Columbia Pictures and Sunswept Entertainment’s Karate Kid: Legends (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is a martial arts drama, and the sixth film in the The Karate Kid franchise.
Li Fong (Ben Wang) trains in kung fu in Beijing (China) under Mr. Han (Jackie Chan). His mother doesn’t approve of it because Li’s brother, who was also trained in martial arts, had been stabbed to death by his defeated rival. So she shifts to New York with Li. However, circumstances lead Li to train once again under Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio), this time in New York. Suitably trained, Li enters the Five Boroughs Tournament. He has to fight his girlfriend’s former boyfriend, Connor Day (Aramis Knight), in the finals. Not only is girlfriend Mia Lipani (Sadie Stanley) present to cheer for him beside Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso but Li’s mother is also there.
Based on The Karate Kid, the story and screenplay by Robert Lieber are quite predictable. There’s not much freshness in the drama but the last 20 minutes — the Five Boroughs Tournament — are exciting.
Jackie Chan does a fine job as Mr. Han. His dialogues in Hindi have been brilliantly dubbed by Ajay Devgan. Ralph Macchio is good as Daniel LaRusso. Ben Wang is natural as Li Fong. His dubbing, by Yug Devgan, is very good. Sadie Stanley is fair as Li’s girlfriend, Mia Lipani. Joshua Jackson makes his mark as Mia’s father, Victor Lipani. Ming Na-Wen has her moments as Li’s mother, Dr. Fong. Aramis Knight makes his presence amply felt in the role of Connor Day. Wyatt Oleff is natural as Li’s tutor and friend, Alan. Others provide good support.
Jonathan Entwistle’s direction is very nice. Dominic Lewis’ background music is impactful. Justin Brown’s cinematography is of a fine standard. Production designing (Jon Billington and Maya Sigel) is proper. Dana E. Glauberman and Colby Parker Jr.’s editing is sharp. Dubbing is excellent.
On the whole, Karate Kid: Legends is a fair entertainer but it offers no novelty. It will do average business.
Released on 30-5-’25 at Metro Inox (daily 1 show), Maratha Mandir (daily 3 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay by Sony Pictures Films India Pvt. Ltd. Publicity: fair. Opening: poor. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull at most of the places.
