Jet Li's Fearless

Huo Yuanjia is a legendary Chinese martial arts hero who rose to attention in the early 1900s through challenge matches with foreign fighters. At a time when some in the West looked at the East as uncivil and backward, Huo stood up to the mockery. He accepted fights with Western strongmen, wrestlers and swordsmen who openly insulted the Chinese by calling them "Asian weaklings" and "sick men of the East." His victories provided the Chinese a source of pride. He also provided a source of unity for Chinese fighters by co-founding a martial arts federation so they could influence one another through cooperation—not intimidation.

Jet Li's Fearless, the final martial arts movie for screen legend Jet Li, tells the story of Huo Yuanjia. Or to be more accurate, it tells a story sort of about Huo Yuanjia. Fearless takes Huo's defense of his culture and the formation of his athletic federation and pretty much makes up everything else. In fact, Huo's descendents have demanded an apology from Jet Li and the studio for the liberties—especially for suggesting that Huo Yuanjia had no descendents.

Jet Li as martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia

Whether true or not, the story Fearless actually tells is a moving and effective tale of a man who overcomes his greatest enemy—himself. The movie's Huo Yuanjia learns from his mistakes, reevaluates priorities and works to become a better man. Beautifully shot and well choreographed, Fearless has the feel of an old-fashioned martial arts journey film. While it may not have quite the universal themes and crossover appeal as grand epics like Hero and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, this may be Jet Li's finest film and a fitting finale.

Huo (Jet Li) grows up in the late 1800s with a father who is a well-known fighter and teacher in the Wushu style of fighting. When his father will not teach him, he teaches himself and becomes a fearsome fighter. Arrogant and self-centered, he fights only to build his name and reputation. Wanting to be feared and famous, he will fight anyone and win at any cost. He demands respect and seeks revenge on any one who does not show it.

Time and time again, the reckless fighter is warned both by his mother and his Jiminy Cricket-like friend Nong Jinsun (Yong Dong) that he's on a dangerous path. Wushu, he is told, is about self-discipline and restraint. When the warnings are not heeded, Huo finds himself crashing hard. His life is turned upside down.

Huo takes on one of many challengers

This may be the most fascinating part of Fearless' journey for Christian viewers. When Huo finds himself at the very lowest point, he runs from his native town of Tianjin to the countryside. There, he regains innocence. He is humbled and learns from his mistakes. He learns to respect others and to enjoy the little things in life—like the cool breeze. During this sequence, there are several scenes of Huo being submerged in water. He is washed anew. A humble servant girl named Moon (Betty Sun) tells him, "Cleanliness brings purity." And this is precisely what Huo regains.

After his new self-discovery, Huo returns to Tianjin. Upon his return, he no longer fights for self-glorification or reputation. He instead fights for self-growth. He tells a competitor, "Competitions help us see weaknesses and become better people. Our only real enemy is ourselves." Soon, he fights for a greater purpose—to give pride to his countrymen and unite them in sport.

Moon (Betty Sun) helps Huo find what's truly meaningful

The film spends most of its time on the first chapter of Huo's life—his darker, self-focused days. It would have been interesting to have more film time for his transformation and later. Some of his motivations are unclear. While we see many scenes that signal a new Huo (burning his old championship banners, etc.), it'd be nice to see more interactions with Moon and others to really convey who he has become. But, of course, the seedier side of life seems to give more drama to film. The filmmakers may have felt Dark Huo was more interesting than Friendly Loving Huo.

To that end, Jet Li has to be commended for his performance on both ends of Huo's journey. He plays the full range of this dynamic character well. His sneering rage-filled smugness is replaced by a gentle peace. The gravity he lends to the character helps you care as the film builds to its dramatic and moving climax. You care about the outcome of his final matches, because you care about his story.

An American strongman (Nahan Jones) takes Huo for a ride

But all this story does not limit the action. Instead, the fights rightly serve the story. There are many varied and well-executed fights, most of which are organized sporting competitions. When the fights stick to realism, they are impressive and captivating. However, they can at times—especially in the beginning—slip into fantasy with too much wirework and slick Matrix-like film editing.

While there are great moments of Huo fighting other masters of martial arts, it is also fun to watch him fight non-kung fu fighters like Western strongmen and swordsmen. In one sequence, he fights a British wrestler built like a mountain. Not often do you see a kung fu fighter just grabbed and bear-hugged.

Of course, the film's long match between Huo Yuanjia and Hercules O'Brien never really happened—though it was indeed scheduled. O'Brien left the country before the date. So while Fearless tells a dramatic story of redemption, second chances and national pride, it is one that's largely made up.

Talk About It

1. In his conversation with the Japanese fighter, Huo talks about how "tea does not judge tea." What is he really speaking about here? What do his words mean to you
2. When have you had a time of hitting rock bottom because of your own weaknesses or temptations? How did you learn form your mistakes? How did you start over? Why and how does God use those times of being sunk as low as possible to transform us
3. How does Nong Jinsun impact Huo's life? In what ways is he a model of the accountability and truthfulness needed in a Christian life
4. When Huo returns to Tainjin, he has a new reason for fighting. But do you feel fighting for any reason is permissible? Why or why not?

The Family Corner

Jet Li's Fearless is rated PG-13 for violence and martial arts action throughout. There are some vicious fights and impacts shown that may disturb squeamish viewers. A man is shown falling onto concrete from high above. Blood and semi-gory sights are shown, but not glamorized. Men die in hand-to-hand combat. In one fight, a man pukes blood and bile several times. There is one swear word—the term for a female dog.

Photos © Copyright Focus Features

Copyright © 2006 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

What Other Critics Are Saying

Jet Li has declared that this movie—Jet Li's Fearless—will be his last martial arts film. But the reviews are enthusiastic, so Li's audience may be hoping for a comeback.

Fearless features a Chinese freedom fighter battling a musclebound American. But for all of its violence, Li comes in peace, hoping to encourage his viewers to realize that true strength comes from within.

Christian film critics are responding in surprise and admiration at the film's emphasis of virtue over violence.

David DiCerto (Catholic News Service) raves that the movie's conclusion "unequivocally affirms that true strength lies in one's heart and that the ultimate test is not defeating others but self-mastery." He adds that the director "delivers balletic fight choreography, elegant visuals and a solid story, buttressed by Li's poignant performance and a redemptive theme about the futility of violence and revenge."

Bob Hoose (Plugged In) says that "Li does a fine job (even with subtitles) of helping us see and emotionally connect with Huo's journey toward understanding and acting on it. Li plays a hero we can root for, in spite of the fact that we (Westerners) are sort of the bad guys. His fight scenes are intricate and graceful and flow with their own kind of dancing beauty."