Fearless

Advertised as the last wushu (martial arts) picture Jet Li intends to make, Fearless is a kung-fu tearjerker that also serves as a paean to Chinese nationalism (and traditional Eastern virtues). A highly romanticized biography of Huo Yuanjia (Li), the 19th-century founder of a Chinese sports club, the film portrays Yuanjia as a young, arrogant wushu champion who eventually learns the true import of martial arts discipline in time to redeem himself as a proponent of his people's cultural traditions during an age of increasing Westernization. Fans of martial arts films may be disappointed that Li has chosen to close his run in this genre with a movie that, while providing him ample opportunity to exhibit his prowess, is less a jaw-dropping exhibition of skill than a ruminative lesson about the authentic spirit of kung-fu. But the mixture of combat and reflection proves to be a surprisingly rich and satisfying love letter to the martial arts and the true values they represent. Almost childishly naïve but beautifully crafted and shot, viscerally exciting, and oddly touching, Fearless will be—if the star holds to his decision—a fitting capstone to his wushu career. Highly recommended. [Note: DVD extras include the 16-minute “making-of” featurette “A Fearless Journey” featuring star Jet Li, a deleted scene (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for a solid film.] (F. Swietek)[DVD Review—July 8, 2008—Universal, 2 discs, 141 min., not rated, $19.98—Making its second appearance on DVD, 2006's Fearless is presented with three versions of the film (the director's cut with 35 minutes of additional footage, the international theatrical unrated version, and the original U.S. theatrical version), and the same extras as the original release including the 16-minute “making-of” featurette “A Fearless Journey” featuring star Jet Li, a deleted scene (7 min.), and trailers. Bottom line: definitely worth picking up if you don't have the original or do have an extensive martial arts cinema collection.][Blu-ray Review—Jan. 6, 2009—Universal, 141 min., PG-13/not rated, $29.98—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 2006's Fearless (Director's Cut) boasts a great transfer and a DTS 5.1 soundtrack. Blu-ray extras are almost identical to the previous DVD release, including three versions of the film (the director's cut with 35 minutes of additional footage, the international theatrical unrated version, and the original U.S. theatrical version), as well as the 16-minute “making-of” featurette “A Fearless Journey” featuring star Jet Li (missing here is the original deleted scene). Bottom line: one of Jet Li's best looks super in Blu.]