Having failed to truly break into Hollywood like Jackie Chan, martial arts superstar Jet Li returns to China for an action-packed turn-of-the-century historical drama about a man searching for his identity and peace of mind.

Fearless recounts the true story of legendary fighter Huo Yuanjia, who established the Jingwu Sports Federation in 1910, and consequently united the people at a time of massive political and social upheaval, when anti-Western sentiment coursed through China's veins.

Director Ronny Yu plays to his leading man's strengths, orchestrating a series of dazzling fight sequences, choreographed by the maestro, Yuen Wo Wing, who has brought his genius to bear on Kung Fu Hustle, The Matrix trilogy and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

For visceral thrills and bone-crunching action, Fearless does not disappoint, including a pivotal showdown involving Yuanjia and four challengers, who are masters of different weapons and fighting styles.

But, occasionally, the film tries too hard to create the most outrageous fighting displays.