A Martial Artist

There must have been only a dozen peoplequite a lot about, lately. Let me say, by the time
attending the Florida showing of Jet Li's latest andthe end of the movie is achieved, a great
reportedly last martial arts film, "Fearless."harmony between a battler's motivations is
But numbers lie, because you can't judge howconsummated, almost improbably, but witnessing
"boffo" this film is from its box office numbers.this outcome is very moving.
This is gem, I'm sure you'll agree, when you seeI suppose I knew that this was Li's last
it.contribution to martial arts films, and touched by
In this movie, Li's character is descended from athis cinematic farewell as well as by the tightly
father who could have been the martial artswoven story, I found myself immobilized as the
champ of his province, if he hadn't shown mercycredits ran.
and followed through with a punch he had alreadyThough you'll see some good action and intense
expertly launched at his adversary's heart.swordplay and wire-assisted leaps, this offering is
Li swore that he would redeem the family honormore about internal strength than anything else.
and win the title that eluded Papa.You might see it and conclude as I did, that Li is
As he journeys toward greatness, Li learns manythe real deal, and most important, he leaves his
things about love, life, revenge, and honor, and wefans and sometimes overly enthusiastic brawlers
see him mature as a martial artist and as a hero.with more to ponder than their speed or
This movie is masterful at examining the role ofathleticism.
restraint in a warrior's life; a theme I have written