Karate Kid: Legends Out in UK Cinemas Today

Film Feature by Chris Olson

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and starring Jackie Chan, Ben Wang and Joshua Jackson, a new Karate Kid movie was released in the UK today. Karate Kid: Legends (2025) is rated a 12A by the BBFC, so a perfect end-of-half-term option for families with older children this weekend.

Forced to trade the tranquillity of his martial arts training for the concrete jungle of New York, kung fu prodigy Li Fong finds himself an outsider at a demanding new school. His attempts to forge a normal life are shattered when his innate talent sparks a rivalry with an undefeated karate champion. With his newfound friendships hanging in the balance, Li commits to entering the city's premier karate competition. His path forward is illuminated by two legends: his devoted kung fu master, Mr. Han, and the seasoned wisdom of Daniel LaRusso. Together, they help Li forge a unique fighting philosophy, preparing him for an epic clash that will test his limits and honour a martial arts legacy.

Fans of The Karate Kid (2010), are likely excited to see Jackie Chan back in action and those of the original 1984 film will be happy to see Ralph Macchio in the lineup. For those who don't remember, here's a synopsis of the original The Karate Kid movie:

Uprooted from his familiar New Jersey life, awkward teenager Daniel LaRusso finds himself a fish out of water in sunny Los Angeles. His attempts to make friends and impress a local girl quickly backfire, drawing the relentless ire of Johnny Lawrence, the charismatic leader of the menacing Cobra Kai karate dojo. Constantly targeted and outmatched, Daniel's despair leads him to the unassuming apartment handyman, Mr. Miyagi.

What begins as a plea for protection blossoms into an extraordinary mentorship. Miyagi, a quiet and wise Okinawan immigrant, agrees to teach Daniel karate, but not in any way Daniel expects. Through mundane chores like waxing cars and sanding floors, Daniel unknowingly masters fundamental defensive techniques, learning that true martial arts are about balance, discipline, and inner peace, not aggression.

As the bullying escalates, Miyagi orchestrates a truce: Daniel will face his tormentors on neutral ground at the upcoming All-Valley Karate Tournament. With Miyagi's unconventional wisdom and unwavering support, Daniel transforms from a victim into a determined contender, ready to confront Johnny and the "strike first, strike hard, no mercy" philosophy of Cobra Kai in a climactic showdown that will test his newfound skills and spirit.

About the Director

Jonathan Entwistle is a highly regarded British director celebrated for his distinctive visual style and ability to craft compelling narratives, particularly those with a blend of dark humour and poignant character development. He first gained widespread critical acclaim as a director and executive producer for the BAFTA-winning Netflix series The End of the F*ing World, which cemented his reputation for unique storytelling.

Following this success, Entwistle continued to make his mark in television with the similarly acclaimed series I Am Not Okay with This and the retro-futuristic Hello Tomorrow!. His talent for bringing fresh perspectives to established properties has also extended to feature films. He helmed the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends and is attached to other high-profile projects like Power Rangers and The Lost Boys, showcasing his versatility across genres. From his earlier short films like Human Beings to his current slate of major studio productions, Entwistle has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for evocative atmosphere and an innate understanding of his characters' journeys.