Jet Li: A Biography

Rating:
Summary: Jet Li aka Li Lian-jie
Review: This biography offers an indepth look at Jet Li's life. We see a humble little chinese boy from a poor family who through rigorous wushu training transforms from a martial artist into an action movie star. We also get an overview of his films and situations that lead up to him filming them. The book even manages to reveal personal things about this famous yet somewhat shy man. The only part I did not enjoy was when it implied some sort of rivalry between Jet Li and fellow martial artist turn movie star and friend Jackie Chan. Based on commnents from Mr. Li on his official website Jackie Chan is a friend of his and they socialize regularly. However overall this is a good book to buy if you want to learn more about this amazing man.

Rating:
Summary: Romeo Must Read
Review: This book is a definite must read for anyone interested in Jet Li himself or in martial arts films in general. What I liked best about this book is not just the biography part but the way in which the writer fits Li into the overall framework of martial arts film history.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just Another Kung fu Star
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Not Just Another Kung fu Star
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Entertaining Li bio
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: It's about time for this book!
Review: You go into the video store and there's always something new to
try -- some new star or offbeat director or something totally unfamiliar, like the Hong Kong action movies -- they're really wild!
But you go into the bookstores, looking to read up on your new interests, and you usually walk out without buying anything. But this book about Jet Li intrigued me and I started skimming some of the synopses...and I was hooked. So now I'm going to rent more Hong Kong action movies, and keep this Jet Li book nearby to help me appreciate them. Thanks, guys.