Jet Li: the Actor, the Star, the Martial Artist | Video Essay

[@AccentedCinema]

Start your free trial at squarespace.com/accentedcinema and use code ACCENTEDCINEMA to get 10% off your first purchase. A big hearty thank you to CJ from Cool History Bros for lending his voice! CJ is currently doing a series on the classic Chinese novel "Water Margin", the first ever Wuxia novel. Check it out! kzbin.infovideos

[@omniframe8612]

Great video. Please 🙏 🙏 🙏 🙏 check out this video essay called "Fist of Legend- Jet Li's greatest film" I'm a smaller KZbin channel so all of my content goes unnoticed

[@TheRealBatBoyAlive]

I hope you can do a video about Yuen Woo Ping sometime.

[@TheRealBatBoyAlive]

You should've also talked about Nixon asking young Jet Li to be his bodyguard when he grows up.

[@tianwong152]

General Xu Shiyou, himself a Shaolin Monk before he joined the Red Army and became a General, spoke highly of Jet Li

[@richardmurrayaalbcassist7279]

I wish you would had added jet li for unleashed got an acting coach, that shows a desire to improve , to not be so proud or full of himself

[@CoolHistoryBros]

Thanks for getting me to voice Jet Li's lines, bro. He's one of my favourite heroes of all time and I'm proud to say that I've watched all of his films.

[@MrAllmightyCornholioz]

Your narration remind me of a wise master telling stories haha

[@Isomnophilia]

Great to hear your voice especially your Forgotten Realm series :)

[@gedearimbawa1985]

Ah this the reason jet li voice sound familiar

[@AndrewAzis]

@@gedearimbawa1985 i had that feeling too :D

[@DnDEducation]

Loved hearing CJ’s voice!

[@jayflavor1]

I shed a tear. His movies were the cornerstone of teen and pre-teens in Ghana who loved among many things, Chinese action cinema and WWE. We stayed in boarding houses. Every Friday night we would spend hours talking about and reenacting his scenes.

[@Ealsante]

That's really fascinating that Ghanaians grew up watching Jet Li! Were the films just on TV all the time or something?

[@Sreerags5959]

@Kaen Kakashi Same. Seeing them becoming old, it just.... hurts.

[@uyuman1]

Same but in Nigeria, anyone growing up in the 90s, early 2000s watched a lot of badly dubbed martial arts movies, my favourite Jet Li movie is Twin Warriors.

[@ilyasanzo]

@@uyuman1 it's literally every kid in America in the 80's.. watch Police Academy how the black dude impersonating a dubbed chinese actor lol

[@uyuman1]

@@ilyasanzo The dubbing was the cause of the rumour of chinese people talking faster than their mouths move although I no longer hear of it due to more chinese people living in Nigeria.

[@MarkCMoran]

I worked for Jet for 10 years and I have to say that this is one of the only tribute videos I've seen that was completely accurate. Thank you for taking the time to put this together and share his story with everyone.

[@yowie1175]

Damn that's so awesome to hear that he was really like that. Would love to hear your stories about him!

[@Ethan-wr2os]

I remember a "Mark" being mentioned on Jet's old website many years ago, am I correct in assuming you helped Jet Li communicate with his fans online?

[@avinoam0land]

I lost count of the number of times I said "I need to watch that movie again" throughout this video. What an amazing career, and what a great video.

[@Combaticus]

Same

[@tunkycool]

Me too!

[@darcyspencer4279]

Sometime in late 1980s or early 1990s(I don't remember exactly), he visited South Korea and was on one of the country's most popular late night shows. When one of the guests jokingly asked him to 'do some martial arts,' he calmy stood up and slightly lifted a foot, then brought it down. It made such a loud boom that all the other personalities jumped from their seats. Another one commented right after that he could still feel the reverberation through his legs. He was my childhood hero.

[@musashilevi311]

Cool story. I wish I could have seen it!!!

[@rocopoco1361]

🧢

[@s._3560]

Are you able to find a clip of it?

[@PenneySounds]

I like how Jet Li singlehandedly changed the cultural image of Wong Fei Hung from an aging man in a blue suit and cap doing Hung Kuen, to a youthful man in a white robe and queue doing Changquan. Every subsequent iteration of the character has had to emulate that image.

[@ShebaFr]

It left such a great impression that the game company SNK created a character in homage to this portrayal: Lee Rekka, from the fighting game series The Last Blade.

