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.
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