The powerful relationship between a mentor and their protégé is a timeless cinematic theme, and it lies at the heart of several of this week’s most anticipated streaming releases. From the dojo to the world of assassins, these films explore how guidance, wisdom, and training can shape a destiny.
The most prominent example is Karate Kid: Legends, which doubles down on the theme by featuring two legendary mentors. Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Han (Jackie Chan) must combine their different teaching styles to guide Li, a young student who needs their help. The film is a celebration of the profound impact a good teacher can have on a young life.
The world of Ballerina (Starz) also operates on a system of harsh mentorship. Ana de Armas’s character is the product of a brutal training regimen within the Ruska Roma, the same organization that trained John Wick. Her journey is shaped by the deadly skills passed down to her, for better or worse, making her a formidable assassin.
While not a traditional mentor, Gemma’s relationship with her creation in M3GAN 2.0 (Peacock) is a dark reflection of the theme. As the android’s creator, Gemma is forced to guide M3GAN towards a new purpose: hunting another robot. It’s a twisted form of mentorship where the creator must control her dangerous protégé for the greater good.
Even The Surfer (Hulu) touches on this theme through the relationship between Nicolas Cage’s character and his son. The father’s attempt to mentor his son in the ways of the world is violently interrupted, forcing him into a desperate struggle to reclaim his role as a protector and guide. This week’s films prove that the dynamic between teacher and student remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring stories.