[@PenneySounds]

Even when Jackie Chan made a sequel to his older Wong Fei Hung film "Drunken Master", he had to wear a white robe in the final battle. I doubt that sequel would even have been made if it wasn't for the success of the OUATIC movies

[@jp3813]

@@PenneySounds Didn't Jet also establish Fei-hung's iconic fighting stance w/ the back of the hand facing towards the opponent? You'll see that same stance used by Jackie in Drunken Master II.

[@cyborgchicken3502]

I mean Gordon Liu kinda had a similar impact on the Wong Fei Hung character in the Hong Kong produced Shaw Brothers films about him....films like Challenge of the Masters and The Martial Club, Gordon was pretty young at the time as well and then there's Jackie's portrayal in Drunken Master 1....I'd say while Gordon and Kwan Tak Hing's portrayals were probably the most accurate, especially since they used Wong Fei Hung's real life martial arts style Hung Gar Kuen, Jet's portrayal is definitely the most iconic though, it turned Wong Fei Hung into an international icon synonymous with Chinese history, culture and most importantly martial arts...and made both this historical folk hero and Jet himself famous worldwide..... however....the recent attempts at trying to revive the character starring Vincent Zhao have been terrible and in my opinion make a complete mockery of the legendary Kung Fu master that was Wong Fei Hung...despite Vincent playing him in the 90s after Jet left the role....and it's a shame because I really think Vincent Zhao could be the next Wong Fei Hung, he's such an underrated martial artist and actor, but he keeps getting relegated to these crappy roles lately...I mean Unity of Heroes had him star as Wong Fei Hung fighting against literal opium zombies....Kung Fu warriors that gain super strength through getting high off a chemically modified strain of opium

[@PenneySounds]

@@cyborgchicken3502 Gordon Liu and Jackie Chan's portrayals definitely broke from the image that Kwan Tak Hing created, but they didn't change that image in the cultural consciousness. Jet Li completely replaced that image. Zhao Wenzhuo could potentially bridge the gap though. He took over from Li and carried that version of Wong on, but I find that as he ages, he actually starts to look like Kwan Tak Hing. Maybe he should bring back the blue suit and cap.

[@shailu210]

At the beginning of your channel, I remember sending you a mail for Jet and you replied that you would. And today, is the day.

[@nghiango1655]

Jet li is a legend. He elevated marital arts movies to the next level in the noghties with Hero, Fearless and Warlords. And then he topped off this triple cherry pie with Oceans Heaven where he just acts his a s s off with no kungfu or triads. Just a simple story of a father and the love for his son.

[@artofchang]

Unleashed showed me how great of an actor Jet Li can be and Warlords and Ocean Heaven just solidified for me that he IS an amazing actor.

[@cafesizzle]

Oceans Heaven was soooo good. Jet Li didn't take any pay for the movie.

[@Ethan-wr2os]

@@cafesizzle I never knew he took no pay... that tells you what kind of a guy Jet Li is ❤

[@zuriyel5368]

@@Ethan-wr2os He also persuaded the director of Hero to bring on Donnie Yen instead of the director's own pick. While Jet Li thought that would be better for the movie, that also revitalized Donnie Yen's career in China.

[@Ethan-wr2os]

@@zuriyel5368 yeah I remember that lol he vouched for Yen's skills

[@NR-rv8rz]

Can't believe you skipped over The Swordsman 2. I and my fellow British friend, were studying marital arts in South Korea in 1992 when that movie came out. We saw it twice in the cinema without understanding the Chinese dialogue or the Korean subtitles but it became my favourite martial arts movie and in my top five movies of all time.

[@glknight1813]

One of my favorite Jet Li movies, oddly enough, isn't a Martial Arts film. It's called Ocean Heaven, where he plays a terminally ill man who seeks to prepare his Autistic son to live without him. While lambasted for being "too kind" or "empty", I think it's a very heartfelt and focused story on how no one can do everything on their own, but we can do our best if we give it our whole heart. A seriously unseen and underappreciated film.

[@kyoko703]

Truth. I wish he had mentioned it in the video because I think Ocean Heaven and what he did (on and off the screen) really showed who he is as an actor but as a human being.

[@byrin]

No dry eyes in the theater when this movie was screened.

[@kyoko703]

@@byrin i believe it.

[@duttyrassfidyoco]

Ahh that film has my eyes watering every time, when I first realised the purpose of the intro scene it just killed me. Jet Li had always been this near invincible Kung Fu hero but that role humanised him much more than I've ever seen any other actor in that sort of role. The desperation, love and despair he evokes as a father running out of time was beyond moving for me. So glad to see other fans of that film 😊

[@kyoko703]

@@duttyrassfidyoco I think he can and should do a whole video on that movie. The hard part is being able to watch it without balling your eyes out.

