Fearless

Being the martial arts maniac i am, i had to see Jet Li's newest movie in summer "fearless".

Today i just had to buy the DVD, so excited i turned it on as soon as i got home. But i have to say i wasn't disappointed even after seeing it for the second time i was even more amazed than the first. This movie like Jet's last movie (Unleashed) focuses alot on drama not just the martial arts and action that he is remembered for. In this movie he gives a very good dramatic sense and emotional tension, i even cried a little. But enough of that.

The movie focuses around the Chinese martial arts hero, Huo Yuanjia. Who became the most famous fighter at the turn of the 20th century. The movie attracted me alot more when i had found out i was a true story, even though it is true it doesnt lack in dramatic or martial art effect. But the story has a sub-plot / meaning; the true meaning of Wushu(Kung Fu to the average Joe) and also what it is to be a martial artist of any kind. Watching the movie really does remind me of Bruce Lees philoshpy on martial arts, that no martial art is better than the other. It did light a spark in my mind, and it will light one in your own if you are aware of Bruce Lees movies and life. (Although that is unlikely for some people)

This movie is said to be Jet Li's last movie, it's understandable hes getting old (Late 40's) but i have to add this is Jet Li's best movie ever. Better than Hero, Black Mask or The One. (Some of his most acclaimed movies)

Like any latest of the Chinese martial arts movies i thought it would be full of CGI and wire work like its previous movies, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers and Hero. But to my surprise there was only two scenes of wire work and the wire work in them was only a few seconds long on each. I was also glad to see no CGI, which seems to plague modern movies, but not this one.

They have kept the fighting in the movie as real as possible, from proper Kung Fu styles such as Tai Chi and Tiger Claw Shaolin style. Both very real and the choreography is brilliance in some cases almost perfected. No over exaggeration in the fights,very good and realistic.
The character Li plays, Huo Yuanjia is the Bruce Lee of the early 20th centuy and the late 19th century. He brought together martial artists and also united China as a nation to fight of western and stronger eastern powers (Britian, USA, Japan) at the time.

This movie is a master piece, and is a must see for any movie buff and martial arts of Jet Li lover. I give it a 10/10.