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Fearless is the story of a real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who became an incredibly famous fighter in China at the turn of the 20th century. He optimised Chinese independence and their resistance to the colonial powers during the aftermath of the so-called 'opium wars' between ... Read review
A moving and inspiring story of redemption and personal triumph in the face of great ... more
odds,Jet Li's Fearlessis the based-on-facts story of Chinese folk hero Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li). The son of a martial-arts master whose greatest strength was his restraint...
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Superstar Jet Li headlines this action-packed film, his final martial arts epic. The film ... more
reunited him with producer Bill Kong (Hero) and action director and choreographer Yuen Wo Ping (The Matrix and Kill Bill). Li plays real-life martial arts legend ...
A moving and inspiring story of redemption and personal triumph in the face of great ... more
odds,Jet Li's Fearlessis the based-on-facts story of Chinese folk hero Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li). The son of a martial-arts master whose greatest strength was his restraint...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Fate made him a warrior. Courage made him a hero. Inspired by the life of Huo Yuan Jia ... more
a real Chinese martial arts master at the turn of the century Jet Li takes the title role in his final martial arts epic with action sequences choreographed once...
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Martial Arts - Director: Prachya Pinkaew - Original Language: English\Vietnamese\Thai\Mandarin - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Tony Jaa, Bongkoj Khongmalai, Petchtai Wongkamlao
Production Year: 1985 - Martial Arts - Director: Cory Yuen - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Kurt McKinney, J.W. Fails, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Kathie Sileno, Peter 'Sugarfoot' Cunningham
Advantages: Great story, Exceptionally choreographed and shot. Disadvantages: Lack of special features (and for some it's subtitled).
...the sound.
Fearless is the story of a real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who became an incredibly famous fighter in China at the turn of the 20th century. He optimised Chinese independence and their resistance to the colonial powers during the aftermath of the so-called 'opium wars' between Britain, France and China, but of course no Chinese film would be complete without some evil Japanese guys. The history in this film is ... ...with the exception of "A Fearless Journey" which is in effect a documentary about the production of the film. Like the film this is really well thought out and an enjoyable watch. It's very useful for those moments in the film where you think to yourself "How the Hell did they do that?" of which there are a few. The most notable absentee in the features section is a Commentary, which for the film fanatics amongst you will be very ... more
The cinematography in Jet Li's final martial arts film is astonishing, as are the martial arts scenes. However it's not just your typical martial arts flick where there are hundreds of baddies and they mysteriously attack once at a time, the protagonist is unfeasibly talented and the antagonist is nothing short of pure evil. Its storyline is far superior to many others in its genre and much more emotionally involving. Possibly this film's biggest strength is its choreography, and the man responsible for it is the legendary Yuen Woo Ping. This name may not mean much to you, but he is an extremely successful and productive choreographer, with works including "The Matrix" trilogy, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "Kill Bill" and "Kung Fu Hustle". Another great feature is the sound.
Fearless is the story of a real-life martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia, who became an incredibly famous fighter in China at the turn of the 20th century. He optimised Chinese independence and their resistance to the colonial powers during the aftermath of the so-called 'opium wars' between Britain, France and China, but of course no Chinese film would be complete without some evil Japanese guys. The history in this film is very interesting, whilst it is relatively accurate it puts a heavily Chinese slant on events, as one would probably expect. Again whilst Jet Li's character is based on a real life person, the historical context is still somewhat off, but then again it is a highly commercial enterprise.
During the film Huo has to endure some personal tragedies which parallel the tragedies affecting China as a whole in that period. If you have some prior knowledge of the socio-economic state of China in the period, then the film has a rich tapestry of nuances and references that you'll enjoy, however for the majority of us that's not the case and we just want a bit of blood, which this film delivers in ample amounts as well.
Some people may have a problem with the fact that this film is subtitled, and it can in some parts be frustrating having to read the text as fast as possible to allow you to actual watch the film. However in my opinion it is preferable to the terrible dubbings that these style of films are prone to, I'm still traumatised from a dubbed viewing of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".
