Hero
Directed by Zhang YimouAncient China and the Qin Empire is out to conquer the six kingdoms. This makes its king a target for assassination. However, one man has single-handedly ensured the safety of the king, by killing the three most notorious assassins in the land. Treated as a hero, he is summoned for an audience with the king.
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Hero Ratings & Reviews
- Jefferson BittencourtApril 18, 2025Beautiful cinematography by Christopher Doyle, lovely music by Tan Dun and splenderous direction by Zhang Yimou. Forget about the realism! The color, the emotion and the poetry is what really matters in here!!
- HakihikoDecember 16, 2024A Visual and Philosophical Martial Arts Movie Zhang Yimou's "Hero" (2002) is a breathtaking visual and narrative masterpiece that stands out for its stunning cinematography and philosophical depth. The film weaves a tale of loyalty, love, and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of China's Warring States period. The movie's most striking aspect is its use of color, which enhances the storytelling. Each segment of the narrative is bathed in a specific hue, symbolizing different emotions and perspectives. The vibrant reds, calming blues, and earthy yellows create a dreamlike aesthetic that feels both grounded and otherworldly. The fight choreography is another highlight. Choreographed by the legendary Tony Ching Siu-tung, the action scenes are more akin to poetry in motion than conventional battles, blending martial arts with an almost balletic grace. These sequences are as much about the characters' inner conflicts as they are about physical combat. The performances, particularly by Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, are nuanced and compelling. Each actor conveys complex emotions, from love and betrayal to resolve and enlightenment, often with minimal dialogue. What keeps Hero from reaching a perfect score is its pacing. The deliberate storytelling, while fitting for the film's tone, can feel slow at times, particularly for viewers expecting a more traditional action-packed martial arts movie. Despite this, Hero is an evocative and thought-provoking film. Its exploration of themes like unity, sacrifice, and the greater good resonate deeply, leaving viewers with much to ponder. It is a cinematic gem that balances artistry with storytelling, earning its place as one of the finest martial arts epics of its time.
Hero Trivia
Hero was released on December 19, 2002.
Hero was directed by Zhang Yimou.
Hero has a runtime of 1 hr 39 min.
Hero was produced by Zhang Yimou, Bill Kong Chi-Keung, Zhang Zhenyan.
The key characters in Hero are Nameless (Jet Li), Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu-wai), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung).
Hero is rated PG-13.
Hero is a Drama, Action, Adventure film.
Hero has an audience rating of 8.7 out of 10.