Jet Li’s Fearless is Still 1 of the Best Martial Arts Movies of the 21st Century

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Many of the most influential martial arts films come from China and Hong Kong. These films are known for their incredible action sequences and choreography, which aren’t just exciting to watch, but also help tell the story. While Western films have sometimes tried to replicate this style, they often haven’t captured the same level of emotional impact in the fight scenes. While it’s a broad statement, this filmmaking approach is strongly associated with the career of Jet Li.

It’s hard to pick Jet Li’s best role, but one film consistently overlooked despite its impact is *Fearless*. With a renewed appreciation for classic action stars, it’s time to recognize how *Fearless* transformed both Li’s career and the action genre. Even now, as new stars emerge, *Fearless* remains a benchmark for quality and skill.

Jet Li’s Career Has Centered On His Role as the Tough Guy

What’s most noticeable about this performer is his frequent portrayal of strong, imposing characters. This makes sense, given he’s often depicted as the most skilled fighter in any situation. Throughout his career, Jet Li’s impressive abilities have been closely studied and showcased. While he’s proven capable of portraying a wide range of emotions, the ‘tough guy’ roles often demand a reserved and intense performance style. Jet Li excels at this, consistently conveying a fierce and commanding presence. This contrasts sharply with someone like Jackie Chan, who blends toughness with comedy in his action sequences.

Jet Li’s career was always missing one thing: a role that combined his powerful screen presence with vulnerability. He truly shines when playing the underdog. Li is a skilled enough actor to convincingly portray emotion *through* his action sequences – not just with facial expressions and body language, but also in the way he fights, a hallmark of Hong Kong and Chinese cinema. This is likely why his 2006 film, *Fearless*, stands out; it gave him the chance to play a character unlike any he’d portrayed before.

Ronny Yu, known for directing both horror films like *Bride of Chucky* and action movies such as *Saving General Yang*, directed *Fearless*. The script was a collaborative effort by Chris Chow, Christine To, Wang Bin, and Li Feng. Edko Films and China Film Group handled distribution. The film’s beautiful music, composed by Shigeru Umebayashi, and striking cinematography from Poon Hang-sang and Ray Wong, give it a polished, cinematic feel. *Fearless* is visually impressive, sounds fantastic, and feels like a true story, as it’s inspired by a real historical figure.

Jet Li portrays Huo Yuanjia, a martial arts master, in a film based on the true story of a series of challenges against foreign fighters. These matches weren’t just about winning; they were intended to rebuild national pride for China. The fights transformed Yuanjia into a legendary figure, surrounded by myth and folklore. Ultimately, *Fearless* showcases Jet Li’s incredible range, allowing him to play both the vulnerable underdog and the powerful hero.

Fearless Departs From Convention, Telling a Personal Story

Unlike typical martial arts films, *Fearless* portrays its hero, Huo Yuanjia, as both vulnerable and incredibly skilled. The story focuses on Yuanjia’s intense obsession with winning fights and his enjoyment of being a champion. This pursuit leads him to rack up debts, surround himself with untrustworthy people, and ultimately lose sight of himself in the pursuit of fame. While on stage, he appears invincible, fueled by the adoration of his fans and the challenge of his opponents. However, his pride and unintentional disrespect create a tragic downfall. After killing a rival fighter, Yuanjia returns home only to discover his family has been killed in revenge.

The deaths of his mother and daughter devastated Li, shattering his strength and courage. Without his family, he felt lost and was shipwrecked, eventually finding refuge in a kind farming village that helped him heal. This experience revealed a gentler side of Li, as he quietly grieved and contemplated his past life. Though he initially wanted to leave everything behind, a chance to pay his respects to the deceased compels him to return to the place where his tragedy began.

The competition restarted, and Yuanjia used everything he’d suffered to become a national hero. Jet Li delivers a performance familiar to fans, but with added emotional weight, as Yuanjia is profoundly changed by his past trauma and growth. Unlike most films, the pain of loss doesn’t fade – it drives every decision Yuanjia makes. He fights for his country, proving his worth by defeating opponents and building a legendary reputation.

Yuanjia’s life is cut short by poison just as he reaches his peak, but he fights through the pain and manages to win, partially because his opponent respects him enough to yield. Jet Li portrays a proud and satisfied martial artist who is eager to return to his family, even as he succumbs to the poison. The film explores complex emotions, and Yuanjia’s love story, set in a rural town, has a poignant ending. Li even gets to play with the tropes of romance, appearing as a vision to his beloved in his final moments. It’s a beautifully poetic conclusion that stands out among Li’s action-packed films, showcasing his range as an actor.

The Film Captures a Unique Style of Action

Like many of Jet Li’s films, *Fearless* showcases his acting ability, but it also represents the potential of martial arts movies. The film stands out with its distinctive action sequences, which are rooted in themes of honor, family history, and, as we’ve discussed, dealing with loss. The way the main character fights reflects his emotional journey throughout his life. Early on, Yuanjing is driven by pure anger and quickly fails. He then trains relentlessly, still fighting aggressively, but with newfound control. Though he remains intense, his desire to win becomes his driving force.

Yuanjing loves the spotlight and thrives on the crowd’s attention, a part of him that never fades. While he becomes fiercely angry during fights, the loss of his family deeply changed how he approaches combat. Returning to fight for his country, he still performs for the audience, aiming to inspire them, but now he’s found a sense of inner peace. His fighting style is now marked by respect, and he actively protects his opponents. It’s as if his grief has made him appreciate life more fully, even going so far as to refuse to sign a waiver acknowledging the risk of death in his final fights.

The title *Fearless* is fitting because the film centers on a character who experiences total loss and, as a result, overcomes fear itself. What makes this film truly stand out is how it visually represents this journey through its action sequences, allowing the character to grow and change. While *Fearless* isn’t overly complicated and the dialogue could be a bit sharper, it’s a stunning example of how good this type of movie can be. It’s a highlight in Jet Li’s filmography, especially when compared to some of his earlier, less successful roles. *Fearless* moves beyond simple characterizations, presenting a complex and intriguing figure with a rich backstory.

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2025-10-11 18:08