The best martial arts film ever

A tough lesson to learn

Jet Li’s character grows up wanting to learn martial arts from his father instead of doing his school work. One day he watches his father break a block of stone using a powerful technique. Later when his father is fighting in a tournament the same move is made but withheld just above the opponents head. Clearly the father could have killed the man. The Father steps back knowing that he has stayed the winning blow but the opponent fights on and wins. Jet Li’s character as a young boy then fights for his father’s honour and loses. Then he gets in big trouble from his father because he has been fighting. At this point Jet Li’s character promises that he will never lose another fight.

The best fighting

This is the best martial arts fighting I have seen. You can see the action, the supernatural moves are not over done, and there are many fights to enjoy. Jet Li basically becomes unbeatable and it goes straight to his head. He becomes arrogant, neglectful of his family and obsessive about his reputation. For him being the best is the most important thing.

Fearless was afraid

In reality Jet Li’s character was afraid of losing, afraid of not measuring up to the standards he had set himself. Eventually he loses all that he should have cherished and nearly loses his own life. He is rescued and rehabilitated in a small village, learning to enjoy ordinary life. Things like work, the cool breeze of the wind, good food and good company.

Lesson learned

He learns that his father rather than losing was the winner because he did not have to win. He realised that his mother was actually seeking to help him all his life and that he had ignored her at great cost. In other words he has been humbled and seeks to live his life for the good of others rather than himself.

Fight on

Now he uses his skill for the honour of China and in the way of respect rather than brutality. It’s great to share the characters journey; pride is broken through great tragedy and humility is rewarded with the respect he previously sought to win by fighting.

We fight

All of us share the same battle. We are all afraid of losing, of being rejected, of falling short of people’s expectations. If that’s the case then life revolves around what people think of us. This is a form of slavery because we are no longer in control of our own lives. We are driven by the opinion of our peers (this is called peer pressure). Better to live not for ourselves, nor for the good opinion or approval of others but rather for God.

Fight for Christ

There are many battles that need to be fought in the name of Christ. Pride, anger, fear, guilt, shame, depression, addictions are all battles that are hard but worth fighting. These battles rage all around us all the time. Instead of yelling at your kids try exercising patience, instead of doing things out of guilt try doing something out of love; with no hope of receiving something in return. Martial arts are spectacular to watch but living for Christ is far more rewarding.

Score 4 stars

I really enjoyed the martial arts in this film. The film had a good message to think about and it was beautifully shot; some of the scenery was awesome.