Li”s ”Unleashed” packs punches and pacifism

What’s a Buddhist pacifist actor to do when his worldwide reputation revolves around his ability to kick butt?

For Jet Li, the answer is found in movies like his current “Unleashed.” In it, he plays a character forced to fight violently, as a thug’s personal gladiator. But he yearns for a freedom that means a life without fisticuffs and bloodshed.

So, in a way, “Unleashed” allows Li to have his cake and eat it, too. But, fortunately, his solution is also a gritty, action-packed and surprisingly inventive film. And, if you’ll forgive us for extending the cake metaphor, first-rate co-stars Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins provide the frosting.

“Unleashed” originated with writer-producer Luc Besson, the masterful French action filmmaker responsible for “La Femme Nikita” and “The Professional.” He’s previously worked with Li on “Kiss of the Dragon,” but he ups the ante considerably with the superior “Unleashed.”

Li plays Danny, a practically feral orphan, raised by gangster Hoskins as his personal attack dog. Whenever the extortionist goes collecting, he brings Danny along to rough up late-payers. The hoodlum keeps Danny on a short leash and in a cage. (Does Li see this as a metaphor for his martial arts film career?) Danny gets loose, following a car accident, and ends up with Sam, a benevolent and wise piano tuner who is blind (Freeman). But the gangster comes looking for his martial arts meal ticket, so the stage is set for a showdown.

Director Louis Leterrier shoots the film imaginatively, employing a film noir style that’s nearly devoid of color. And he gets excellent performances, not only from the perennial Freeman and Hoskins, but also from Li, who is able to display a range of emotion heretofore unseen in one of his films.