, it could have offered a more balanced experience. Nonetheless, Li and Victor’s friendship emerges as a notable highlight of the movie, warranting further development in the second half.
In the initial stages of “Karate Kid: Legends” release, if the movie performs well, it has potential to initiate a new chapter in the series. Given its success, creators might be open to extending Li’s storyline further into another sequel. Potentially, he could encounter other characters from the franchise, broadening the narrative. Future “Karate Kid” films should take inspiration from this movie and not shy away from innovation when crafting the plot. The popularity of “Cobra Kai” stems from its departure from traditional student-teacher narratives in past films, delving deeper into the franchise’s central themes and history. “Karate Kid: Legends” introduced an intriguing twist with Li and Victor, yet didn’t fully develop this unique student-teacher dynamic. If it manages to harmonize novelty with a nod to the original movies, the Karate Kid franchise could continue to thrive.
Read More
- CRK Boss Rush guide – Best cookies for each stage of the event
- Fortress Saga tier list – Ranking every hero
- Glenn Greenwald Sex Tape Leak: Journalist Cites “Maliciously Political” Motives
- Mini Heroes Magic Throne tier list
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- Cookie Run Kingdom Town Square Vault password
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
- How to Prepare and Dominate the Awakened Hollyberry Cookie Update
- Hero Tale best builds – One for melee, one for ranged characters
- Overwatch Stadium Tier List: All Heroes Ranked
2025-06-05 01:22