"It takes a very rare combination of charisma, looks, and skill to become a movie star. There's a complex set of qualities required that only a handful of actors can offer, which is one of the many reasons it's such a daunting task for anyone to lead a big movie.
Imagine, then, how special a performer has to be to come from another country, with a completely different culture, and still find success as a leading man in Hollywood – the odds are basically impossible. And yet that's exactly what Jet Li achieved; such is the power of his martial arts mastery that any audience, anywhere in the world, can be equally mesmerized by the beauty of his movements.
His American phase is a bit underwhelming, but his Hong Kong heyday continues to be a treasure trove for kung fu fans – and if you are not familiar with them, consider this list a guide toward some really, really fun movies."
