Jet Li has been absent from film for many years. Once one of the most prolific actors to emerge from the Hong Kong action scene, since briefly appearing in The Expendables III in 2014, he’s only been in two feature films, including 2020’s Mulan. It was delightful to see him appear in the Disney film along with other Hong Kong luminaries like Donnie Yen, Gong Li, Cheng Pei-pei, and others. But it wasn’t a Jet Li film. While we may never get another Jet Li film, we are left with a terrific back-catalog of amazing titles, two of which have been re-released on Blu-ray in a two-pack from Ronin Flix — Tai Chi Master (1993) and Fist of Legend (1994).
In Tai Chi Master, Kwan Bo (Jet Li) and Chin Bo (Chin Siu-ho) are best friends who have stuck together through thick and thin. Expelled from the Shaolin Temple, they begin to grow apart when Chin Bo becomes a power-hungry general, and Kwan Bo is betrayed by the one person he could always count on.
On the verge of going completely insane, Kwan Bo meets Siu Lin (Michelle Yeoh), who teaches him the calming art of Tai Chi, which they will have to use in order to lead the rebellion against the crooked army and a final showdown between the former friends.
Directed by Yuen Woo-Ping, the legendary filmmaker behind some of the most incredible action sequences ever captured on film, the film isn’t a disappointment. It was originally released in the U.S. in a dubbed version known as Twin Warriors. There were a couple of minor alterations but nothing significant. This film version is the best one you can get on North American shores.
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The sound and picture are adequate, but there’s room for improvement. There are quite a few bonus features to view, like an interview with Chin Siu-ho, an on-location set visit, and several discussions with filmmaker Brett Ratner and Elvis Mitchell. Michelle Yeoh has a minor role in this film even though she still manages to steal several scenes. From the opening battle with Li and taking on dozens of fighters to the exciting finale, you can’t go wrong with Tai Chi Master.
Fist of Legend tells the story of Chen Zen (Jet Li), studying engineering in Kyoto, when he learns of his master’s death in a fair fight with a Japanese fighter. He makes his way back home, 1937’s Shanghai, and challenges the same fighter only to defeat him without a problem, leading him to believe there’s more to this than anyone had thought. Chen has spent most of his life putting up with the abuse and insults slung at him by the Japanese, but that time is over. He’s back to avenge him and restore honor to his martial arts school.
Fist of Legend is, without question, Jet Li’s greatest work. Even though it’s a remake of Bruce Lee’s Fist of Fury, aka The Chinese Connection, it still serves as a fitting tribute to the legacy of the one and only Bruce Lee. It’s also a showcase for Jet Li to prove why he’s one of the modern-day successors to the throne.
Though familiar, the story is still engaging and fresh enough not to feel like it was just a cash grab. Yuen Woo-Ping is the fight choreographer for this film, and there’s less focus on wire work and more grounded action. It’s fast, furious, and innovative, making it one of the greatest martial arts films of all time. There are several bonus features, including an interview with Gordan Chan, deleted scenes, a look into a fight seminar, and more with Ratner and Mitchell.
As for what’s available now, you can go wrong with these releases. They’re not top-tier releases, but they definitely get the job done. As for the films themselves, if you’ve never seen them, what are you waiting for?
 and Fist of Legend (1994).){kind=link}