Jet Li's Fearless

Movie review by Liz Perle, Common Sense Media
Jet Li's Fearless Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 14+

Jet Li's final fight; teens OK.

PG-13 2006 103 minutes
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Parents say

age 16+

Based on 8 reviews

Kids say

age 11+

Based on 5 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is an action movie with nothing but fighting and killing. There are also a couple of deaths that could be upsetting to younger kids. There is some drinking in bars and some diva-like behavior, but there are also uplifting messages about humility and honor.

Community Reviews

B-127
B-127 Adult
August 7, 2020
age 13+

Top notch martial arts movie

Obviously this movie isn't geared towards younger kids, but older kids will be fine with it. There's some sad and bloody deaths in the film so if showing with sensitive or younger kids, you may want to preview it first so you know when to fast-forward. It's very violent (what martial arts film isn't?) but also tries to have a good message. at least from the perspective of the main character and his fans. Definitely portrays the US and UK etc. as "the bad guys" so maybe have a discussion afterwards about how this shows history "from a certain point of view" etc. We enjoyed it were, as always, amazed by Jet Li's speed and skills. There are several scenes in which people toast one another with wine and blood is shown several times.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
tazmen
tazmen Adult
August 7, 2012
age 18+

Huo Yuanjia

This is not the typical fighting movie. It is also definitely not for an immature audience. ****This movie takes multiple viewings to truly appreciate. Huo Yuanjia, Jet Li, starts the movie off by defeating 3 people in a row and before the 4th fight he has a flashback. During this flashback you see him as a child, where he watches his dad get defeated, his dad would not land the final blow. After this he fights his dads opponents' son... and loses. Huo then vows to never be defeated again. The movie goes on to show how his "adulthood" played out. Needless to say, he was not the best role model and takes the life of another in a fight. After he learns it was all for not, he leaves and travels until a small tribe takes him in. While with these people he learns what he has done wrong and truly takes it to heart. *speed up about 20 minutes* and we are back to the final fight: Huo and Tanaka. [you will know the reason if you watch the movie]. Tanaka knows that the Japanese business man played dirty and declares Huo the winner, Huo used a similar punch from earlier that killed someone-- but did not follow through with it. Tanaka declares Huo the winner and Huo shortly dies afterwards. The end scene of the movie is the best in my opinion, the ghost of Huo is training and Moon can feel his presence. Anyone who would say only Jet Li fans and martial art fans would like this, did not understand the movie fully. Overall: A+ Definitely not for kids or most teens(they will not understand the reasons in the movie).

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

JET LI'S FEARLESS is ultimately a story of redemption. When Huo's father is humiliatingly defeated in public, the young man vows to become the best kung fu fighter. But he loses his moral compass as he becomes more powerful and, much like some of today's media stars, begins to travel with a posse of devotees. But when Huo kills the wrong person, his life begins to unravel. After feeling the true consequences of his violent ways, Huo must return to fighting -- this time for his country.

Is It Any Good?

Only Jet Li and martial arts lovers need see this last Li action movie. That said, this one will certainly satisfy that audience. For his final martial arts outing, Li reverently tells the story of one of China's most revered martial artists, Huo Yuaniga. Since the movie takes place when China was experiencing a veritable invasion of westerners, a metaphoric showdown with foreigners becomes the centerpiece of both the plot and Huo's redemption.

Clearly there are parallels between Huo an Li, and this infuses this movie -- which Li has claimed will be his final action feature -- with emotional resonance. If the audience pays attention to something beyond the really excellent martial arts, they'll see Li's messages about the nature of violence and humility. Beautifully choreographed, the movie is plenty violent. People are killed, including some sympathetic characters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the consequences of physical violence, the nature of humility, and the topics of national honor.

Movie Details

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