Martial Arts Movie Mondays Recap: Jet Li's Fearless

Superhero movies dominate the screens these days, but years ago, martial arts stars like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan (and the incomparable Patrick Swayze--just for Roadhouse) were masters of choreographed action. Both genres are great in different ways, but it is sad to see how marginalized the later has become. I've started Martial Arts Movie Mondays in order to appreciate those wonderful gems that existed before Marvel and Christopher Nolan entered the movie-sphere like an invading army.

Jet Li's Fearless came out in 2006, making it one of the last of its kind. I've always loved Jet Li as an actor; Unleashed was excellent and he has carved out a nice space for himself in the Expendables crew (mindless action, but it could be a lot worse). 

In Fearless, Li is superb. He plays Huo Yuanjia (yes, I had to look up how to spell that). The movie begins with Li as a full fledged master battling three westerners come to "show them Chinamen how we do it in the west." In three excellently choreographed fights: boxing, lancing and fencing, Li shows great range and continues kicks ass with style every time. 

Before the final battle with a much more reserved Japanese opponent, the audience is treated to the story of Yuanjia's life, which takes up most of the rest of the film. He starts as a small boy who, after being bullied, decides to become China's greatest master of Wushu--a truly beautiful fighting style if there ever was one. 

In short, an excellently done, if predictable tale. It is compelling, cool, and a little cheesy, like all good martial arts movies are. The true strength of the movie, not unexpectedly, is its fight choreography. I defy anyone to find a movie not involving Bruce Lee (or Neo, although that is a bit of a stretch) that has fights this well done. Every battle is different, and they're all great. My favorite is probably Yuanjia's clash with a 300 lb. giant boxer, appropriately named Hercules O'Brian,  right before the final tournament. The creativity he uses in order to combat the massive difference in size and strength is a ton of fun to watch. 

Four out of four stars. All I can say is: watch this movie.

Note: It's even on Netflix, so now you have no excuse not to watch it.