It’s Throwback Thursday which is the perfect place to talk about a subject near and dear to my heart, Martial Art Films, and there is no better film to look back on than the martial arts masterpiece Fist of Legend. 

Set during the 1930’s Fist of Legend is the story of Chen Zhen, student of the legendary Huo Yianjia, head of the Jingwu School of Kung Fu. Chen Zhen left the school in order to further his academic studies in Japan but after receiving word of his master’s demise he returns to Shanghai in order to seek retribution for his master’s death. In the process Chen Zhen uncovers a deep conspiracy involving the Japanese government. If its plot sound a bit familiar, that’s because it‘s a remake of the Bruce Lee classic Fist of Fury aka The Chinese Connection. Remaking a Bruce Lee film requires a star who is not only charismatic but has the martial art skills for the role. Who better than a young Jet Li?

To me this was one of Jet Li’s best films and my personal favorite. The action in Fist of Legend is fast and kinetic thanks to legendary action director Yuen Woo-Ping. It makes use of Jet Li’s blazing fast martial arts abilities while incorporating very subtle wire working to keep a sense of realism in the fights. Jet Li’s natural charm on screen is the best compliment to the role and the movie’s director, Gordon Chan, really knew how to showcase that charm to its fullest. Even though Chen Zhen had a stone face for most of the film Gordon Chan’s use of camera, as well as Jet’s natural body language, added depth of character. As an added bonus Jet Li later plays Chen Zhen’s master Huo Yianjia in the film Fearless.

Another take on the character of Chen Zhen shows up years later in Legend of the Fist and stars international Superstar Donnie Yen. In this telling upon arriving in Shanghai, Chen Zhen donned a mask and becomes a vigilante in order to fight the Japanese government.

Bottom line if you want a lot of fighting in your martial arts film this is the one for you. From simple sparring to all out brawls this will suit your taste. Plus, you get to see the full capabilities of a young Jet Li on-screen which is poetry in motion.

If you want to catch Fist of Legend have no fear it’s available on Netflix instant viewing.