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      Hero

      2002, Action/History, 1h 33m

      210 Reviews 100,000+ Ratings

      What to know

      Critics Consensus

      With death-defying action sequences and epic historic sweep, Hero offers everything a martial arts fan could ask for. Read critic reviews

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      Hero  Photos

      Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk). A scene from the film "Hero." Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk). Left to right: Tony Leung Chiu Wai as STEEL and Maggie Cheung Man Yuk as SNOW in Zhang Yimou's HERO. Behind the scenes of the film "Hero." A scene from the film "Hero." A scene from the film "Hero." A scene from the film "Hero." A scene from the film "Hero." Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi). Nameless (Jet Li). Sky (Donnie Yen) and Nameless (Jet Li). Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk). Nameless (Jet Li). Nameless (Jet Li). Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-Yuk) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi). Nameless (Jet Li) and Sky (Donnie Yen). Nameless (Jet Li). Nameless (Jet Li) and Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai). Moon (Zhang Ziyi).

      Movie Info

      In this visually arresting martial arts epic set in ancient China, an unnamed fighter (Jet Li) is being honored for defeating three of the king's most dangerous enemies. When Nameless recounts his battles with the assassins -- Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu Wai), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung Man-yuk) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi) -- the king begins to question some of the details. As Nameless goes on, the king challenges the tales, interjecting his own take on these perhaps suspect version of events.

      • Rating: PG-13

      • Genre: Action, History, Drama

      • Original Language: Chinese

      • Director: Yimou Zhang

      • Producer: Yimou Zhang, William Kong

      • Writer: Yimou Zhang, Li Feng, Wang Bin

      • Release Date (Theaters):  wide

      • Release Date (Streaming):

      • Box Office (Gross USA): $53.6M

      • Runtime:

      • Distributor: Miramax Films

      • Production Co: Beijing New Picture Film Co.

      • Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby SRD

      • Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

      Cast & Crew

      News & Interviews for Hero

      Critic Reviews for Hero

      Audience Reviews for Hero

      • Jul 06, 2022

        Love the colorful Rashomon-style narrative and the anticlimactic ending, while initially frustrating, ultimately makes sense given the character's choices.

        Super Reviewer
      • Aug 15, 2017

        Hero is a visually arresting martial arts classic. It's not often I say "classic" for this genre, there are certain milestones. Much like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon back in 2000, Hero became popular in western audiences due to its easy accessibility and minimal dialogue. This film is absolutely gorgeous. One of THE most beautiful, stunning, majestic cinematic pieces ever conceived. The use of colour is so extraordinary that me attempting to describe it won't do it justice. Whole scenes are built on colours. Costumes, production design, the environment...all based on one colour. An example would be the fight scene in the woods where all the leaves and trees are autumnal, the costumes are shades of red. Then later on in the scene, the shades of yellow and brown transition to red seamlessly and it is just so damn beautiful. If a scene takes place in a desert then everything is presented as yellow. How about in the King's palace? The interior design, armour and costumes are black. It's not even subtle, so you will notice it but it's entrancing and makes the experience ever so hypnotising. The film is about a Nameless warrior retelling his eradication of three assassins to the King, but not everything is as clear as what he says it is. It's an intriguing narrative, if I were to dive into it it would spoil the plot. But there is a point where we have a flashback within a flashback (flashbackception?) so that should give you a clue regarding the linearity of the plot. Important themes are explored such as the similarities between idealism and love, how one can kill or be willing to die for an ideal or love. Excellently acted by Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung, two assassins who are embroiled in a complicated love affair. Donnie Yen and Jet Li are there to provide the amazing action. A martial arts classic is not without its action, and Hero is damn full of it. The choreography is rapidly insane...how can anyone comprehend the speed at which these guys fight is beyond me. Just...watch this. Please, it's so good.

        Super Reviewer
      • Nov 22, 2013

        A beautiful masterpiece, Hero is a compelling martial arts film with a powerful message. After defeating the land's three most deadly assassins prefect Nameless is brought before the Emperor to collect the reward, but first he must convince the Emperor that the tale of his victory is true. Starring Jet Li, Ziyi Zhang, and Daoming Chen, the performances are especially good. And the fight choreography is amazing, doing an incredible job of developing unique styles for each of the fight sequences. Additionally, the visual aesthetic does an impressive job at conveying the metaphoric and spiritual aspects of the storytelling. Hero is an inspired film about sacrifice and honor that's extraordinarily well-crafted.

        Super Reviewer
      • Jul 12, 2013

        Phenomenal scenery and sequences. The director does an amazing job of setting up a lot of these scenes, creating a beautiful film. I've never seen a film quite like this. In some ways, this reminds me of the Clint Eastwood "Man with No Name Trilogy." I know it's strange but I can't help but get that feeling to some extent. Anyway, this movie is just a fantastic work of cinematography, and absolutely worth checking out.

        Super Reviewer

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