Hero (2004)
Runtime: 1 hr 39 mins
Theatrical Release: Aug 27, 2004 Wide
Box Office: $53,583,486
Synopsis: Using the assasination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and... Using the assasination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and misinterpretations of heroism and heroes. At the height of China's Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy. As a result, the populace endured decades of death and suffering. The Kingdom of Qin was the most determined of all. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor. He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky. To anyone who defeated the three assassins, the King of Qin promised great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself. But defeating the killers is a near impossible task. For ten years no one came close to claiming the prize. So when the enigmatic county sheriff, Nameless, came to the palace bearing the legendary weapons of the slain assassins, the King was impatient to hear his story. Sitting in the palace, only ten paces from the King, Nameless told his extraordinary tale: For ten years, Nameless studied the way of the sword and resolved to challenge the three assassins. Using the secrets of swordsmanship; Nameless defeated the mighty Sky in a furious showdown. Following this initial victory, he destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword. This time using a weapon far more devastating than his sword - their extraordinary love for each other. The King hung on every detail of this curious story. But then something most unexpected happened - the King has a different story to tell of how Nameless really came to sit there, face to face with the King! It appears that everything was not so simple. In the centre of the intrigue sits Nameless -a solitary ranger and the King of Qin - the ruler of the Kingdom, with only ten steps between them. Within those ten steps holds an earth-shattering tale of love, honour and duty, a story that moves beyond the reaches of history. A story about what it means to be a HERO. -- © Miramax Films [More]
Genre: Action/Adventure
Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang, Chen Dao Ming
DVD Info
Release:
May 3, 2005
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
... one of the best films of its kind and one of the most beautiful films ever made.
In what may be the movie's most spectacular set piece ... Zhang pits the sword against the pen and fends off war with knowledge and non-violence.
Better experienced than discussed -- and better seen two or more times.
While consistently watchable, Yimou's movie is infused with a dirge-like tone...making it a somewhat wearisome and sluggish experience
Each scene is a painting; within those paintings is a ballet of movement, in the guise of wire-aided martial arts.
The film’s themes are Shakespearean in their grandeur and simplicity. The title might well have a question mark appended, as the issue of heroism is roundly examined.
The crisp photography makes the movie what it is. The camera catches the beauty and devastation of each scene with a sharpness that rivals the greatest works in cinema history
'Poética y sobrecogedora, es una obra de arte que nadie que ame el cine puede dejar de ver'
Héroe no sería todo lo interesante que es sino estuviera filmada de la manera como está filmada.
Shot for shot, frame for frame, beat for beat, this could very well be one of the most gorgeous films ever made.
The simple fact of the matter is this: Hero is the best martial arts movie I have ever seen.
...while Hero is essentially a nonstop ninety-odd minutes of sword fighting, it is one of the most visually beautiful films ever made.
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