Fearless [DVD]

I grew up in an era of Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris and Jackie Chan (amongst others) churning out classic after classic to satisfy the Kung-Fu-mania sweeping through the US.

However, if there has ever been a movie that more successfully addresses the ethos behind all martial arts, while at the same time, delivering the very highest quality in Hollywood-glossed action, I've not seen it! Jet Li is awesome, as are the rest of the cast.

An absolute classic! If there is anyone out there who was a fan of martial arts movies as a kid and has not seen this, it will make your day! Pay whatever they're asking!

Even including the vibrant and polished martial arts film `Hero' in which Jet Li also stars `Fearless' is, if not the most exciting martial arts film I've seen in recent years then it's definitely the most original and poignant. The film begins with a tone that's quite playful and humorous as Jet Li's character Huo Yuanjia is a young boy and with aspirations to follow in his father's footsteps and train in the ancient fighting style known as wushu. At that point my expectations weren't particularly high for a film that would offer anything other than the familiar martial arts' surface gloss. Forever accompanied by his faithful friend Nong Jinsun there are liberal doses of comedy (albeit with equal helpings of bloodshed and brutality) and you might begin to wonder as I did if there's likely to be any exploration of a warrior's psyche implied in the film's synopsis, or if it will simply be another empty vessel of high kicks and upper-cuts. But this film is destined to surprise you...

Gradually and grippingly the film begins to build a slightly darker, but also more touching tone, as a tragic fate befalls Huo's family thanks to his arrogance and eagerness to embrace conflict rather than peace. From that point on Huo goes on a journey of self discovery, finding himself in the end in a similar position but with the chance to make the right decision, even if it means making the greatest sacrifice a warrior can make. In fact `Fearless' explores the spectrum of human emotion from humour to grief, honour to forgiveness. If this is to be Jet Li's final martial arts movie, it's easily one of his greater achievements as an actor in this genre. Artfully and poignantly directed, well-acted and beautifully filmed. Stunning and moving.

I watched this film about 3 times in a row. It's simply brilliant. A great story line based on a real legend which honors martial artists across the globe. As mentioned the fights are brilliantly done but what i really like about this film is the acting, i found myself really involved with the story and loved the way Jet is able to play a more mature role i was actually impressed by his acting, no offense JET!! looking forward to War. This is a must buy for fans alike.