Hero

[Omega Amen]

Since I am a big Hong Kong Kung Fu movie fan, I felt that I should let this community be aware of a movie that will be released on August 27 called Hero.

My favorite Kung Fu movie star is Jet Li, and I am a big fan of most of his films. Unfortunately, his recent films released in the U.S. like Romeo Must Die and Cradle 2 the Grave were very disappointing.

However, from what I have read so far about this upcoming film, Hero, this should help turn things around for Jet Li. In fact, this potentially could be one of the greatest Kung Fu movies ever made.

I am going to have to check with my mother on Chinese historical placement, but I believe the story of this film takes place during the beginning of the first Chinese dynasty. According to legend (again, I will have to check with my mother), the first emperor was a ruthless king that established his empire through military might and cruelty. One day a nameless assassin showed up and tried to kill the first emperor. Most assassins in Chinese history are vilified, but most Chinese dynastic historians portray this one assassin as a hero since the first emperor was so bad. The movie's story plays off this legend, where Jet Li plays the nameless assassin and seeks revenge against the emperor.

The setting plays to Jet Li's strength. Nearly all of Jet Li's good films take place in Chinese historical settings (dynasties, western colonization, etc.).

The film also has a strong veteran cast when it comes to Hong Kong Kung Fu films. Donnie Yen was the main character in the film Iron Monkey that was released in the United States, and he is nearly as athletic and talented as Jet Li. Maggie Cheung is in a lot of Hong Kong Kung Fu movies as well. Zhang Ziyi played the rebellious young woman in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

Tan Dun, who composed the music for this film, also composed the music for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Itzhak Perlman also has done some violin work for this film. The producer, Billy Kong, was also a producer for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

I am pretty sure that most of you who might see this will make comparisons to CTHD. From what I have seen from the trailer, this film's fight scenes have a similar feel to what was shown in CTHD, but they also seem to be faster, more furious, and more extravagant. Hero also has beautiful and colorful scenery like CTHD. However, this film seems to be more focused on action and duels (considering the cast of the film) than on romance like CTHD was. From reviews I have read, there is still a significant dramatic plot told in a fashion similar to the Kurosawa film, Rashomon.

The MPAA rating is PG-13 for the stylized fighting (i.e. not bloody or gory) and a scene of sensuality. I believe the "sensuality" is a sex scene but not an explicit one, and traditionally, those type of scenes go by quickly in these type of films. So I would not be too worried about that.

One last note, if you have seen the commercials, you will see Quentin Tarantino mentioned. Do realize he is mentioned only for distributing this film to the United States. He had no influence on the making of this film. In fact, this film was playing in Far East Asia for almost two years. For those who like/dislike Tarantino's works, I felt that you should know about that.

Here is a link where you can view the trailer.

....

Now, since I do not have a car, I got to convince my roommate into driving me to see this movie.

[Sam*ron]

OOOOOOO!!!!! I want to see that! *Wants to see Hero* That looks mighty cool! *Try to jump around and be cool like the guy* -_-; It didn't work.

OH well. I want to see it still!

I hope you roommate will take you! ....so why don't you have a car again?

*Trys to jump around some more and ends up falling and bumbing head*

[SwordSkill]

Was one of those who watched it two years ago, and as far as I'm concerned, Hero exceeds CTHD by lightyears. CTHD was pretty straightforward and is actually a lot like the usual wuxia films (especially with Zhang Ziyi's character jumping off the bridge and all, lol), but Hero really stood out. Hero's plotline operates in many levels and is very postmodern, and the cinematography is simply gorgeous and truly a work of art. Nameless's (Jet Li's character) sword going through a droplet of rain was so seamlessly done, and the the fight between Nameless and Broken Sword on the lake with _________'s body resting on the small pavilion was just heart-breaking (those who are going to see the movie will see why). It still is my favorite fight scene to date. Great action + awesome cinematography + strong emotions + unconventional narrative style = never fails to get me.

It's also a very political work because in the end it does show an unconventionally benevolent side to Shih Huang Ti, who is otherwise always being portrayed as the epitome of ruthlessness in other movies (which is why he managed to unite a land as big as China, eventually. Or according to popular legend anyway.). Actually, Omega, he wasn't the emperor yet in the movie, which was the whole point. If Nameless had gone through the entire thing, it could have meant an earth-shattering change in Chinese history (and that could never be forgiven XD). But of course, the audience does know how history turned out, and so the beauty of it was seeing how Zhang Yimou was going to resolve it. And he did it marvelously. Anyway, to say more will spoil things, so I'll just shut up now. ^^;;

I wouldn't say the movie is a Hong Kong kung fu one, though. Zhang Yimou is pretty much a mainland-China product and he's more oriented towards art films. And I think I heard that Hero was once distributed in the US, but Miramax had cut a lot of it, and Tarantino's distribution is going to be the uncut version or something.

[Omega Amen]

It's also a very political work because in the end it does show an unconventionally benevolent side to Shih Huang Ti, who is otherwise always being portrayed as the epitome of ruthlessness in other movies (which is why he managed to unite a land as big as China, eventually. Or according to popular legend anyway.).

I have heard about the unusual benevolent side shown by Shih Huang Ti in this film, which I found a little odd. My first film that I saw showing him as a purely ruthless king was The Emperor and the Assassin, though that film is purely drama and has no martial arts whatsoever.

