The One

Directed by James Wong, the 2001 sci-fi martial arts film, The One, stars famed actor Jet Li in a high-intensity duel role, alongside an equally impressive ensemble featuring Carla Gugino and Delroy Lindo. The film combines the excitement of fight choreography with a mind-bending plot about multiple universes and the implications of traveling between them.

The One explores the theory of the multiverse - the belief that not just one universe exists, but many parallel ones, each slightly different from the next. In each universe, there exists a version of each person. Jet Li plays Gabrile Yulaw, an ex-police officer from a parallel universe who becomes a rogue operative, consumed by a dangerous desire to eliminate his alternate versions. Yulaw hopes that by killing each copy of himself, he will absorb their power, becoming a superhuman god-like entity called 'The One.'

The universes are monitored by the Multiverse Agency, tasked with maintaining the balance and harmony across all realities. Delroy Lindo plays Harry Roedecker and Jason Statham plays Evan Funsch, two agency officers hot on Yulaw's heels as he leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. The agency is aware of Yulaw's mission and the possible catastrophic consequences of his success. The hunt for Yulaw becomes significantly urgent and challenging when the target universe is one that audiences will find familiar: our own.

Jet Li’s dual role allows him to showcase his acting and martial arts skills. As the antagonist Yulaw, Li embodies a chilling, ruthlessly determined character driven by a pursuit of power. On the other hand, Li gives life to the friendly and innocent Gabe Law, an everyday man who is Yulaw’s last remaining doppelgänger. Gabe is a police officer who leads an ordinary life with his wife, T.K (played by Carla Gugino) until he is inexplicably plunged into the conflict raging across universes.

As Gabe becomes the target, he struggles with the knowledge of the multiverse theory, the existence of his alternate versions, and the need to confront his evil counterpart. As Gabe grapples with this concept, he inexplicably starts gaining strength and agility, which slowly transforms him as he prepares to face off against Yulaw. This results in high-octane martial arts sequences, showcasing Li's stunning agility and innovative fight choreography, all which are enhanced with stunning visual effects, showcasing trans-dimensional travel and power-duplication scenarios.

Meanwhile, Yulaw is an embodiment of captivating villainy. Li successfully portrays a seemingly unstoppable force, both in martial might and determination, who, through the laws of the multiverse, seeks to rise to power at the expense of his alternate lives. However, his actions raise complex ethical questions about self-preservation and destiny.

Throughout the movie, director James Wong perfectly blends elements of science fiction and martial arts, while combining an intriguing concept with thrilling action sequences, and an intense game of cat and mouse. By exploring the theme of duality and the clash of destinies, the film challenges the audience to reconsider the nature of self.

The film's unique premise and heart-stopping action sequences make for a visceral and thought-provoking cinematic experience, standing out in the cross-genre blend of science fiction and martial arts. The One raises the stakes by not just exploring the multiverse concept but also integrating it with a battle of life, death, power, self-identity, and one's moral compass. Jet Li's commanding double performance makes this film a thrilling ride that delivers an unusual meditation on identity and an engrossing look into an incredible 'what if' scenario. It’s ultimately a film that entertains as much as it philosophises, thrilling viewers from start to finish.