Jet Li: A Biography

By James Robert Parish

Part of the Encore Film Book Classics series, this is a reprint of the original text to Jet Li: A Biography by James Robert Parish.Jet Li: A Biography is noteworthy as the first English-language biography of the martial arts superstar. Known as the "Gene Kelly of the action film," Jet Li was part of the wave of new Asian stars taking Hollywood by storm in the 1990s and early 2000s. Along with Chow Yun-Fat, Michelle Yeoh, Jackie Chan, and Maggie Cheung, Jet Li kicked and punched his way out of the cult film underground and into global mainstream movie superstardom.This expansive narrative traces the star's engrossing journey from his humble birth in Beijing, his later life and career in Hong Kong and on to Hollywood moviemaking. It takes the reader from Jet Li's early days in Hong Kong as a fledgling actor to becoming the successful superstar who appeared in such classics as Once Upon a Time in China. Special attention is given to his Hollywood debut alongside Mel Gibson in Lethal Weapon 4; his later star turns in the gangland fable Romeo Must Die, and the sci-fi hit The One-proving his power as a top-billed box-office attraction.Jet Li: A Biography examines the actor's fiercely protected private life and explains the broad appeal of Hollywood's new Bruce Lee to fans of all ages-from Hong Kong chop-socky cultists to the new Hollywood that eagerly embraced him. This revealing volume includes a detailed filmography of his screen work in Hollywood and Hong Kong.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1530353319
• ISBN13: 9781530353316
• Release Date: August 2016
• Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 6.0" x 9.0"

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.