Unfortunately this DVD doesn't have many special features, with the exception of "A Fearless Journey" which is in effect a documentary about the production of the film. Like the film this is really well thought out and an enjoyable watch. It's very useful for those moments in the film where you think to yourself "How the Hell did they do that?" of which there are a few. The most notable absentee in the features section is a Commentary, which for the film fanatics amongst you will be very disappointing especially with Jet Li's last martial arts film.
Overall it's worth a go if you like films of this genre, and even if you don't particularly. The picture itself is really very good; it is just such as shame that there aren't any more special features for the complete package. If you don't like subtitled films then you should probably avoid this one, but if it doesn't bother you, go for it, I can thing of worse ways to spend 1hr 39mins.
Advantages: Great fight scenes and a very endearing storyline Disadvantages: Not quite gripping
Fearless is a Jet Li film, and it is his last wushu ("a type of martial arts that focuses on self-defense rather than actual fighting") epic. The film is based around story of the real life chinese Wushu hero Huo Yuanjiam played by Jet Li. The story is a major selling point for the film and I think it is executed with a great deal of care and affection. The film starts with Huo fighting in an exhibition against fighters from around the globe. He ... ...and a spanish fencer) and just as he is about to take on the next japanese opponent he has a flahsback to his childhool and the storyline revolves around this flashback which shows him growing up. His life is depected with great sorrow, and shows a tale of a humble chinese man, interested in only wushu due to his father's affiliation with it, and his quest to become champion which has dire consequences and in the end it deals with great sorrow and ...
mkkreuk 07.09.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Fearless (DVD)
Advantages: You like Martial art films, plus are a fan of Jet Li. Disadvantages: If you don't like subtitles.
The story revolves around a man named Huo Yuanjia, which starts right near the end of the film, where he is fighting four opponents from different martial arts styles. What I like about this is how it goes back in time to show the reason why he is fighting these people in this contest. It also allows the character of Jet Li to be developed right up from his childhood, where you meet his dad and close friend, and how he becomes the man you see in ... ...kind of simple story, where theres that idea that you don't know what you really value in life till its gone, and this is true to most of the film,with a coupious amount of martial arts fights added into the storyline
However I really believe this is the only fault I can find with this film, the martial arts scenes are some of the best I've seen for years, not just coming from Jet Li I might add, although this was in my opinion one of his best performances.
...
scottdanells8 30.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Fearless (DVD)
Advantages: Looks great & is very watchable Disadvantages: None at all really
I'm giving this film 10/10 and it earns every single mark of it. It was sheer brilliance from start to finish as I genuinely expected a film with overdone wire work but this was a good film that was made even more watchable by the fact of it being based on a true story. Jet Li plays the man who founded the main Wushu martial arts movement and we follow him through his life. The fight scenes are well done and don't go over the top at all, which I ... ...token Westerner and it was nice to see he is still doing well after leaving the WWE. The story is compelling and the plot flows well and even if you are not a fan of martial arts movies or struggle with subtitled films you will still enjoy this film for it's story. The sets and backgrounds are magnificent and the film looks wonderful all the way through, there just isn't a bad set or bad looking scene in the entire film. Jet Li plays his part extremely ...
atytyut2434 17.03.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Fearless (DVD)
Advantages: beautifully directed and acted martial arts film with a moral back bone Disadvantages: subtitles
...in and breath taking scenery, Fearless is a rare fine, with amazing fight scenes and a role Jet Li was born to play, its combines action with morality to leave you with a deeper insight into Chinas past. With an uplifting message of "life is worth living"it is a movie to watch again and again. ...
peterbauersc 27.02.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Fearless (DVD)
Advantages: Action-packed martial arts epic Disadvantages: If you don't like subtitles
I bought 'Fearless' without really knowing much about it and was merely one of those recommendations made by amazon, as I enjoy martial art films.
'Fearless' is an action-packed martial arts epic with amazing fighting sequences, equally balanced by a riveting story of a wushu fighter battling with himself to become a true warrior. Jet Li plays Hou Yuanjia, a martial arts legend who is determined never to lose a fight.
