First a brief word about Previews. Sitting there waiting for the much anticipated Fearless, I had to suffer through at least three previews for horror films. I like horror—when it's done well--classic, gothic stuff like “The Lady in White,” or “Frankenstein.” Horror is easy to screw up and most of what hits the screen is lousy. I just want them to match the preview to the film. Preview comedies before a comedy, action before action, etc. There I said it, now for your feature presentation.

Go see “Fearless”

Fearless is a great film! Jet Li has chosen this to be his last and I have to say I agree. Yes I want to see more of him, but if he's looking to go out on top this is the movie.

This film is poignant in many ways. For one thing Li's character, Huo Yuanjia (1868-1910) was the real deal. He stood for something, and that began to lend identity and pride to China 's people in her darkest hours. Li's success as an action star has also become about more than just him. You can tell Li feels a kinship with this Chinese Robin Hood type character. And of course Li is 42 now—the age at which Huo died.

But What About the Action?

I love three things about the action in this film.

1. The director let the brilliance of the choreography shine instead of editing and camera work.

2. All the moves are real and true. (i.e. the boxer boxed, Li used Kung Fu, Shidou used Karate and Kendo. I wouldn't have a clue if the costumes were wrong but I know the fighting styles were amazing.)

3. With one exception the fight scenes were authentic, natural, integral to the movie, and 85% realistic. ( Yuen Wo Ping is famous for his wire work and it either works "The Matrix" or it doesn't "Crouching Tiger").

What about the “PG-13” Rating?

It's about right for the film. No nudity just violence. The cool action kind of violence not the “Godfather III” shock value kind of violence. The theme and character of the film would have justified even more.

There are three things which are true to nearly any big budget film out of China . Their violence won't be gratuitous the cinematography will be amazing, and the plot will end tragically. I appreciate the first two and abhor the last. In this case, unlike “Crouching Tiger” the tragedy fits perfectly the plot of the film.

Larger Story

When I say larger story I speak of a style of film criticism in which secular movies are examined for elements of truth that transcend the intended scope of the film. Not necessarily Christian themes so much as human themes from the perspective of a person who believes we are all in God's story.

Yes there is larger story. Father wound, vow, all of it. My guess is that some scenes from this movie will turn up among your all time favorites. A hero who lives and dies in such a way as to call out the best even in his opponents is a true man of character.