Billed as Jet Li’s final martial arts movie, Fearless is an interesting blend of mind-blowing karate sequences and a heartfelt story about redemption and honor. Don’t let the beginning of this film fool you. It may even have you shedding a tear or two by the final frame.

The story centers around real life martial arts master Huo Yuanjia (1869-1910). He was the founder and spiritual guru of the Jin Wu Sports Federation. Never heard of it? Well, neither have I, but for the people of China, Yuanjia is a national hero. The film tells of his childhood and his beginnings with martial arts. In his culture, winning is everything. He wants to learn to fight, but his father forbids it. His father believes in using your mind, not your hands. Even though his father is a master and the town champion until he is defeated early on in the story. From that day forth, Huo (Jet Li) vows to never let his family name be associated with losing. He grows up with this embedding in his soul. Battle after battle, win after win, Huo has become the one to beat.

Now, Huo has a child of his own, but his main purpose for living is to prove he’s the best fighter. Then, tragedy strikes and his priorities change drastically. He ends up in a small village far away from the town. Far away from the brutality and competition. There, he meets a young blind girl who teaches him that there is another way to live. Huo becomes one with nature for the first time in his life. He ends his obsession with always being the winner. He takes his new beliefs and returns home to make amends for the wrongs he’s done. He teaches people to fight for honor, not for pride.

Like I said earlier, don’t let the beginning of this film distract you. First of all, it has subtitles. I know what you are thinking. I don’t go to the movies to read either, but you can follow the story without reading the text. The story is simple and easy to understand. Also, the acting was somewhat over the top. I don’t know if Chinese actors in film do that in China, but for me and a few others in the audience, it caused a few giggles.

The first half hour was a bit boring to tell you the truth. I sat there thinking to myself, Jet, are you really going out like this? I was ready to write this movie off, but around half way in, things changed. The story picked up and my interest was back. It was a tragic, beautiful story that punched me right in the heart. What a terrific message about righting your wrongs. The cinematography was stunning and the direction flawless. Jet Li, my hats off to you for this film. A fine way to exit.

by Thomas Ferguson