Set in post-World War II China (c. 1945), the story explores nationalistic pride and the struggles of a war veteran:
Unlike many kung fu films centered on revenge, the title emphasizes defense . Li's character is pushed to his absolute breaking point—losing his livelihood (his rickshaw) and watching his friends suffer—before finally exploding into brutal, non-acrobatic violence to restore his people's dignity. Behind-the-Scenes Context Born.To.Defense.1986.PL.720p.WEB-DL.XviD.AC3-OD...
The narrative focuses on the humiliation of the local population. Foreign forces are depicted as bullies who treat the locals as "glorified punching bags," even hiring them as sparring partners in boxing rings where they aren't allowed to fight back. Set in post-World War II China (c
The film's "deep story" is often tied to Jet Li's personal state at the time: Instead, he finds his hometown dominated by abusive
Jet Li plays a young soldier who returns home after fighting the Japanese, expecting peace and respect. Instead, he finds his hometown dominated by abusive American Navy sailors who treat the local Chinese citizens with contempt.