Movie Description
Director Ronny Yu (FREDDY VS. JASON) tells the story of Chinese hero Huo Yianjia in JET LI'S FEARLESS. Born in the late 1800s to a martial-arts master in the Tianjin region of China, Huo Yianjia (Jet Li) is not allowed to train at his father's school because he has asthma. Later, as an adult, the self-taught Yianjia becomes a master in his own right with his own school and disciples. His only goal: to become the Champion of Tianjin--and he is willing to fight any and every challenger. Along the way, Yianjia's pride takes over and he becomes obsessed with both praise and revenge, missing the true purpose and message of the martial arts. When his quest for revenge results in tragedy, Yianjia embarks on a new journey, leaving Tianjin.
Returning to his home years later, Yianjia is a new man, understanding the connection between body, mind, and soul. Instead of fighting for personal gain, he sees the importance of maintaining the national identity and pride of the Chinese people. Focusing on the importance of good sportsmanship and unity, Yianjia starts the Jingwu Sports Federation, bringing all the schools of martial arts together. Most important, he makes history in Shanghai in 1910 by defending the honor of the Chinese people in a contest against representatives from the four major foreign powers in China. Based on a true story, the film features detailed period settings and costumes, as well as superior stunts. Jet Li evokes a wide range of emotions as Yianjia, instilling the character with life and capturing the essence of this important chapter in Chinese history. Dong Yong stars as Yianjia's loyal friend, Nong Jinsun, and Sun Li plays Moon, a young woman who befriends Yianjia when he leaves Tianjin. This film is in Chinese with English subtitles.
| Credits | | Producer: | Bill Kong | | Cast: | Anthony De Longis, Michelle Yeoh, Nakamura Shidou |
| Details | | Edition: | 3-Disc Set Director's Cut |
Editorial Reviews
3 stars out of 5 -- [A] lavish chronicle with enough mayhem to sate the most ardent chopsocky fan."
Total Film - Neil Smith (06/01/2006)
"[I]t's Yu's visual flourishes that enable the movie to take flight....With a rich palette of period detail, taking in colourful townscapes and lush rural vignettes."
Sight and Sound - Sight and Sound Critic (08/01/2006)
"FEARLESS sustains the tradition of ethically inflected Chinese action movies. Physical kinesis is inseparable from spiritual dynamism..."
New York Times - Nathan Lee (09/22/2006)
3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Li is simply the most compelling kung-fu hero since a guy named Bruce Lee donned a yellow tracksuit."
Rolling Stone - Rolling Stone Staff (01/25/2007)
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