Karate Kid: Legends (2025) unfolds with Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy from Beijing, moving to New York City with his mother, who has accepted a prestigious job there. Li’s backstory reveals a family tragedy: some time before the move, Li’s brother Bo was stabbed by a rival after a martial arts tournament, prompting Li's mother to insist he give up fighting for safety. Upon arrival in New York, Li struggles socially at his new school. He soon strikes up a romantic relationship with Mia Lipani, the daughter of a former local boxing champion, Victor Lipani, who owns a pizza shop. However, their peaceful life is disrupted by confrontations with Mia’s aggressive ex-boyfriend, Conor Day, a local karate champion.

Early scenes paint a vivid picture of Li's adjustment. A brutal incident occurs when Conor punches Li in the face, illustrating the hostile environment Li is entering. Li’s mother then hires Alan, a tutor who becomes Li’s friend and supports him through these challenges. Li attempts to prove himself physically and confronts Conor again at school but is decisively defeated when he tries a risky "dragon kick" move taught by his late brother Bo. This defeat sets Li on his journey of growth and mastery.

Li's training is central to the story. Guided by his kung fu master, Mr. Han from Beijing, and the legendary Karate Kid himself, Daniel LaRusso, Li combines kung fu and karate techniques. The film conveys this mentorship deeply, with lessons emphasizing honor and balance between martial skill and restraint. This mentorship culminates as Li enters the Five Boroughs Tournament, the ultimate city-wide martial arts competition whose prize money could resolve Victor Lipani's financial troubles — Victor is hospitalized and indebted, adding emotional weight to the competition.

The tournament itself is a series of escalating confrontations. Li's final challenger is Conor Day, setting up a dramatic, visceral showdown. Their duel is intense and closely matched, with Li ultimately outsmarting Conor using a technique called the "Tiger Trap," learned from both mentors. The fight is not only a display of martial prowess but also a test of Li’s character and growth since arriving in New York.

In a decisive moment, when Conor attacks Li from behind and Li has the chance to seriously injure him, Li chooses mercy, sparing his opponent further harm. This restraint reflects the moral core of the franchise and marks Li’s personal growth from a reactive youth to a disciplined martial artist who fights with honor rather than anger. The film closes with Li celebrating his victory alongside his loved ones, symbolizing triumph not just in the tournament but in his internal journey.

Throughout the film, the scene transitions from urban New York streets and intimidating schoolyards to rigorous training locations blending Chinese kung fu traditions with American karate dojos. The presence of both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso connects the legacy of martial arts across generations and cultures, but the narrative centralizes Li’s personal coming-of-age through trials, friendships, losses, and ultimately, triumph.

The story arc from an insecure newcomer learning control and honor, to a confident champion who chooses compassion over vengeance, is conveyed with palpable impression—especially in the moments of physical confrontation mixed with quiet reflection and counsel. The narrative’s structure allows the viewer to experience Li’s challenges intimately: from bruising fights and failed attempts to the steady accumulation of wisdom that leads to his final moral and martial victory.

Family-Friendliness of Karate Kid: Legends (2025)

Karate Kid: Legends is rated PG-13, which generally means it may include material parents might find unsuitable for children under 13. While the film maintains the spirit and uplifting themes familiar from earlier Karate Kid movies, it is important to consider the specific content that could be challenging or upsetting for younger viewers or sensitive individuals.

Potentially Objectionable or Upsetting Content

Martial Arts Action and Violence - As with the rest of the franchise, the movie features intense martial arts fight scenes—including a climactic rooftop fight sequence—which, while stylized, may be upsetting for some children. - The movie’s villain, Conor, is portrayed as particularly mean-spirited and “gets under our skin,” making him a memorable antagonist; children might find his behavior distressing. - Training sequences involve physical hardship, and there are moments where the main character faces bullying and physical threats, though these are presented in a way that inspires resilience.

Themes and Emotional Content - Loss and memory: The story touches on honor and remembering a lost sibling, which could be emotionally difficult for some viewers. - Confrontations and tension: There are scenes of verbal confrontation and conflict, typical for a film centered on overcoming adversity.

Language and Humor - While there is no evidence of strong language or crude humor, some reviews note slapstick comedy, but nothing inappropriate for the target age group. - The tone is generally positive, with performances described as charming and earnest, which helps mitigate some of the tension.

Pacing and Structure

• The film is noted for being rushed in its storytelling, especially toward the climax, which could make some scenes feel abrupt or intense for sensitive viewers.
• The action is described as “badass” and “thrilling,” reinforcing that fight sequences are a major focus.

Summary Table

| Aspect | Content Description | Potential for Concern | |-----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Violence/Action | Stylized martial arts fights, some bullying and physical threats, villain is menacing | Moderate; not graphic, but intense | | Emotional Themes | Loss, memory, overcoming adversity | Mild to moderate depending on sensitivity | | Language/Humor | Minor slapstick, no strong language reported | Low | | Pacing | Rushed climax, abrupt scene transitions | Mild; could be disorienting for some children |

Conclusion

Karate Kid: Legends is generally family-friendly in its themes and intent, but the PG-13 rating should be respected—especially for children under 13 or those sensitive to bullying, physical conflict, or emotional themes of loss. While the movie inspires and entertains, some scenes could be intense for younger or particularly sensitive viewers, particularly due to action sequences and the aggressive antagonist. Parents are encouraged to preview or discuss the film with children if there are concerns about such content.

Yes, there are deaths in Karate Kid: Legends (2025), specifically involving central characters tied to the protagonist Li Fong.

• Bo Fong, Li's older brother, died before the events of the movie. Bo was fatally stabbed by a vengeful defeated opponent after winning a martial arts tournament some time ago. The attack happened offscreen, but it had a profound effect on the story, as it is the source of Li’s PTSD and his initial hesitation in fighting. Li witnessed the stabbing and froze, unable to save his brother, which causes his deep guilt throughout the film.

• There is no indication from the available sources that any other characters die during the course of the movie itself. Most of the film focuses on Li’s personal growth, overcoming trauma, and his ultimate victory in his conflict with Conor Day, the local karate champion.

So, Bo Fong is the only character whose death is significant and detailed, occurring prior to the main timeline and shaping one of the movie’s core emotional arcs.