Likely to be remembered more for becoming Jet Li's final martial arts epic; this expansive tale is a near classic for both its star and the genre. Loaded with wonderfully choreographed fights, surprisingly strong story, and beautiful period sets, this is a fine way for the Chinese star to end his career in martial arts films. It's hard not to come out satisfied on some level.
The first hour rushes by at a breakneck pace, with fights occurring every few minutes. Based on a true story of Huo Yuanjia (Li), the rising fight star grows a strong following that leads to tragedy. While the pacing is changed to become a dramatically moving affair, it's an involving character-driven piece when the action dissipates.
Yuanjia is forced to stop fighting after a night in his life changes his situation. Leaving his home, he finds himself in a small village where he can reflect. Shot against a gorgeous field of growing flowers, these scenes are stunning to watch. They provide fantastic contrast to the darker and increasingly bloody scenes just prior to his own personal banishment.
Jet Li's action career couldn't possibly end without more gravity defying stunts. Returning home after years of reflection, Yuanjia finds himself forced to fight for money. These battles are no less interesting than those that occurred earlier. It rounds off with an emotional finale that Ronny Yu directs with care to evoke a strong response from the viewer.
Even if the slower portions of the story fail to grab you, the sheer number of battles is enough to keep anyone interested. They're some of the best from Li's extensive resume. Fearless is a wide reaching film that reaches and exceeds the expectation for the genre. 
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