Review: Jet Li’s Fearless


In a fine performance, Jet Li plays real-life martial arts figure Huo Yuanjia, a Chinese martial arts master who starts out as a puny kid and wannabe tough guy, before becoming a louse and a vengeful bully (which has unfortunate consequences for his family, leading to his self-imposed exile), and ultimately, a national hero (China was looked down upon elsewhere in the world at the time) and founder of Jin Wu Sports Federation. This is due to his competing in a tournament where he, as a great Chinese Martial Arts Master, competes for his country against the best in the world in a tournament. It’s him alone against several other guys (including one American, played by Aussie-born former wrestler Nathan Jones), one at a time.



Billed as ‘Jet Li’s final martial arts epic’, this 2006 Ronny Yu (“Bride of Chucky”, “Freddy vs. Jason”) wushu film is a tad different to the usual wushu film. The period setting is there (early 20th century at any rate), as is the epic nature, but this is like “Bloodsport”, wushu-style. Needless to say, the excellent choreography here is by Master Yuen Woo Ping, the go-to guy for this kind of thing (“The Matrix”, “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”). The fight on-top of poles and a platform, is especially note-worthy, and the film doesn’t rely as much on the mystical/poetic “Crouching Tiger” fighting style, which I much appreciated. The whole film is a little more grounded than usual, though there are indeed wires used.



Screenplay by Chris Chow and Christine To, it’s nothing earth-shattering, but it’s solidly done, and contains one of Jet Li’s best performances. If you want a little tournament with your wushu, this is your movie.



Rating: B-

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