Post by hiddenvalor on Mar 12, 2010 16:38:44 GMT -5
Fearless, Jet Li's last martial arts epic, was inspired by the life of Huo Yuanjia, a champion for Chinese pride and nationalism in the face of growing Western influence during the early 1900s. It depicts his struggle to find the true meaning of wushu (a branch of Chinese martial arts), as well as Jet Li's personal message of respect and honor toward all disciplines. Because he felt that Fearless was successful in conveying his beliefs concerning wushu, he has decided not to do any more epic martial arts films. That is not to say he is stepping out of the film business entirely, but that he will no longer act in films such as Fearless (which concentrate more on philosophy and epic themes rather than just action).
I was not aware this film existed until I came across it on Spike TV one afternoon. Since Jet Li is one of my favorite Chinese actors, I almost burst with excitement when I saw him on screen. I thought, "I haven't seen any Jet Li movies since The Mummy 3, so I might as well see what this movie is." I only got to see that last quarter of the movie, but I loved it so much that I went to Family Video and rented it along with another of his movies entitled Unleashed (also a very good movie, despite the graphic violence).
I've watched it twice since I rented it, and I feel compelled to say that it is one of the most brilliant and moving films I have ever seen. Jet Li's performance was excellent; he even won some award in Hong Kong for it. The fights were amazing and innovative; it was very interesting to see a Chinese martial artist up against fighters from different parts of the world, each with different styles. The score is also amazing and really sets the mood for the film without upstaging it. The overall look of the film, with the sets, landscapes, costumes, hair, and color schemes, really meshed well together into an awesome 110-minute package (though I have yet to see the director's cut, which is 140 minutes long, but that's beside the point).
It would be an understatement to say that I liked this film. Not a lot of films have impacted me like this one has; it deeply inspired me, moved a part of my soul that has been still for a long time--the part that longs for adventure. I was so profoundly affected that I was restless for three straight days, both in spirit and in body, without the ability to completely articulate what exactly was going on inside of me, and I still can't do it. I don't expect everyone to have the same reaction that I did, but I would strongly encourage anyone who takes the time to read this to watch the movie and see for yourselves what I have described.
Blessings,
HV
I was not aware this film existed until I came across it on Spike TV one afternoon. Since Jet Li is one of my favorite Chinese actors, I almost burst with excitement when I saw him on screen. I thought, "I haven't seen any Jet Li movies since The Mummy 3, so I might as well see what this movie is." I only got to see that last quarter of the movie, but I loved it so much that I went to Family Video and rented it along with another of his movies entitled Unleashed (also a very good movie, despite the graphic violence).
I've watched it twice since I rented it, and I feel compelled to say that it is one of the most brilliant and moving films I have ever seen. Jet Li's performance was excellent; he even won some award in Hong Kong for it. The fights were amazing and innovative; it was very interesting to see a Chinese martial artist up against fighters from different parts of the world, each with different styles. The score is also amazing and really sets the mood for the film without upstaging it. The overall look of the film, with the sets, landscapes, costumes, hair, and color schemes, really meshed well together into an awesome 110-minute package (though I have yet to see the director's cut, which is 140 minutes long, but that's beside the point).
It would be an understatement to say that I liked this film. Not a lot of films have impacted me like this one has; it deeply inspired me, moved a part of my soul that has been still for a long time--the part that longs for adventure. I was so profoundly affected that I was restless for three straight days, both in spirit and in body, without the ability to completely articulate what exactly was going on inside of me, and I still can't do it. I don't expect everyone to have the same reaction that I did, but I would strongly encourage anyone who takes the time to read this to watch the movie and see for yourselves what I have described.
Blessings,
HV
Totally liked Forbidden Kingdom more than Mummy 3. In fact, I recently watched the latter for the second time, thinking that I would like it more than I did the first time. Nope. I was wrong. My displeasure may have actually increased, but that's for another discussion.