[@UnifiedEntity]

Jackie was for a lighter stuff and Jet Li I would go to for stuff with more edge and seriousness. Was such a shame nowdays his health made him stay away from acting for some time, but what he has done and accomplished will never escape my memory and will always be an inspiration. Ferocity is a keyword thats synonymous with Jet Li. From Kiss of the Dragon, Fearless, Unleashed, Fist of Legend, you named it. Any time he walked in a scene, there was a quiet calmness with a storm RIGHT behind it. I LOVED The One

[@tokyocraze]

...and old Donnie was making his way up too in the middle of all that with some Tiger Cage and Iron Monkey business, not to forget Wing Chun as a smaller player with Michelle. And then he just took over after those two!

[@UnifiedEntity]

@@tokyocraze Oh brother the list goes on. Donnie Yen was always around somehow when I saw either Jet LI or Jackie and then really came into my spotlight with Ip Man and that's when I remembered he was in Blade 2.

[@BenRover2961]

yes and their styles were also iconic to their role. Jackie had: -Drunken style, -Parkour and tiger style (mostly grabbing) which focuses on different movements and the playful part of it while jet li had: - hung gar (wong fei hung) -mantis style version of hung gar (what toph was doing in ATLA) -Shaolin training and weaponry which focuses on striking which also compliments the seriousness since most of his movie endings ended up the villain getting killed Both of them stayed consistent on their styles within their acting which really got them iconic.

[@peacelovingindian9907]

Its futile to compare legends

[@ktitwayne-leeakabane1345]

Jackie did a lot of serious films also and even if his stuff is comedy it still has drama and seriousness in them!

[@lethopeane4365]

That was beautiful man. I almost cried watching this,I've been a fan of Jet Li and his films since before I was in the 1st grade and to see this video covering his life,filmography and martial arts skills just made my day and reaffirmed my respect and admiration for Jet Li. So thank you Accented Cinema,this means a lot

[@Ethan-wr2os]

I got chills and also teared up at various points in the video. There is a quiet power to Jet Li and whatever challenge he has to face, he just walks calmly towards it and faces it. What a presence he has. Like you Accented Cinema, this guy was my hero growing up, and your video reminded me that he still is my hero. Thank you for such a beautiful presentation on a remarkable martial artist and human being 🙏

[@StimParavane]

As a Westerner who has been studying the Shaolin arts for 27 years, I can say that Jet Li has inspired me greatly. His technique and execution are superb and he really embodies the spirit of an authentic martial artist.

[@tooktooknee]

Such a great tribute to one of the best. I grew up watching Jet Li films alongside Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, etc films. Its hard to find this type of talent now. He's really one of the last super stars.

[@senseihEnRY16]

in my opinion, there will be never a better kung fu actor than Jet Li. Such an amazing man. Hero, Fearless, and Warlords are the best Chinese movies ever made in my opinion.

[@Plus1AightSword]

I didn't think I would be tearing up listening to this excellent essay about Jet Li today but here I am!

[@samuraialfredo]

What a beautiful human being! That's why he has kept fans throughout the years. If you're sincere and put good energy out into the world, it will return to you as well. Thank you so much for this video.

[@olfrud]

In my humble opinion Fist of Legend has the best fight scene in a movie ever. Thanks for this nice hommage to Jet Li. His movies still bring me great joy.

[@michaelbandada8330]

Jet Li got his screen name in the Philippines since a publicity company there said that it’s impossible to pronounce or say his real name, Li Lianjie, and it became a prophetic one since Jet Li’s career rose to great heights and established himself as one of the biggest stars in the world. My favorite Jet Li movies are the Once Upon a Time in China Trilogy (it is part of the Once Upon a Time in China series yet two movies featured Vincent Zhao instead of Jet Li and the latter returned in Once Upon a Time in China and America and Last Hero in China is non-canon) for it is one of Jet Li’s most memorable roles and he portrayed Wong Fei Hung (the third most notable actor to portray Wong Fei Hung with Jackie Chan portraying him in the Drunken Master movies and Kwan Tak Hing in the old, black and white Wong Fei Hung movies). Once Upon a Time in China is a political martial arts epic set in the waning years of the Qing Dynasty with China split up among the Western powers with Wong Fei Hung facing off against a xenophobic cult led by Hung Yan Yan aka a notable martial arts choreographer who would be later known in the series as Club Foot, another disciple of Wong Fei Hung, rival martial artists with Yen Shi Kwan aka Iron Robe Yim and of course, he would face off against Donnie Yen in the second movie. When “A Man of Determination” is played throughout the movie, everyone knows that Wong Fei Hung is about to kick some schmuck to the ground and hit his trademark Foshan Shadowless Kick on the poor schmuck that he already beat up.

