Film review: Fearless

Stars: 4/5

Focus Pictures

At first glance, Fearless looks like the typical Jet Li film: guy goes around engaging in spectacular fights. But Fearless is an oddity within the kung-fu genre because it has a plot that actually keeps up with the action.

The film is loosely based on the life of Chinese martial arts master Huo Yuan Jia, founder of the Jin Wu Sports Federation. Li stars as Huo, whose only goal is to become the number one fighter in his city. But after he loses his mother and daughter over a senseless argument, he begins to question his goals in life. The film follows Huo's spiritual transition from arrogant fighter to wise master.

The action sequences in Fearless owe their near-flawless choreography to Yuen-Wo Ping (the Matrix trilogy, Kill Bill). The fight sequences combine the grace of Hero and the brutality of Unleashed. The film gets a kick start with three spectacular fights and interweaves several more throughout the rest of the film.

But there is a lot more to Fearless than just action. Huo's journey for redemption set amidst a stunning countryside engages the audience both visually and emotionally. We also get to see Li's capacity for the dramatic as he portrays Huo's internal battles.

Fearless is similar to Li's last movie, Unleashed, in that Li's character is a talented fighter who, by coming to terms with himself, is able to use his skills to aid others. However, Fearless and its authentic story of a man in search of redemption, provide the film with a reason, not just an excuse, for kick-ass action.