The wonderful thing about Chinese Martial Arts cinema is the approach it takes to the material. American action cinema is generally a series of action set pieces that uses a simplistic story to tie these action sequences together. Chinese films, such as Jet Li's Fearless focus first on telling a story, using action sequences as a means to enhance the story, where both plot development, and enjoyment are concerned.

Fearless, is based on the true story of Huo Yuanjia. The film depicts his life from childhood to his most significant battle against a series of opponents of different cultures in 1910. Huo Yuanjia remains a significant figure in Chinese culture, due primarily to his battles against foreign fighters. At this point, governmental authority in China was slowly being dissolved by foreign influence, so his battles took on a certain metaphorical significance. Since his death, Huo Yuanjia has achieved legendary, almost mythical status, and thus it is impossible to determine how much information about his life is true. The film regrettably takes a stance regarding the Japanese involvement in Huo Yuanjia's death, which is unproven. It does show the effect that Huo Yuanjia's death has had on Chinese culture, and how the philosophies in which he believed, in showing both respect and forgiveness to all, have been all but forgotten in the years after his death.

Ronny Yu's Fearless, documents what has been recorded about his life, and inserts a few points of it's own to progress the story. It is highly effective in doing so, as one would never guess that the film serves as a sort of documentary of the life of a significant Chinese figure. The events that transpire follow such a logical sequence of filmic events that one could believe the film is entirely fictional, if the audience did not know better. It is based primarily in truth, yet it is my understanding that a great deal of the film is, in fact, fictionalized. This makes little to no difference to the viewer, however, as most are not aware that the film is based on any semblance of truth, anyway. Most will view the film as Jet Li's final martial arts epic, which is perfectly appropriate, as the fight sequences are spectacular.

There are a number of fight sequences throughout the film utilizing both traditional hand-to-hand combat, as well as a number of weapons – swords, spears, and my personal favourite, the three-section staff. The fight sequences are quite spectacular, yet are hindered periodically by a frustratingly noticeable use of wire-work, and some poor editing. These small gripes aside, the fight sequences are very good, although not quite up to par with some of Jet Li's earlier work, such as the Once Upon a Time in China Series, or The Legend 1, 2. It's certainly a fitting piece for Li to end his remarkable career in the world of martial arts films. (Whether you believe he will remain retired, is strictly a matter of opinion.)

Regardless of the amount of truth prevalent within the story, Fearless tells its story well. The rise of a young man who realizes there is more to the art of fighting, than strictly winning, is nothing new to Chinese films. Wushu, which translates literally to ‘martial art', is as much a mental state as it is a physical skill. It is as much a respect for your opponent, as it is the skill required during combat. Most Chinese action films seek to tell a similar story, as a young student grows both physically and mentally, to the point where he fully understands what is required to fully appreciate his/her art. It's nothing new, yet Fearless takes a slightly different approach, and is more successful than most other films of the same ilk. Perhaps it's out of respect for its subject, or perhaps it's just a credit to Ronny Yu's skill as a director. Fearless is certainly one of the most solid films to come out of China in a long time.