[@louiechin2937]

Oh wow I forgot about the actor that played wong fei hung. Now I remember watching as a kid and being confused it wasn’t jet li. (Also disappointed)

[@michaelbandada8330]

@@louiechin2937 Vincent Zhao portrayed Wong Fei Hung in Once Upon a Time in China 4 and 5 yet I prefer Jet Li as Wong Fei Hung due to the fact that it's one of his most iconic roles and he has memorable fight scenes in the movies against Yen Shi Kwan aka Iron Robe Yim, Hung Yan Yan who plays the leader of the White Lotus Society and of course, he fought Donnie Yen whose character is using a cloth as his weapo

[@shinshow7296]

wow thats such a great piece of comment right there bro, i used to watch once upon a time in china repeatedly cuz we have a dvd player at home and we bought pirated dvds when i was still in elementary and would have a good time with my classmates who did the same, during recess we would reenact the action scenes in that movie with matching sound effects from our mouths lol. i was so in love with that series because of wong fei hungs character, his nobleness and righteousness in every situation made me fucking idolize his character, to the point that i used to ask me mother to buy me a plain black umbrella and a plain white fan that i saw him use in the film just because i really wanna be like wongfeihung lmao but thanks to your comment i discovered that wong's disciple clubfoot actor (hung yanyan) also played as wongfeihungs enemy in part 2, i didnt recognize hungyanyan in his white lotus costume as the priest, its surprising that he played a villain in part 2 then he became wongs disciple in the next films and speaking of his disciples, i still remember those people's names, my favorite disciple is leung foon (he was played by yuen biao in part 1 but was replaced in the sequel by max mok) the leung foon played by max mok became my fav character because he is funny and expresses supreme loyalty towards wong sifu, the other disciples were bucktooth so (d one w big teeth), porky wing (d fat one), clubfoot (d one who uses his legs a lot), leung foon, bucktooth so, pork wing, clubfoot are wong sifus sidemen and they all once came together only in one film, the 5th part shocks this comment became a book realquick lmao, and michael are you perhaps a filipino?

[@michaelbandada8330]

@UC3CIRnTUY7we51QpePGdsaQ yep, I am a Filipino and I really like the Once Upon a Time in China movies because they tell a rich story of the political situation that was rampant during Wong Fei Hung’s time with China being split among foreigners like a pie and of course, Jet Li gets to show off his martial arts skills while the iconic Wong Fei Hung theme plays in the background. I watch the movies repeatedly and I dig the theme song so much that I have it downloaded due to the fact that it’s a kickass theme with a strong message and as far as the theme is concerned, it was based on a Chinese folk song called “Under the General’s Orders” and the song is synonymous with Wong Fei Hung (Jackie Chan, who also played Wong Fei Hung in the Drunken Master movies, sang his version of the Wong Fei Hung theme). Donnie Yen was in Once Upon a Time in China II as a general who is a very deadly martial artist with his trademark cloth staff and he fought Jet Li in an epic duel though it’s the second time they fought in the movie with the first one being a practice bout. When I first saw Donnie Yen in the movie, I thought that he’s just another no name dude plucked outta nowhere to portray a main character who’s a badass douchebag. When I started watching Flash Point and the Ip Man movies sans the fourth one, I knew that it’s Donnie Yen and when I checked Wikipedia, he’s the same dude whom Jet Li smacked in Once Upon a Time in China II. In the end, Jet Li beat up a dude who would end up being a famous martial arts actor and he would portray another iconic martial arts legend responsible for teaching Bruce Lee and both Jet Li and Donnie Yen would do their versions of one of Bruce Lee’s best movies, Fist of Fury

[@michaelbandada8330]

@@shinshow7296 kahit saang eskinita, may nagtitinda ng pirated DVD, mapa local man o foreign movies and since mahal ang tickets sa sinehan, mas ok pang bumili ng pirated DVD pero in terms of quality, dehado yet makaka-enjoy ka sa panonood 24/7. Talagang gusto kong manood ng mga kung fu movies kasi exciting yung mga action scenes at mawiwili ka kahit hindi kabisado ang language

[@biojeffrey2263]

Fearless is one of my favorite martial arts movies, Jet Li really brings it in that movie.

