Arguably the most internationally popular martial arts performer of all time, with only Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan viable competition, Jet Li has been a household name in Hong Kong for years. Over the past decade he has become immensely popular in America as well, unfortunately with some mediocre films. For those who may not know the best Li has to offer, here are five of his best films.
Hero
Directed by Chinese auteur Zhang Yimou, Hero is a lyrical, almost poetic martial arts film. The story of an assassin (Li) attempting to execute a would-be emperor, Hero is a gorgeous feast for the eyes, with stunning cinematography by Christopher Doyle. The Rashomon –like story asks big questions about love and patriotism, and which should come first. With action choreography by acclaimed action director Ching Siu-tung, and strong supporting performances from Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai Hero is a movie demanding to be seen. One of the best martial arts films of all time and a true masterpiece.
Fearless
Billed as Jet Li’s last pure martial arts film, Fearless does not disappoint. A heavily fictionalized account of real-life Chinese martial artist Huo Yuan-Jia, Fearless fits in the same mold as Hero. The fighting, choreographed by action master Yuen Woo-Ping, is exquisite, but this is a movie about the essence of martial arts, not just fighting. Huo starts as a petulant fighter, who ultimately heads down a path to true enlightenment. Director Ronny Yu gives the characters time to breath between the action scenes, and Li gives the best performance of his career. Interested viewers should seek out the Director’s Cut, as it is nearly 30 minutes longer. The longer cut fleshes out some of the subplots, and makes for a much less disjointed and more compelling movie. Further, it restores Michelle Yeoh’s performance, which was completely cut from the theatrical version.
Fist of Legend
Essentially a remake of the seminal Bruce Lee film Fist of Fury, Fist of Legend contains Li’s best fights, hands down. Li plays Chen Zhen, and martial arts student who returns home to China to avenge his master’s murder. Taking place before WWII, tensions between China and the occupying Japanese army are at the forefront of the movie. At the end of the day though, this movie is about knock down drag out fighting. The fights happen often and they are fast and brutal. Choreographed once again by Yuen Woo-Ping, and using minimal wirework, Li’s wushu prowess is on full display. Overall the movie actually trumps Lee’s original.
Once Upon a Time in China 2
The second entry in the series that brought Li to fame is the best. Li plays Chinese folk hero Wong Fei-Hong, continuing his battle against invaders to China. Wong encounters Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, battles the evil White Lotus Cult, and fights Donnie Yen in one of the best fights in martial arts history. Directed by famed Hong Kong director Tsui Hark, and choreographed by the ever present Yuen Woo-Ping, OUATC2 is an exhilarating blend of martial arts action and political commentary. The film is also one of Donnie Yen’s best films.
Bodyguard from Beijing
Ostensibly a remake of the Kevin Costner film The Bodyguard, Li plays a mainland Chinese soldier who is sent to Hong Kong to protect the spoiled witness to a murder, played by Christy Chung. Romantic tension predictably ensues, but Li and the adorable Chung have great chemistry, far better than Costner and Whitney Houston. Director Corey Yuen is a Hong Kong action pro, and it shows in this film. The fighting is exceptionally well done, and the film moves at a great pace. The last fight, wherein Li and the main villain have to duke it out in a house rapidly filling with gas is fantastic. Light, fluffy entertainment, but incredibly well done.
For fans wanting to know the best Jet Li movies out there, this list is a great place to start. These five movies are guaranteed to satisfy any Jet Li fan, or any martial arts movie fan out there.
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