Jet Li's love song to wushu is a very good film. It flirts with the greatness that I hoped it would, but never quite crosses over to the other side. That said, watching it on DVD, I have found myself liking it more than I had when I saw it theatrically. It is a wonderful story of self discovery that had a great impact on a nation. Jet Li has delivered a wonderful film that he hopes encapsulates all that he has hoped to achieve in the genre. It is a highwater mark for martial arts action and drama.
This is the story of Huo Yuanjia, a true historical figure in Chinese history. Over the years, he has become something of a legendary figure to the point of it being difficult top discern fact from fiction with regards to his life. This film is a fictionalized take on the life of Yuanjia. It strikes me as a film that seeks to hit the notes of why he is an important figure rather than to try and recreate the actuality of his life. The end result is a powerful film that shows the growth of Hup Yuanjia and how his newfound philosophies that he discovered during his exile played a role in helping to unite a country during a time of dire need.
Jet Li's Fearless is broken down into three distinct stages. Each one having a different tone and representing a different period in the life and development of Huo Yuanjia. The film begins with a prologue of sorts, showing him as a young boy. He is stricken with asthma, therefore disallowed by his father to learn wushu. He taught himself, and reached a point where he vowed never to lose again. He set himself the goal of being the best fighter around. This leads to a cocky young man who lets his pride get the better of him which leads to the death of his family.
His shame from this devastating loss leads to his self exile. This brings to the middle section of the film which is distinctly lacking in action. This has Huo living on a farm, where he has his discovery of self. He learns more about himself living with these simple people. It is here that he learns his errors and what he must do to redeem himself. This brings us to the third and final act.
The final third of the movie has Huo returning home and finding his people in trouble, they are facing hard times. The Europeans and Japanese have been carving out their own foothold on the nation, undermining the Chinese. Huo agrees to enter a tournament pitting him against four other champions from other countries. Huo accepts the challenge, seeing it as an opportunity to demonstrate the new him as well as give back to the country that is falling apart from within.
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