[@auroragb]

Jet LI is a true martial artist. Many practice Wushu, many practice other fighting techniques, but he truly elevates it to art form instead of slavishly performing routines. In a way, he is one of extremely few people that can use martial arts to act. His fight scenes always convey more than motion. They are always appropriate to the level of danger, the personality of the fighter, and purpose of the fight. He simply conveys that in a way there is simply no equal

[@Ethan-wr2os]

Man I think you encapsulated what made Jet Li's fighting style so amazing to behold. And his movements are beautiful outside of his actual fights. Two of my favorite Jet Li scenes are when he is doing wushu on the mountaintop in Fist of Legend, and then again years later in Fearless.

[@philipsmi-lenguyen8155]

I love his smile. He's got such a beautiful cute smile. Hehe

[@ganeshaadiguna]

I watched Hero in highschool thinking that its really different than his previous films. Couple of years ago I rewatch Hero and just then I could truly appreciate the film. It was a masterpiece

[@alaamohamed3392]

I grew up watching lots of Jet Li's western movies. He was awesome and distinct among others in the industry back in the day. I was even more mesmerised by him when I watched some of his non-western movies. especially Fearless, which wasn't all fighting and action, but also a journey of a man blinded by ambition that leads him astray, but finds redemption and love in the end. Your video is a great way to honor such an amazing man, and a living legend. Thank you.

[@zuriyel5368]

Same here. The man has done so many iconic movies!

[@isaacgonzalez8823]

Jet li is an icon. I first saw him as a kid in the movie cradle 2 the grave and was hyped anytime he came on screen to kick ass

[@Ailasor]

never made a bad movie that im aware of... always got super excited when i heard he had a new movie coming out.. i want more..

[@nghiango1655]

Cradle 2 the grave was pretty low tier

[@anditowasi2708]

I grew up watching so many re-runs of his movies and I have never got bored of it. Like you mentioned, his stoic and hero like demeanor is what amazed us as a young boys. So many of his movies are my father's and mine favorites. It serves so many memories watching his movies with my old man. Jet Li deserves every praise. so happy that you made a video about him. Thank you

[@sixstringsher]

Thank you for making this video; I always felt Jet Li nowadays is greatly underapreciated. He is my favorite action star and probably also my favorite actor. His style is so fierce and elegant and just untoppable. He may not be as influential as Jackie Chan, but he will forever be the best martial artist in my heart.

[@Ethan-wr2os]

He's the perfect embodiment of what a martial artist should be. And everybody who has worked with him have stories of how blown away they were by his genuine talent. I think Donnie Yen said the two opponents he's faced on screen that really tested the limits of his skill were Mike Tyson and Jet Li. That's so awesome hearing stuff like that

[@michael-vo5ol]

@@Ethan-wr2os Jet Li and Donnie Yen faced off in both Hero and Once Upon a Time in China 2

[@Ethan-wr2os]

@@michael-vo5ol I know, Once Upon a Time was the first time I saw them together

[@katsutama]

Jet Li is my favourite action movie star. Loved watching his movies in childhood. Thanks for the video.

[@ehongkongwong]

I grew up on his OUATIC movies, which shaped my passion for martial arts. I was a fanboy of his through high school and college but kinda forgot about him after his retirement from film. But this video gives me a new respect for him as a martial artist, actor, and human being. Thank you!

[@KoblovskiPurge]

Jet Li is my favorite. Grew up watching all his movies in his prime; He was my Bruce Lee. Dude is legend.

[@Ethan-wr2os]

He's my favorite too, I have never been more influenced by another star. I got into doing wushu because of this guy

[@EnnameMori]

Jet Li and his 武术 were some of the best things of my late teens and early 20s. Despite doing a totally different martial arts style, his ferocity and pin point accuracy were endlessly inspiring - the fight between Yasuaki Kurata and Jet Li still remains embedded in my skin. I broke multiple video tapes of his movies through over watching. And it has been wonderful to watch him in his later life as well. Just. Always so much heart

[@Ethan-wr2os]

That's really touching to hear that, I am also a massive Jet Li fan. I watched his films over and over and actually started learning wushu under a coach because I was inspired by him. I'm so glad he is still getting love

[@Bomber_Fish]

Let's not forget my top personal favorite Playstation 2 game of all time. Rise of Honor released in 2004 featuring some awesome experimental directional combat system, some parkour, and John Woo style gunfights featuring the one and only JET LI all captured in motion capture. Truly an amazing game. It also features unlockable costumes from other Jet Li movies such as the costume from (if i'm not mistaken) the film Legend of Fist and Once upon a time in China. The game was fantastic, really made me feel like i have become the great Jet Li back then. I was still a kid of course, didn't even know English let alone learning what the story was about but the game is still really cool!

