I don't get as much time to watch movies as I used to. With all the hustle and bustle of work and life, I don't even realize how the week passes. But when I get some free time during the holidays, I spend time checking out the movie list—what's new, what's the rating, who's in which movie, etc.
That's how I came across the trailer of Karate Kid Legends (2025) a few days ago. What caught my eye the most in the trailer was Jackie Chan! Yes, that Jackie Chan, whose movies I grew up watching, whose action, comedy, and human emotion made me fall in love with movies. I decided then and there, that I had to watch this movie no matter what. Today, the office ended a little early. I didn't delay any longer when I got home, I sat down to watch Karate Kid Legends straight away. And believe me, in the first 10 minutes, that old nostalgia, that familiar Jackie Chan love came back.
For those who haven't seen it yet, I'll give spoilers about the movie's plot here.
The story of this movie starts out simple but gradually becomes much deeper. The main character of the movie is Li Fong (Ben Wang), a Chinese-American teenager who lives with his family in New York. He is very angry inside—about his identity, his place in society, and his relationship with his father. This boy's life suddenly faces danger—a dangerous gang targets him because he once made a mistake and insulted them.
In this situation, he had two options—one was to run away, the other was to find the courage within himself and stand up. And this is where our familiar guru Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) enters. He teaches Li how to control his anger, how mental strength and patience are more important than physical strength.
Although Li initially does not pay much attention to Han's teachings, he gradually understands that the biggest battle of his life is not outside, but inside. And he must win this battle. Then the two of them started training together—in full Karate style, starting with carrying water with a bucket and increasing focus, control, and stamina through small tasks. Watching these parts, I remembered the 2010 movie The Karate Kid, where Jackie Chan trained Dre in exactly this style.
Another twist in the story came when Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) appeared. Daniel and Mr. Han began a great friendship and mutual respect. The two of them helped Li build from different sides—Han taught self-control, and Daniel taught him to confidently establish his own position.
In the end, Li faced the gang that he had insulted before. But this time he didn’t run away, he stood up. Leaving his fear, anger, and weakness behind, he fought to the very end. This part was very emotional, because it wasn’t just a fight, but a fight for self-confidence. Li didn’t just win by fighting, he won by defeating his inner fear.When Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio stand together in the final scene and watch Li's success, it brings tears to my eyes. Two generations of Karate Masters, two legendary characters—giving the strength to a new generation to move forward. And that is the true Karate Spirit.
So those who haven't seen it yet, why are you delaying? Let's watch this movie about family. And those who have seen it, let me know what you think.