In this 2001 sci-fi thriller, Jet Li battles himself across the multiverse for godhood.
In short: Before the multiverse became a cinematic staple, The One explored the concept through a rogue agent hunting his own variants. Starring Jet Li in a dual role, the film pits two versions of the same man against each other in a high-stakes martial arts showdown to determine who becomes the ultimate being.
Directed by James Wong and released in 2001, The One follows Gabriel Yulaw, a former agent of the MultiVerse Authority who attempts to achieve godlike power by killing 124 versions of himself across parallel realities. As Yulaw eliminates his counterparts, he absorbs their life energy, growing stronger with each victory. His final target is Gabe Law, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy living in the Charis Universe who remains unaware of his interdimensional significance until Yulaw arrives to finish his mission.
The film distinguishes its two leads through specific martial arts styles that mirror their internal natures. Yulaw employs Xingyiquan, a style defined by aggressive, linear movements that reflect his direct and ruthless personality. In contrast, Gabe utilizes Baguazhang, which relies on subtle, circular motions, symbolizing his belief in balance and harmony. This thematic contrast was central to the production, with action choreography designed by Corey Yuen to emphasize these distinct character traits.
Despite a lukewarm reception from mainstream critics upon its release, the film has since gained a reputation as a cult classic. While reviewers like Roger Ebert criticized its lack of depth, others praised the high-octane sequences and Jet Li's physical performance. Produced by Revolution Studios, the film eventually grossed $79.6 million worldwide. Today, it is remembered for its ambitious premise and its role in showcasing Li's talents within the Hollywood landscape, even as it faced comparisons to video games and other science fiction works of the era.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: The One (2001 film)
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