[@TOKYOTOYBANZAI]

Back in highschool in the late 90's, I was dating a girl from Hong Kong and she had access to all of these awesome Jet Li movies that were just starting to surface in the USA. I spent countless weekends binging his films with her, my brother and my friends. Hero was actually the first film I took my now wife (Japanese woman) to see in theaters. Jet Li is a big part of my life. This video reignited those wonderful memories. I own half a dozen of my favorite Jet Li films on DVD - maybe now is the best time to show them to my kids (they are finally old enough). Need to track down a few you touched on that I had nearly forgotten about. All of them are fantastic. Thanks for another wonderful video man.

[@wokkyminniecon9803]

This was great. I grew up watching Jet Li's and Jackie Chan's movies from the 80's and 90's: he was such an inspiration to learn martial arts. I miss seeing him in movies

[@DannyHuynh84]

I grew up watching every single one of his movies on repeat in the 90s. His Wong Fei Hung movies are the pinnacle of martial arts films in my opinion. Jet Li forever!

[@jacksonbrown4112]

I love Jet. A humble, hard working guy. Underrated in the West, but the people enjoy do get to see him live him. Thanks for making this essay about him 😊🙏

[@ganeshaadiguna]

6:25 How amazing Jet Li is? He's doing a fight scene on a wide angle lens on a tripod, and it looks amazing

[@B3RS3RK3R2323]

Wow watching this video made me realize I've seen almost all of Jet Li's movies. He is such a legend.

[@DasKrug]

“Hero” is probably one of the greatest films ever made. The story, the action, the colors, there is nothing that isn’t top notch in this masterpiece.

[@filiperodriguesaquin]

What a wise man, what a master! I think he's always been my favourite kung-fu artist (together with Donnie after I discovered him in Hero), and now my admiration for him is even greater!

[@TheSpanishzombie]

His filmography really is incredible, watched his movies so many times, and after watching this thats exactly what im gonna do right now again

[@igodreamer7096]

8:56 Great quote and insight from him!

[@KevinHuangPhasorQuantaG]

Jet Li is the celebrity I respect the most. He’s always been down to Earth and generous, and perfectly embodies a martial artist.

[@mrmonday677]

This was such a compelling video essay. Been a fan of Jet since Once upon a Time. His body of work is so special to me. Thank you for Honoring Him through this wonderful medium.

[@TonyGuinzo]

Beautifully said! This video brought back so many great memories from my childhood. Jet Li is the reason why I attended northern Shaolin classes at a young age. This video was a great reminder why Jet Li is not only my favorite actor, but favorite martial artist. Thanks for making this!

[@fullnerd7975]

The only bad thing about this video is it made me realise that there isn't a Jet Li movie I haven't seen. Such a beautiful homage to the greatest action star to have ever walked the Earth.

[@Shindai]

I got into Jean Claude Van Damme first, my initial attraction to martial arts. I still remember the first time I saw Once Upon a Time in China when I was I think 11 or 12, lying on the sofa in the living room at 2 in the morning, I was unwell and couldn't sleep, just flipping through channels. I caught the last half and it blew my mind, the first thing I ever ordered from Amazon in 2001 was the VHS. Totally opened my eyes to what martial arts could be and kicked off what would become a 20 year obsession. Jet Li's a boss :)

[@CXY96]

Beautifully narrated. What a life. Thank you, Mr. Li.

[@afterhourscinema782]

The best way in my opinion to describe Jet Li's presence on screen is simply "intense". Every stare, every strike, every movement has such deliberate force behind it that it glues your eyes to the screen. You could only imagine how much his movies blew my mind away when I was a little kid (even though a lot of them were sure as shit not age appropriate but eh whatever). Thanks Jet, you're a goddamn legend man.

[@frkzoid]

Fearless and Unleashed are two of my favourite Jet Li movies. Simply astonishing

[@shahsadsaadu5817]

I've watched a lot of jet Li movies as a kid,amd rewatched them in preparation for watching this video. What I can say is that aside from Gordon liu, I've not seen anybody who puts the level of attention to detail jet Li puts into each and every fight of his(yes, including Jackie chan,and bruce Lee). Jet Li wears his identity as a Chinese martial artist on his sleeve like nobody else. I also love how the movies he has as a martial artist always portrays everybody as respectfull and honorable (like funakoshi from fist of the legend,Tanaka and the big British boxer from fearless). It is something that has always bugged me about Martial arts films(in Hollywood: sports films) That it always uses the tired "good guy vs bad guy" stuff. Like,man....i couldn't imagine Indian films bringing that level of nuance to any movie where a foreigner is a rival to an Indian character! When we make movies about cricket, pakistan team is always the intimidating, aggressive,cheaters. I came to love Jet Li in the course of rewatching his films because of that. Man is really passionate about martial arts, about wushu,in a way You can't see in anybody. And every movie is filled with that love.

