Jet Li: A Biography

by James Robert Parish

Book Overview

Jet Li is part of a crew of new Asian stars taking Hollywood by storm. Along with Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, and Maggie Cheung, Jet Li has kicked and punched his way out of the cult-film underground and into mainstream superstardom. With his performance in The One, Li becomes the first to prove his power as the top-billed draw. Jet Li, the first book published in English about the thirty-eight year-old "Gene Kelly of the action film,"...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1560253762
• ISBN13: 9781560253761
• Release Date: June 2002
• Publisher: Thunder's Mouth Press
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 7.0" x 10.0"

Customer Reviews

Not Just Another Kung fu Star

This is a fascinating look at, not just an action star, but at the prolific Chinese and Hong Kong film industries. Through the life of Jet Li, we see his rise through this colorful industry. There is also a fascinating look at his boyhood in a China dominated by Mae Zedong. Even if you are not a martial arts movie fan, this is an enjoyable book. It is very well researched, including a background on Wushu, the form of martial arts practiced by Jet Li. There are many excellent photos and a complete filmograghy. So read the book, then hit the video store and see some movies that are often overlooked or relegated to the b-movie bins.

Jet Li bio scores

James Robert Parish's Jet Li, A Biography is well-researched and engrossing. I always liked Jet Li, but never knew about him, and this book fills in a lot of blanks. For example, his devotion to his craft, his upbringing, the work he did before he came to Hollywood, and even the little-known facts about his recent films (e.g. that he was offered a major role in The Matrix but turned it down). I also liked the photos and filmography at the end. I highly recommend this book, not only to Jet Li fans, but anyone with an interest in martial arts movies and Asian culture.

For novices and martial arts experts

James Parish gently takes all of us into the world of intense dedication by Jet Li and other Wushu artists with this book. In an age where wanna be's can be discovered being a DJ at a party and cast in a starring film role, Jet Li's life story reconfirms the ideals that hard-work, discipline and talent will be rewarded. After reading this book, I have an entirely new appreciation of Jet Li and his accomplishments. Yes, the camera loves him but he delivers action film thrills by way of art. I hope that Mr. Li reads it to see how a talented author has honored him.

New Li bio has something for everyone

In typical Parish fashion, a well researched bio of film star Jet Li. The narrative traces the young Li from his humble childhood that was focused on wushu training, through the emerging Hong Kong martial arts film industry, and ending with the international star status Li has attained. The book also provides keen insight into the growth of the martial arts film genre and Li's personal and professional growth as an actor. A good read for anyone interested in Jet Li's career, or the history of the martial arts film in general.

Entertaining Li bio

With his Jet Li biography, James Robert Parish provides his readers with another interesting and insightful book about film. Parish's sympathetic, informative and entertaining narrative traces Li's life from his days as a martial arts student to his success in Hong Kong action flicks and finally Hollywood stardom. If you're interested in Chinese and Hong Kong films, or in action films in general -- or if you're just a fan of good film writing, this is your book.