Li 'Fearless' in his final fight

As many have learned, "Fearless" marks the final time martial arts powerhouse Jet Li will perform his craft in front of the camera. He has become convinced that the culture of Wushu held so dear to him has become abused and tainted in so much of his Western output. It's a shame really, as I'm convinced that "Fearless" is Li in his finest hour. \nThe film is a somewhat loose biopic on Chinese Wushu master Huo Yuanjia, who as a child learned his art in secrecy from the rest of his familial clan, only to become one of the country's greatest warriors. In the early 1900s, a time when Western influence began to take great hold of Chinese tradition, he remained steadfast in respecting his own culture rather than adopting that of another. \nDuring this time period, numerous fighters of the West had come to China, and it's no surprise that Yuanjia successfully fought many of them. Perhaps what is most striking about the film's portrayal of combat is how honorable each match is. In a battle against Hercules O'Brien (played by human mastodon Nathan Jones), what begins as chaos and frustration for the brute ends with him bowing and thanking Yuanjia in traditional fashion before grabbing his arm and demanding the crowd's respect like any typical wrestling match. \nThis is Li's best performance as both an actor and a martial artist. The young Yuanjia is incredibly arrogant, willing to take on all in his path without thought of retribution. After he kills one of China's other masters, Yuanjia's mother and daughter are vengefully murdered, causing him to go on a journey ultimately leading to enlightenment. The once-cocky Li is soon seen as stoic, unwavering in expression as if his face were carved from stone, although a half-smile is occasionally seen. \nI see "Fearless" becoming Li's "Enter the Dragon." Every fight is gloriously crafted in detail and style -- a great throwback to his work before coming to America, along the likes of "Once Upon a Time in China." The film opens with Li fighting four different warriors, each using a different style. Hand-to-hand, spears and swords make up the first three while the final is katana versus three-part staff. At one point both men change weapons mid-fight and the Japanese warrior, realizing he is clearly no master of the technique, bows to Yuanjia and both men return their respective weapons before carrying on. It's all a matter of honor. Jet Li pays the same to his audience and fans by leaving them with his most memorable and awe-inspiring performance to date.