Jet Li's "Fearless"

The latest, and perhaps the last, old-fashioned martial arts epic starring Jet Li is set to open in theaters in the US August 4, 2006.  Elsewhere (especially in Asia) it opened earlier this year.

from the official Website:

this is the story of Huo YuanJia - A fighter, who represents Chinese martial arts to a nation; A man, who fought his way out of darkness and into history.

from IMDB:

Superstar Jet Li headlines this action-packed film, his final martial arts epic. The film reteams him with producer Bill Kong ("Hero") and action director and choreographer Yuen Wo Ping ("Unleashed"). Li plays real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who became the most famous fighter in all of China at the turn of the 20th Century. Huo faced incredible personal tragedy but ultimately fought his way out of darkness and into history, forever defining himself at a tournament for the honor of his country and the true spirit of martial arts.

I watched Fearless few months ago via DVD from Asia.  My sentiment? WOW! This is not to be missed!

Jet is at his element in this genre, and if this is to be his last martial arts film as he is quoted, then by golly this is a good way to close that chapter of his film career.

What's interesting is that there's a transformation that happens in the middle of the film. Until that point, you as an audience are not all that keen on Jet's character. He wins...a lot...yet he is very, very arrogant, not likeable. He does this to perfection. I found myself wishing he'd lose (amazing...).

But, of course, he is very much heroic in the end.

Interesting note that while this character is supposed to be the one Bruce Lee mourns death of in the beginning of Chinese Connection (aka "Fist of Fury" in Asia), and as many of you know the film was unflattering and somewhat (ok..very) anti-Japanese. Not this one. Lone Japanese fighter at the end....ok I'm stopping now...watch the film... :)

Strongly, strongly recommended! Authentic Asian DVDs do not have English subtitles. However, there are numerous eBay sells that do have them. Or, you can go the divx route with the English subtitles until the movie comes out in theater. Gotta see him in theater. August 4th! Can't wait!