To celebrate the release of Jet Li latest action yarn, War, we pick out five of our favourite fights from 25 years of his movies. And offer you the chance to submit your own to our list…
Originally a five times Wu Shu champion, Jet Li first entered the movies in 1982 with shameless 36th Chamber of Shaolin knock-off The Shaolin Temple. Since then he’s had hardly a chance to look back, maintaining box office stardom in Asia with films like Fearless and Hero, while making a credible stab at stardom in the US with films like Kiss Of the Dragon and The One, unlike rival Jackie Chan. (Forgive Shanghai Knights and Rush Hour 1/2/3 if you will… but Tuxedo?)
His latest film teams him with Jason Statham (The Transporter, Crank) under direction from Philip G. Atwell, previously best known for directing some of Eminem’s best and most iconic videos, with old friend Corey Yuan on hand to choreograph the action. But enough of that, let’s get on with it…!
1. Jet Li vs Donnie Yen: Once Upon A Time In China 2
We’ve all felt the pain of the slap from a wet towel across the back of the legs (haven’t we?) but Li uses that to his advantage playing folk hero Wong Fei Hung character is caught unprepared against Donnie Yen corrupt police official and his staff - fashioning wet laundry into a an equally solid pole with a nothing but a simple twist.
Sounds unlikely, impossible even, but you’ll soon be leaving your inquiring mind behind and enjoying one Li’s finest moments, choreographed by legend (and Yen’s mentor) Yuen Woo-ping.
2. Jet Li vs Billy Chow: Fist Of Legend
Perhaps the highpoint for Jet Li most devoted fans, Fist Of Legend is loosely based on the same events that loosely inspired Bruce Lee’s Fist Of Fury, also remade as Legend Of A Fighter. Yep, it’s China versus Japan once more, and a theme that has remained a constant throughout Hong Kong movies, even referenced again in Fearless.
Ubiquitous bad guy Chow plays General Fujita, whose pseudonym Supreme killer tells you ALL you need to know. This fights gonna be mean, it’s gonna be dirty, and it’s gonna be close. Woo-ping again choreographs the fast paced action.
3. Jet Li vs Sibelle Hu: Fong Sai Yuk
Corey Yuan directs Li as Fong Sai Yuk, another Chinese folk hero, who enters a local official Tiger Lu’s competition to win the hand of his daughter - all he needs to do is beat Lu’s wife Siu Lee Wan (played by Sibelle Hu) in combat. A Girl? Sure, but it’s not as easy as it sounds as the pair dive into, or rather onto, the crowd gathered to watch the spectacle, fighting whilst balanced on their heads.
When Fong mistakes an ugly girl for Lu’s daughter, he throws the fight, forcing Fong mother (Josephine Siao) to save the families reputation by entering the contest pretending to be Fong’s older brother. She (he?) beats Siu Lee, who in the process falls deeply for Fong’s mother. Cross gender hilarity ensues, but what do you want from a Hong Kong film, Shakespeare? (Hang on a mo, that is Shakespeare!)
4. Jet Li vs Brigitte Lin: Swordsman II
Hey Li - gentlemen don’t hit ladies - but hey, this sure ain’t no lady!
Ever beautiful in the most handsome way, Brigitte Lin plays Asia The Invincible, a warrior who has supernaturally castrated himself in order to become the more powerful, much to the disappointment of his girlfriend. (Do you spot a theme developing here?)
He/she’s even seems more preoccupied by his/her embroidery when confronted by Ling and his cohorts. Worse still, Ling is rather attracted to him/her (are you following?). It doesn’t help that Asia fooled Ling into thinking he made out with him/her, even though it was in fact his/her girlfriend. Right to the last Asia keeps Ling guessing as he/she (do keep up!) falls to his/her death.
(Unsurprisingly, it was Brigitte’s character that re-emerged for the sequel.)
5. Jet Li vs (ahem!) Jet Li: The One
Not his best by any means, but ex-X File and Final Destination creators James Wong and Glen Morgan direct Jet Li in a ‘parallel universe’ thriller that manages to avoid the most interesting parts of that concept in favour of a Highlander style rip-off. (Well, it did give the film it’s forgettable title?) Shame, as Li even gives pretty good performances as all the different versions of himself.
The highlight of the film, however, is the inevitable scene choreographed by Corey Yuen, where evil Li fights good Li. Both Li’s use entirely different style of fighting tied into their characters, and Corey and Jet’s imagined spirituality for them (not unusual for this pair!) - an entirely needless but actually quite noticeable detail for martial arts fans!
What are your favourite Jet Li fight scenes, let us know below in the format below and we’ll post ‘em here.
So it’s Jet Li vs…? (actor name)
What’s the film? (name it here)
Why does it rock? (your reasons why…)
