Fearless

Plot

This film tells the story of Chinese Martial Arts Master Huo Yuanjia (1869-1910). Huo Yuanjia was the founder and spiritual guru of the Jin Wu Sports Federation.

Release Year: 2006

Rating: 7.6/10 (36,151 voted)

Critic's Score: 70/100

Director:
Ronny Yu

Stars: Jet Li, Shidô Nakamura, Betty Sun

Storyline
Martial arts legend Huo Yuanjia became the most famous fighter in all of China at the turn of the 20th Century. Huo faced personal tragedy but ultimately fought his way out of darkness and into history, defining the true spirit of martial arts. His self-discovery, and the choices he made, inspired his nation. The son of a great fighter who did not wish for his child to follow in his footsteps, the bullied Huo Yuanjia resolves to teach himself how to fight – and win. Years of training enable him to ace match after match in his home region of Tianjin. But as his fame as a martial arts master grows, so does his pride. After an ill-advised fight leads to another master's death, members of Huo's family are slain in revenge. Grieving and ashamed, Huo wanders the country in shock. Near death, he is rescued by women from an idyllic village, and is offered simple kindness and generosity that help him heal and regain his equilibrium over a period of several years…

Writers: Chris Chow, Chi-long To

Cast:

Shidô Nakamura
–

Anno Tanaka

Betty Sun
–

Moon

(as Li Sun)

Yong Dong
–

Nong Jinsun

Hee Ching Paw
–

Yuanjia's Mother

Jet Li
–

Huo Yuanjia

Yun Qu
–

Grandma

Nathan Jones
–

Hercules O'Brien

Brandon Rhea
–

Belgian Fighter

Anthony De Longis
–

Spanish Swordman

Jean Claude Leuyer
–

English Boxer

Mike Leeder
–

Fight Referee

Jon T. Benn
–

American Businessman

John Paisley
–

English Businessman

Collin Chou
–

Yuanjia's Father

Masato Harada
–

Mita

Taglines:
Fate Made Him A Warrior, Courage Made Him A Hero

Details

Official Website:
Official site |
Official site [Netherlands] |

Release Date: 22 September 2006

Filming Locations: Shanghai, China

Opening Weekend: £369,947
(UK)
(25 June 2006)
(250 Screens)

Gross: $24,623,719
(USA)
(12 November 2006)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

104 min
 |
Hong Kong: 141 min
(Director's cut)
 |
Thailand: 111 min

Did You Know?

Trivia:

The character played by Brandon Rhea in the film, was based upon a German military attaché who was based in China at the turn of the 20th Century and had a background in German fencing and weapons techniques.

Goofs:

Anachronisms:
Though the film takes place in 1910 and before, the western fencer Li faces in the beginning of the film uses a cavalry sword designed by George S. Patton in 1913. While very similar in design to earlier British cavalry swords, the Patton saber is readily recognizable by the lack painted hilt.

Quotes:

Moon:
because, "If you're sad", my Grandma told me "then cry", "After you cry, you still have to live life"

User Review

Jet Li in a Masterpiece

Rating: 10/10


I've always been a fan of Jet Li since his early days, and frankly his
movies and performances in them have been terrible in the last few
years mainly due to his attempts to be a profitable and a more
mainstream actor in the US. As a result, we were treated to "nice"
movies like The One and Cradle to the Grave. This movie though makes up
them. This was truly a gem. Not only were the action sequences
spectacular, and I iterate spectacular, but the story line and acting
as well as screen play was very tastefully done. Gone were the
traditional comedic side plot, and welcomed was a sense of respect not
only for the Chinese but also for some of the foreign countries that
are often portrayed poorly in the movies. In the end, I can't help but
feel like I've not only seen a great movie but felt the humanity and
pride that the movie released. See it!