Esotropiart

Jet Li is without a doubt my favorite martial arts actor. Hands down. His speed and dedication to perfect form is amazing. He is seemingly a pretty cool guy. Though I obviously don't know him personally, several things about him have impressed me. Obviously the primary area of admiration relates to his amazing ability to demonstrate seemingly any form of Chinese martials arts with perfection. I especially like his depiction of T'ai Chi in a number of his films, including Twin Warriors.

Jet Li also has an uncanny dedication to his religion, a meritable trait, even if I don't share his religion, Buddhism. I learned today that his newest martial arts movie project, "Fearless" is rumored to be his last. It seems he has decided to revert to producing films that are more to his liking and conviction. Among other projects, he may do a documentary on Buddhism and children's or family films. Such decisions obviously stem from his religious beliefs because there can't be a whole lot of money or success in such pursuits.

Though I certainly don't agree or condone Jet Li's religious beliefs in their entirety, I commend him for this recent decision... that is, if it is indeed more than a rumor. Since I first became interested in martial arts movies as a child or adolescent, I was disillusioned by the inevitable corruption of the pure beauty of simply showing martial arts in action. Every single Chinese action star who gets American stardom eventually gets convinced to let money and sensuality to take over. Their movies slowly become more about guns, drugs, sex and other distractions, and less about martial arts and Chinese culture. It seems that perhaps Jet Li has noticed this corruption and perhaps wants to avoid it. Who knows what his motives are, but they seem commendable from this fan's perspective.

Though it would be a shame to see Jet Li's martial arts film career come to a swift end, at least it would seem it is for a good or conscious reason on his part. If I ever become famous or wealthy for any reason (highly dubious), I would hope that I end whatever the source of wealth is if I saw it corrupting me or causing others to stumble... or generally encourage this materialistic, sensual and hollow culture we live in.

Perhaps just out of curiosity I will follow Jet Li's new work if and when he decides to leave the martial arts scene (when it comes to film). I would personally love it if he decided to continue to make martial arts movies, but return to the traditional type, devoid of provocative sensuality and American pollutants. Those that are set in the 18th and 19th century, before British influence is found in China, are my favorite. I love to see those old, rugged market streets and masters in simple attire with martial skill bordering or crossing the line of the mystical. This genre of film is my absolute favorite ever. Jet Li is the crowning jewel of this style, and I seriously doubt another will ever emerge. Unfortunately, with the modernization of the world, even Chinese films will probably follow suite with the American [Hollywood] trend. As long as Chinese films continue to be set apart and unique, I will continue to enjoy them. If they conform, I will probably just savor the old great films and cease to expect anything new to be made. I think there are enough purist fans like me, however, to ensure the survival of this beautiful side of the film industry for at least a few more generations.

As good-natured as Jet Li's possible new pursuits might be, I wouldn't be surprised if he returns to action films at a later time. Unless he is a truly devoted religious man, willing to give up all possessions - and even his very life - as it seems a pure Buddhist might be led to do, it is likely he will return to doing something that provides the comforts of profitable living. After tasting fame and money, I'm sure it would be hard to follow less lucrative ventures, even if they emanate from religious or personal dogma.