Once again Jet Li, under the guidance of director Ronny Yu, graces the silver screen in his latest martial arts epic, “Fearless.”

Li is no stranger to this successful genre of film as proven by the success of his recent hit “Hero.”

In comparison, “Fearless” has a more personal story because it is loosely based on the real life account of Chinese Martial Arts Master, Huo Yuanjia (Li).

Yuanjia is best known for founding the Chin Woo Athletic Association, established on the principles of Wushu (Chinese martial arts).

The association has branched out into many other countries besides China and also broadened its teachings to include many more activities than just martial arts.

Yuanjia also is well known for defeating many Western fighting “champions” who were brought in to humiliate the Chinese in attempt to prove Western superiority.

It is no doubt an honor for Li as a martial artist, to play a man who had such a large influence on Chinese martial arts.

On his journey to create his school for martial arts, in the film Yuanjia faces danger and peril, but finds inner strength to create a school based on individual destinies rather than brutal conquests often associated with martial arts fighting.

The film portrays a man fighting, not only for his dreams, but for his very survival. Those of you who are not fans of the more fanciful “wire” fighting featuring martial arts that more resemble floating or flying rather than leaping, will be excited to know that “Fearless” does not contain such stunts.

Audiences won’t find any crouching or hiding in this film, though this does not mean that the film doesn’t contain some amazingly choreographed action.

Many of the fight scenes still push the boundaries of reality, but each scene is so meticulously shot and the editing is so crisp that it can’t help but be appreciated.

This movie is also the perfect vehicle for a martial arts expert such as Li to showcase his amazing range of ability.

His character fights the top fighters the West can muster using hand-to-hand combat, swords, a spear, and even a Sansetsukon (three section staff) which is three wooden or metal poles connected by chain or rope.

“Fearless” is not a typical martial arts movie. Its story is moving and detailed as opposed to the typical emphasis on fighting and choreography.

In this regard it can be grouped with films such as “House of Flying Daggers” and “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon.”

The film is set in a rapidly changing China that is newly influenced by the Western nations.

Among others, one of the film’s themes is the unification of China in order to combat Western imperialism, but the movie is mostly about the journey of Yuanjia from a child to a respected martial arts master.

The entire movie is extremely visually stimulating as well.

Audiences are taken on a beautiful ride throughout the Chinese countryside circa late 1800s – early 1900s that they are sure to enjoy.

Spanning landscapes and quaint Chinese villages are so detailed that they are a true testament to the commitment of the films director and crew. The movie is worth a shot for those looking for both a mix of action and culture.