[@adedapodacosta4228]

Nigerian here. Grew up on Jet li Jackie chan movies and other Chinese movies. Very popular among my generation from 2005 to 2008 or even further. Ahh good times. Hero is always my favourite

[@Jay9966]

Jet Li's the guy that made Kung Fu cool. His style in movies is unparalleled, no one that I've seen have been able to move with such grace and majesty in fights.

[@MasterZhang]

Jet Li's acting ability is criminally underrated by Hollywood in all of his overseas films. He actually has a pretty good range, but all they want to do is put him as "stone cold Asian kung fu man".

[@KhiemNguyen-ly1wz]

Tbf, he’s really good at stone cold Asian kung fu man

[@jimbochoo3316]

I get chills up my spin every time the Wong Fei Hung instrumental plays.

[@MokBn11]

I will never forget how badass he was in Kiss of the Dragon. Its one of my favorite Jet Li movies for sure

[@0seraphic]

i had a big smile on my face the entire video. thank you! i wish you had discussed jet li's film "ocean heaven". i thought his subdued performance in it was quite amazing

[@MrOVR100]

After seeing him in lethal weapon as a kid I couldn’t get enough of him I nagged my grandfather to find more of his movies just absolutely blew my mind

[@josephsua7246]

Jackie Chan and Jet Li are the reasons why I still love watching martial arts movie. The impact they had when I was young is impeccable.

[@sophiaisabelle027]

May God bless you for your consistency, dedication, and hard work. Keep up the good work.

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

Jet’s portrayal of Fok Yuen Gap in “Fearless” was mesmerizing

[@Jekyll_Jackal]

Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon, and Craddle to the Grave was my introduction to Jet Li

[@KrisCortez]

The One is my absolute fav Hollywood movie from him. So cool he named his charity foundation The One 😁👍

[@salteecoffee1347]

3:56 The 3 section staff used so masterfully. As expected of Jet Li, able to wield such powerful Cursed tool without being a curse user.

[@GodlessG0D]

I grew up on martial arts cinema and as much as I love all the greats in the genre, Jet Li has been my favorite ever since I first saw him in Fist of Legend and Once Upon A Time In China 1 & 2. So then I went all the way back to his first film Shaolin Temple and watched every single one of his films, I was hooked. After a couple of his American movies, people tried to say he couldn't act... Then he gave us Unleashed, Fearless, Warlords, and Ocean Heaven which proved them all wrong. Outside of martial arts cinema he has shown himself to be a kind, thoughtful, generous, peace loving, compassionate human being who goes out of his way to use his fame in a positive way to help people. Jet Li is not only an exemplary human being but a literal hero in every sense of the word.

[@KMO325]

You really have to wonder how much bigger his career would have been if not for the overwhelming presence of Jackie Chan. The Once Upon A Time In China movies are classics and even his Hollywood movies are physical on another level. This was a good tribute.

[@jasonvelez7317]

Jet li is the first martial artist/ actor that, through his representation of a character, brought me to tears. Though there are so many highly skilled fighters on screen, his passion in his expression of the arts, and his ability to portray the characters persona through his physical ability literally touches your soul!

[@terubokmasin3247]

This is an outstanding ode to the legend. You have done a great service presenting Jet Li as a human being. Your videos keep getting better and better, and I am sure I am not alone feeling and thinking this way.

[@OrashiTV]

HERO (2002) is my favorite film ever made! Glad to see Jet Li getting his flowers.

[@pogimax]

One of my very first memories of watching cinema at the movie house was watching Jet Li's Wong Fei-Hung beating up the White Lotus cultists near the beginning of Once Upon a Time in China 2 (which remains my single all-time favorite movie). Jet Li and his films was instrumental in shaping as a child how I saw the world, morality, and doing what is right. The world is a better place with Jet Li, and my life is better because of him.

