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If Jet Li's goal was to bow out of martial arts cinema with a bang and to make a profound statement, I would say he succeeded in Fearless. The film packs both a martial and philosophical punch, its message a timeless and pertinent one. Fearless is a retelling of a significant Chinese historical figure, Huo Yuan Jia. Huo Yuan Jia is most famous for his competing against foreign fighters as well as for founding the Jin Wu Athletic Association.

The moral emanating from this movie and purported from the life of Huo Yuan Jia had two dramatic and lasting effects. First off, evident in the majority of martial arts movies and through the words and understanding of respectable masters and practitioners is the idea that one's martial skill is not to be used in a violent, arrogant fashion. I have a small amount of experience in martial arts, and I always remember the sentiment that I should never attack someone using martial arts to prove my worth. Fearless can be roughly divided into two parts: before and after Huo Yuan Jia's realization of this life lesson. In the beginning, his only desire is to be the best martial artist, defeating everyone in his path. He has little concern for anyone besides himself. After seeing the fruits of "violence begets violence", he distances himself from his arrogance and wanders his way into a simple life on a country plantation. He discovers inner peace and is transformed into a discerning master.

It is difficult to know how accurately the movie follows the life of Huo Yuan Jia. Chinese history tends to get recorded and propagated by word of mouth legends that are difficult to confirm and become conflicted through numerous subsequent accounts. There is no doubt, furthermore, that Huo Yuan Jia played a significant role in creating a public, and even worldwide portal into the world of martial arts by way of sport. A once secretive discipline was opened to Chinese countrymen and eventually to foreigners. This sort of sentiment is largely responsible for increased awareness and appreciation for martial arts around the world. Jing Wu in particular has over 150 branches in a number of countries.

It is hard to accurately define the role of martial arts in a modern society. Nevertheless, it has certainly evolved drastically: from a means of survival and combat into an expression of rigorous self-discipline, exercise and sport. While it could be argued that this is a natural progression as the result of modern weapons and tradition, surely pioneers like Huo Yuan Jia played a part by breaking through some of the elitism that limited serious martial arts training to the select few.

The second message derived from Fearless is only a more powerful implication of the first. The main character comes to realize that his superiority complex and violence has separated him from everything he loves. His blindness to love and wisdom brought him worldly success, but his spirit was completely lost as the result. He is retrained to appreciate life, beauty and true love through his interactions with a simple farm community. He learns that he doesn't need be better than others to live well and be satisfied. In the words of a famous (yet possibly nonexistent!) Chinese philosopher, "Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself makes you fearless." The second half of this proverb is also sometimes translated, "...mastering yourself is true power". The whole movie is summed up in this, and you can see that Huo is willing to give up his status and even his very life to communicate this point. Jet Li, in a bout of masterful acting (something I will always respect him for, even outside his unmatched wu shu skills) displays a smile that communicates total love and submission as he falls to the ground in the end. You'll have to see it to appreciate the moment and the message of the film.

Some people might be slightly annoyed at the pervasiveness of this self-denying message. I have to admit that I am sometimes annoyed when movies come with a political or moral message that is too pushy or permeating. A great example of this is "Collateral Damage", a movie filled with annoying special interest political innuendos (conveniently released not long before Arnold Schwarzenegger's dive into politics). I didn't see the message of "Fearless" as being obnoxious in this manner, though the story was quite possibly chosen and crafted to further Jet Li's personal and spiritual goals. These goals, however, are not necessarily overly political or moral in nature. They are rather manifestations of the fact that there is more to martial arts than physical contact or violence. It is a passion of Jet Li's to communicate the philosophical and living life side of wu shu. Martial arts is an enormous part of Chinese culture, but so much of the meaning is lost when translated into western society. I love this side of Jet because my passion for martial arts parallels some of these same appreciations. I don't desire to learn martial arts for the status I can gain at being good at it, to defeat anyone, or any similar purpose. I simply enjoy the beauty of it, the "art". This art can also help one find in a sense inner peace, mental relaxation, confidence, balance, appreciation for beauty, and a host of other intangible benefits. I don't see martial arts as an answer to the deep longings of the human soul like some eastern religions might tout, but its practice can certainly enhance anyone's enjoyment of life. I believe God can be honored through practicing martial arts. He created humans and He created motion and beauty. Physical motion is just an expression and result of His infinite imagination.

It is interesting to note that Jet Li alleges that "Fearless" will be his "final martial arts epic". It is unclear how confining or restrictive his statement is, and he might collaborate on film projects relating to martial arts or other genres. It seems Jet Li's intention with this statement might relate more along the lines that he feels he has nothing more to say on screen relating to wu shu. Fearless says it all, all he ever meant to be communicated. Regardless to his film career decisions, it is clear where Jet's passions lie, and it will be interesting to see what direction his life heads. I for one will follow his exploits with much interest. There is hardly an actor who has directly inspired or impressed me more.

Also worth mentioning: My friend Dave and I went to see "Fearless" on Friday. Accompanying the movie release was a short wu shu demonstration by Shaowen Yu, Gao Jia Min and their students in the theater lobby. When Dave told me of the event, I was extremely excited and couldn't pass up the opportunity to see the spectacle. Besides being in hollywood or wherever Jet Li was to see the movie opening, I can't imagine a cooler place to be! I just learned that Master Shaowen was part of the same Beijing Wu Shu Team that Jet Li trained in at a young age. The two were classmates! How cool is that?! He has a school here in Portland, Oregon. A few months ago I sent him a huge email expressing my deep appreciation for martial arts and intention to pursue training. I met with him in his office and discussed the possibility of joining his school. At the time (and still), I wasn't financially set enough to afford the tuition. When I am able, I would greatly enjoy taking some classes there. Gao Jia Min is a female taiji practitioner, known for being one of the best in the world. I am particularly interested in learning under her tutelage because currently taiji (T'ai Chi) is my favorite martial art form. I hope some day to get the chance to pursue this passion.