What I like most is the story's ...
las18 27.01.2007 (29.01.2007)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Fearless (DVD)
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Reviews which might be of interest for "Fearless (DVD)"
Advantages: Some nice fights Disadvantages: Too much propaganda, not enough character development to go round
such as Yuanjia's final fight.
"Fearless" is a mildly disappointing movie because it is supposed to be Jet Li's final Asian martial arts extravaganza and it doesn't scale the heights of some of his previous work. It may be a case of familiarity breeding contempt, as there are too many parallels in terms of content and execution to be drawn with the "Once Upon a Time in China" films. Though a competent addition to the canon of Chinese film, it is not exemplary. The writing is the biggest problem, following a predetermined formula. The direction is capable but doesn't strike sparks and the underlying propaganda may stick in your craw. Or perhaps it just isn't epic enough. It's worth a look for fans of Li, but if you're not into kung fu movies, this probably won't make you a massive fan. ...
afy9mab 29.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Fearless (DVD)
Advantages: Moving tale Disadvantages: Emotionless characters
down mental barriers with other people. But ultimately there is nobody to do the same for Max so the final test he gives himself is the memory that will stay with you long after the movie has ended.
Fearless comes with no special features other than a short inspiring trailer and some still photos.
Getting Fearless is a little harder, I was rather annoyed to discover that having paid £27 on Ebay to get the movie after not seeing it anywhere for nearly 10 years it was screened on TCM the very night the DVD arrived. And in honesty TCM (Turner Classic Movies available on Sky, NTL/Telewest, and TOPUPTV) is the better option to see this movie; but see it you really should. ...
sghawken 14.01.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Fearless DVD
Fearless is an emotionally drawing movie. It has to be classed as a disaster movie, not because it?s a bad movie but because of what the film is about.
The Plot
Fearless begins with Max Klein, peacefully, walking through a smoke filled cornfield, clutching a baby and closely followed by a wide-eyed boy. The scene then goes to show a few people scrambling their out of a blazing plane full of fright and horror. There are pieces of luggage scattered across the ground, people on their knees screaming and all bloodied, the shoe of a baby, charred remains of other bodies, twisted bits of metal.
Although, everyone is trembling with horror, Max is strangely calm. He hands the boy over to the rescue team and then goes to find the mother of the baby he is still holding. A member of the rescue team walks up to, Max to see if he is ok, but ...
madhatter7880 01.08.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Fearless DVD
Following the death of his father in combat, Huo Yuanjia vows to become a great martial artist and starts establishing himself as one of the greatest fighters in Tianjin, China. After a tragic incident that results in a number of deaths, Huo flees the region. When he returns to Tianjin he finds that the place is teeming with foreign merchants and soldiers. Huo challenges famous American wrestler Hercules O'Brien, resulting in the Foreign Chambers of Commerce challenging Huo to take on four foreign fighters.
Dolby Digital 5.1 Spanish Dolby Digital 5.1 French
Aspect Ratio
16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD Description
Following the death of his father in combat, Huo Yuanjia (Jet Li, HERO) vows to become a great martial artist and starts establishing himself as one of the greatest fighters in Tianjin, China. After a tragic incident that results in a number of deaths, Huo flees the region. When he returns to Tianjin he finds that the place is teeming with foreign merchants and soldiers. Huo challenges famous American wrestler Hercules O'Brien (Nathan Jones, WARRIOR KING), resulting in the Foreign Chambers of Commerce challenging Huo to take on four foreign fighters. Billed as Jet Li's final martial arts epic, FEARLESS sees the Chinese superstar play the legendary martial artist Huo Yuanjia, the most famous Chinese fighter in the early 20th century. Yuanjia was the founder of the Jin Wu Sports Federation and challenged foreign fighters to bouts. As with Jet Li's ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA films, Li plays a character that stands up for the Chinese people at a time when Western influence was having a significant impact on China. FEARLESS benefits from the teaming up of Jet Li's dynamic skills with Yuen Woo-Ping's inspired martial arts choreography--the pair had worked together with similar effect in the first two of the ONCE UPON A TIME IN CHINA films--to create a stunning action-packed film that serves as a fitting finale to Jet Li's epic martial arts film career.
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