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HERO Send This Review to a Friend
Chinese director Zhang Yimou’s gorgeous film combining swordplay with history is even more visually arresting than Ang Lee’s “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” The import “Hero” goes on too long to unravel its intricate plot, but its viewpoint is an interesting perspective on the need for peace and the sacrifices those who seek it may make.
In the screenplay by Li Feng, Wang Bin and Zhang Yimou, a nameless hero, played by the impressive Jet Li, goes on a mission to assassinate the ruler of Qin, portrayed by Chen Dao Ming, who wants to unite various states into an empire and has been the target of previous assassination attempts. He is so well protected that it has been impossible for his enemies to kill him.
The king is fascinated with the warrior who does manage to get near him by claiming that he has vanquished the ruler’s formidable opponents. A series of flashback tales are offered as explanations of what happened, and as they unfold, the memory of ‘Rashomon” is recalled when we get different versions. Each segment is enacted with panache, and the swordplay is stylized with the sort of off-the-ground gymnastics that Lee featured in his lauded film.
Maggie Cheung Man-yuk is exquisite as the expert fighter Snow, and whether one likes such action sagas or not, it is fascinating to watch her in action. The film also has the subplot of romance and devotion to go with dedication and sacrifice. Tony Leung Chiu-wai is effective playing Broken Sword, as is Donnie Yen as Sky.
The film purports to be reflecting history. It is set in the third century B.C., and we are told that the events led to the unification of China and the building of the Great Wall. History aside, “Hero” succeeds as a result of masterly cinematography and special effects that give the work extra flair, all shaped by a master filmmaker. A Miramax Films release.
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