[@pyramidsinegypt]

It's interesting how you mention Jet Li's fighting style as being ferocious and to the point. I never heard of Jet Li until he appeared in Lethal Weapon 4 (his international debut) and his fighting in that movie made me think of Yang Sze/Bolo Yeung in Bloodsport: Menacing, in your face, and decisive. In essence, what you describe as ferocious and to the point :)

[@TheChatomarcos]

2:50 piece of art....wow almost make me cry

[@visuals12345]

I'm From Trinidad and Tobago.... Jet Li is why I ever took martial arts! ONCE UPON AH TIME IN CHINA and all the Fun Sai Yuk/ Wong Fe Hong movies are my favorites. Thai Chi Master is pure gold

[@ChiValryWu92]

He was always someone I looked up to. Thank you for this tribute to a wonderful man!

[@redlibertyx]

"These days we all know who the real bad guy is." Bruh I had to stop the video for that cuz I was laughing too hard.🤣

[@DABUNGINATOR]

Can you fill me in?

[@redlibertyx]

@@DABUNGINATOR Mel Gibson is infamously a huge antisemite.

[@mhawang8204]

@@DABUNGINATOR Google the actor on screen when he said that -- Mel Gibson, and why he fell out of favour in Hollywood.

[@goranisacson2502]

Once Upon a Time was my intro to him, yet I'm sadly not aware of any of his earlier stuff. Didn't know he was in the tsunami or that he's mostly doing charity work now, somehow that makes me feel better about seeing him grow old. Some stars just do action and tries to live like they used to do, but Jet Li is an older man who ages with dignity and goes into a different phase of his life. Wish him the best of it, and makes me think that maybe the rest of us can age with grace as well... unlike, say a villain whose name rhymes Gel Mibson :)

[@RyanParreno]

What a lovely tribute. I wanted to say here that the Once Upon A Time in China movies made Jet Li's name over here in the Philippines. We even flocked for Once Upon A Time In China and America, and of course, his other movies when he made it to Hollywood

[@AmlanjyotiSaikia]

I watched a bootleg copy of this as a kid in 1999 and it blew my mind. This movie was THE movie to watch in family for years.

[@tefstepho]

This was beautiful. I follow Li's carreer since I was a child, but you are always able to paint their history with such beauty

[@iamturok3504]

Beautiful work. Jet Li's legacy is unmeasurable.

[@CSJR]

This is fantastic. Jet Li was one of the biggest and first stars in my personal cinema canon and this was wonderful to watch.

[@lobstereleven4610]

Hero is one of my all time favorite movies. SO GOOD!

[@myronl2910]

First time I ever thought," this is a video I never thought I needed". He is a legend and a hero. He will always be Wong Fei Hung to me. Might I add that he has a damn great smile! =D

[@spinningdragontao]

The Fist of Legend is a superb film, great cinema and fabulous retelling of a classic story.

[@thebrownbaldy]

Jet Li gives off that confidence in his films as the stoic protagonist. Unleashed gave him that opportunity to show a different side and it's in my top 5 of Jet Li films.

[@gwoyang]

I'm a little surprised you didn't mention "Ocean Heaven" which is a beautiful movie he made with ZERO action in it. I think it probably the best acting he's done.

[@reichen609]

Holy Crap, I teared up at the last part! I've always ranked Jet Li number 1 of all my favorite martial artists! He's my hero, too! 😢🥺😢 @AccentedCinema ❣️😥❣️

[@JoshuaC923]

Hero is still one of the best movies I've watched, fantastic action and also his chat with the emperor

[@shadowlight-u8d]

my childhood hero and one of my most important inspiration to take martial path. he is a legend and a wonderful human being.

[@highwaysstar]

This is a beautiful essay on a living legend. It moved me to tears. My first Jet Li film was Once Upon a Time in China, and he will always hold a special place amoung the celebrities I admire.

[@lkeke35]

I cannot express to you how deeply appreciative I am for these videos which grant me special access to a form of cinema I’ve loved since I was a child! You have given me new ways of seeing all these films, plots, actors, and even characters in ways of didn’t before, and I just want to thank you for your work! But out of all your videos these wonderful homages to my favorite martial arts actors are the best!

[@khust2993]

Hero, will always be one, if not my most favorite movie. Warlords is something I also rewatch often, it was a tragic and good story.

[@paul5475]

The video essay helps me to understand who is the goat, this is why we need analysis to better understand.. I just love this.

[@Runningtail]

I remember watching Fearless on TV late one night as a young teenager, and it forever changed my perception of foreign films

[@sa4555]

I didn't realise how much I miss jet li before watching this video, but now I do.

[@dimd5956]

Such an inspiration. Always gets me emotional to watch videos that talk about martial arts in such a wonderful and detailed way

[@dannyganelin9777]

A true legend, one of my favorite martial artists growing up. I watched The One countless times.