The film "Karate Kid: Legends" was shot in several countries, including Canada, Japan, and India. The choice of these locations may be due to several factors. Japan is the birthplace of many martial arts, including karate, making it an ideal place for filming scenes related to the traditions and philosophy of martial arts. Canada offers diverse natural and urban landscapes, allowing for visually varied scenes. India, with its rich culture and history, adds an exotic and unique flavor that can enrich the film's visuals.
Comparing with the original 1984 film "The Karate Kid," it can be noted that the creators of the new film may have chosen locations to emphasize the global scale and diversity of cultures associated with martial arts. In the original film, the main action took place in the USA and Japan, which also highlighted cultural exchange and learning. Thus, the choice of locations for "Karate Kid: Legends" may be a tribute to the original, as well as an attempt to show the development and expansion of the martial arts world.

Filming Locations:

Kung Fu School

In the Movie

Scene where young children learn the art of kung fu. In this scene, Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) conducts a training session for a group of children and teaches them the basics of kung fu, emphasizing the importance of discipline and harmony. The children repeat the movements under the guidance of the mentor, surrounded by the nature and tranquility of the park.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Yu Garden in Shanghai, China, and was used as the kung fu school. In the background, a city panorama is visible, but here the creators used computer graphics: the school was superimposed on the panorama of Montreal. This is a picturesque place with traditional Chinese architecture, ponds, bridges, and rock gardens. It can create an authentic Chinese atmosphere suitable for filming any movie, including "Karate Kid 2." The park has many interesting spots that can be used for filming: pavilions, gazebos, bridges, ponds, etc. This allows the director to choose the most suitable locations for each scene.

Sky Lantern Launch Site

In the Movie

Scene where Li Fong launches sky lanterns. Li is a talented kung fu fighter who is forced to move from Beijing to New York to participate in a karate competition to help his friend. The scene with the sky lanterns symbolizes the hopes and dreams of the main character. In the context of the film, this scene may reflect his desire for success and belief in a better future. Launching lanterns into the night sky symbolizes liberation from fears and doubts, as well as hope that his efforts and training will lead to success in the competition and in life.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at a spot in Battery Park City, New York. This park features an arch and stone columns that create an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility. It is a popular place for walks and various events, including film shoots. The stone columns and arch create an atmosphere that is perfect for a scene symbolizing hope and dreams. The night lighting, combined with lanterns launched into the air against the backdrop of the recognizable skyscrapers Green Twins at 375 and 379 South End Avenue, creates a beautiful visual effect, emphasizing the importance of the moment and enhancing the emotional impact of the scene.