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Fearless (2006)

“Huo Yuan Jia”

“Jet Li’s Fearless”

Action, Biography, Drama |

Fearless is a Chinese-Hong Kong martial arts film directed by Ronny Yu and starring Jet Li. It is loosely based on the life of Huo Yuanjia, a Chinese martial artist who challenged foreign fighters in highly publicized events, restoring pride and nationalism to China at a time when Western imperialism and Japanese manipulation were eroding the country in the final years of the Qing Dynasty before the birth of the Republic of China. Li stated in an interview that the film was his last wushu martial arts epic, a point also made in the film’s television promotions and other publicity.

Fearless was released on 26 January 2006 in Hong Kong, on 23 June 2006 in the United Kingdom, and on 22 September 2006 in the United States.

The film begins with Huo Yuanjia fighting and defeating three Westerners: a British boxer, a Belgian lancer, and a Spanish fencer. While waiting for the fourth match to begin, Huo remembers his father Huo Endi teaching martial arts. The story is then told in an extended flashback. Watching his father fight, the young Yuanjia wants to participate, but his father is concerned about his asthma.

Yuanjia sees his father in a match with Zhao, who dishonorably won by retaliating when Huo Endi held back a fatal blow. Humiliated by his father’s defeat, Huo Yuanjia vows to regain the Huo family’s honor and pride. He practices martial arts behind his father’s back. As time goes by, Huo Yuanjia defeats several opponents (including Zhao’s son) and becomes a famous martial artist in Tianjin. As he becomes successful, he grows arrogant and ruthless towards his opponents, unlike his late father who advocated showing mercy to opponents. This also leads to Huo gaining many followers and getting himself into financial trouble by spending his family’s money on drinking and partying.

Director: Ronny Yu

Writers: Chris Chow, Richard Epcar, Chi-long To

Stars: Jet Li, Li Sun, Yong Dong, Yun Qu, Ailing Xu, Collin Chou, Hee Ching Paw

Cast:

Jet LiHuo Yuanjia
Li SunMoon
Yong DongNong Jinsun
Yun QuGrandma
Ailing XuJade
Collin ChouYuanjia’s Father
Hee Ching PawYuanjia’s Mother
Nathan JonesHercules O’Brien
Shidô NakamuraAnno Tanaka
Brandon RheaBelgian Fighter
Anthony De LongisSpanish Swordman
Jean Claude LeuyerEnglish Boxer
Zhi-Hui ChenMaster Chin
Jacky HeungMaster Chin’s Godson
Zhigang ZhaoZhou’s Father
Masato HaradaMita
Jon T. BennAmerican Businessman
John PaisleyEnglish Businessman
Graeme FordEnglish Businessman
Samantha BuckJournalist
Mike LeederFight Referee
Jun LiJudge
Jason C. LinPresenter
Fusheng ChenXu Dashan
Yong ChengTwin Brother: Tall
Shaohang GuoMaster Braid
Ju HeTown Idiot
Sirong HeMaster Chin’s wife
Chao LiSwordsman
Licheng LiuAh-Qiang
Jing MaYuangia’s Disciple
Scott MaZhou
Yin MaMaster Chin’s daughter
Dave MallowNong Jinsun (voice)
Philippe MillieretFrench Businessman
Yi QianWestener?
Jian ShiTwin Brother: Short
Shuo SongYuangia’s Disciple
Leqiu SunAccountant
Leung TingLai
Qi WangGui
Binghua WeiYuangia’s Disciple
Dashen XuFusheng Chen
Yonghai XuYuangia’s Disciple
Sean Eden YiZhensheng Liu (as Shixiong Yi)
Tieying ZhaoYuangia’s Disciple
Shiming ZhengXia Xiang (intro)
Somrak KhamsingMuaythai (uncredited)
Drago LazetichBritish Boxer (uncredited)
Ian PowersBellboy (uncredited)
Michelle YeohMiss Yang (uncredited)

Sources: imdb & wikipedia

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