PLOT: In what he says is his last Wushu (martial arts) film, Jet Li plays real-life champion fighter Huo Yuanjia in turn-of-the-century China, a man who learns restraint over violence after a tragic turn of events in his personal life.
After more than 30 years as a Wushu (martial arts) master, Chinese action star Jet Li is finally ready to pack in his bald cap and long, braided pony tail.
That's not to say the 43-year-old won't be doing any more action flicks, just not Wushu period pieces with traditional storylines like his latest epic flick, Jet Li's Fearless. This is his first Chinese language film since 2002's Hero.
For his swansong in this genre, Li wisely chose the inspirational story of real-life martial arts legend Hua Yuanjia, who was the most famous fighter in turn-of-the-century China and founded the martial-arts school, The Jingwu Sports Federation.
As a young boy in Dongguang County, Yuanjia worships his fighting champion father, who wants him to remain out of the ring and stay on top of his studies like his best friend Nong Jinsun (Dong Yong) who eventually goes on to become a successful restaurateur.
But, as a child, Yuanjia is bullied by those bigger than he is, and he vows never to lose a battle. Thus motivated, he becomes an undefeated champion as an adult with legions of disciples who worship him and are also eager to drink with him every night.
A life-changing fight destroys him -- his delightful young daughter is being raised by his mother after his wife has died -- and a despondent Yuanjia flees the city.
Refuge comes in the form of an idyllic village in the Chinese countryside and a blind village girl named Snow (Sun Li).
It is here in this rural, peaceful environment that Yuanjia learns the meaning of restraint, which becomes crucial in the film's climactic fight scene near the end of the movie.
Sadly, the script, written by Chris Chow and Christine To, is on the hokey side as it deals with larger issues of spiritual versus physical, pride versus humility, East versus West, etc.
And Li once again sports an awful, unforgiving haircut. (Li is quite a cutie when he has a full head of hair. But I digress.)
On the positive side: The fight choreography by master Yuen Wo Ping is astounding --- battles take place on raised platforms, inside temples, restaurants and tented boxing rings -- the production design is incredible and the scenery lush and lovely as photographed in sweeping shots by director Ronny Yu.
Jet Li's Fearless is in Chinese with English subtitles.
BOTTOM LINE: A rather hokey script weighs down Jet Li's final Wushu (martial arts) movie. However, I'm guessing most people come to see the Chinese action star fight, and that he does during some rather incredible scenes.
(This film is rated 14-A)
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