Film Review: Fearless

Ah, Fearless, Jet Li's final Martial Arts Epic film , which is a great shame since his role in films like Hero, Once Upon a Time films, Fong Sai Yuk etc.. films are some of his best work in memory. Of course, with this being his final epic film, he has to go out in a bang, and what a way.

Fearless comprises of everything that i want in a martial arts film, plentiful of action, a very simple plot, nice pacing and kick-ass moves. Fearless delivers in all fronts, with about a decent selection of action sequences that will wet the tongues of many cinema go-ers, from the weapon fights at the start, down to the bare-handed combat on top of a scaffold.
The film story itself is no slouch either, in some respetcs, its portrays a political and social message towards us Chinese people in how the western governments are changing us and manipulating the environment with their will with few considerations for the Chinese folk themselves. But this story, could also portray the career change that Jet Li wanted, and with the suddene ending, it really shows both messages in their light.. however, in some respects, the messages put across are really in your face and they do emphasise the first message really clearly and lingers on through the movie.

Jet Li himself said that he wanted to do a more drama role in his movies after this, and this movie tries desperately to show what he can do, with the middle part of the movie emphasising on the calm-nature of the some Chinese, while also finding the calmness within himself. Though the romantic part of the story is kind of one-off and tongue in cheek in some parts, its hardly romantic, no real chemistry was made and it ended somewhat poorly and tasteless , but then again, this part does show that Jet Li can try to do a dramatic role and it can work depending on some circumstances, though not in this movie.

Overall, a solid A-class Action flick that salutes Jet Li's martial arts skills and really a desperate reminder how some films can portray messages far more important than you would think.

8.5/10
Grade: A-