Actually, Omega, he wasn't the emperor yet in the movie, which was the whole point. If Nameless had gone through the entire thing, it could have meant an earth-shattering change in Chinese history (and that could never be forgiven XD). But of course, the audience does know how history turned out, and so the beauty of it was seeing how Zhang Yimou was going to resolve it. And he did it marvelously. Anyway, to say more will spoil things, so I'll just shut up now. ^^]Yes, you are correct, at this point he was not truly emperor, but I believe he was in the process of removing the remaining resistance against his rule. It would have been better if I said before the beginning of the first dynasty.

Yes, let us keep the ending a secret for now.

I wouldn't say the movie is a Hong Kong kung fu one, though. Zhang Yimou is pretty much a mainland-China product and he's more oriented towards art films.

Yes, but this film has Hong Kong movie star power (e.g. Jet Li, Donnie Yen, Maggie Cheung) driving it into the spotlight both in Asia and hopefully in the United States. People in the US that have seen this already tend to be Hong Kong Kung Fu movie fans that were attracted by the cast. Furthermore, I can guarantee you that people in the US will more likely identify this film closer with what Hong Kong has distributed since the US is not as sensitive to the Asian spectrum of film genres like you are.

It is not the typical plotless/everything breaks/revenge movie. (I am assuming that is what you mean by Hong Kong Kung Fu one. I will not argue with that stereotype since I also accept it.) However, the martial arts choreography is one of the main selling and distinguishing points, where a good deal of inspiration is drawn from the wirework style from the Hong Kong movie industry. Granted, Yimou is noted for art films like Raise the Red Lantern (I need to see that one too...) and that is his niche, but I do not think he would hire someone like Donnie Yen if he did not want a strong Hong Kong action influence in the film.

And I think I heard that Hero was once distributed in the US, but Miramax had cut a lot of it, and Tarantino's distribution is going to be the uncut version or something.

I have been doing some research on the web. Miramax basically delayed distribution for about a year or so, and Tarantino basically pushed Miramax to go through with the distribution. I have not seen anything about cuts.

[Yojimbo]

Nobody mentioned the Once Upon a Time in China movies...those were his best ones in my opinion. I hope that Hero is like Jet Li's older movies and not as commercialized like his last few with Segal and rappers like DMX.

[Omega Amen]

Nobody mentioned the Once Upon a Time in China movies...those were his best ones in my opinion.

That series is where Jet Li basically became a star. Personally, I like the second movie the most (which had a fight finale with Donnie Yen).

I hope that Hero is like Jet Li's older movies and not as commercialized like his last few with Segal and rappers like DMX.

Last time I checked, DMX cannot speak Mandarin, and there were no rappers in Ancient China. I think we are okay in that aspect.

[RoyalWing]

[ally-san]

i cant wait to see hero!

[uc pseudonym]

I have been awaiting the creation of a thread on this movie. It is one of the few I have actually considered watching recently, and I wished to know what others' opinions were. Thank you.

[PumpkinKoRn52]

I think the movie will be cool, but there putting to much hype on Quinton Terentino producing it. If he directed it, that's one thing. But producing isn't that big of a deal.

[Ingemar]

I just saw it.... wow, I am underwhelmed.

Flying-sword movies don't really get me riled up anymore. Sure the choreography was great, but I just found it tedious, and even boring. I really can sympathize with Bruce Lee's insistence on realism for all his films.

Another movie I recommend that takes place within the same time period (same king and all) is the Emperor and the Assassin. The focus of the story is the king (and no, the Assassin is not the same as Jet Li's character, he actually has a name, Jing Ke). The king of Qin is more ruthless in this movie, but he is shown to have a soft side, even a quivering, emotionally fragile side. There's a lot less action (the few scenes with swordfighting are absolutely nothing compared to the fights in Hero), but a lot more drama and an engaging storyline.

[uc pseudonym]

Hm. And now a negative review. I'll have to see about this.

[Omega Amen]

Actually, I am glad Ingemar made that post. He makes a good point that I want to emphasize before anyone else sees this movie.

However, after seeing it last Friday night, I am must say I was nearly overwhelmed, but then I am was not looking for the type of movie Ingemar was hoping it would be. In fact, if it was what Ingemar wanted to see, I doubt I would have posted this thread, since I would not be interested in seeing that.

Let me explain. This is a martial arts film. I believe it is the best work out there that emphasizes the artistic expression that is inherent in Chinese martial arts and that reflects the atmosphere inherent in Chinese martial arts fantasy novels set in Ancient China.

This is a very visual film since the artistic expression in martial arts is visual. Films from the west usually use dialogue, exposition, and character development to grab the audience's attention and drive the plot forward. Hero is not that type of film, and it was never meant to be that type of film. In fact, if you want a well-done film using the traditional development techniques as previously stated, I would recommend what Ingemar and I mentioned earlier, The Emperor and the Assassin and not watch Hero. Otherwise, you will find the fights tedious (since you are desiring to see something else) and the characters shallow (since that is not the focal point of the film).

This is a work of art (where the medium is visual through film and martial arts) that is expressing a few cultural themes (political, social, aesthetic) that can be found in the Chinese mentality. For example, you will see relations between swordfighting and calligraphy, and you will see the price of unity.

That leads me to one more point I would like to make about this film. With CTHD, western audiences were very fortunate to have Ang Lee as a director, since he went to film school in the United States and understood the western audience mindset. Zhang Yimou did not go through a western education. Therefore, this film will feel far more foreign to most people on this board than CTHD. In fact, I can pick out one scene in particular that might confuse/not be appreciated by nearly every member here who is not raised by a Chinese parent.

As a former Chinese martial arts student and a son who was raised by a Chinese mother, I must say this is probably the best martial arts movie I have ever seen, and it is worth seeing it in a theater setting.

However, if you want solid characters, a psychological profile on the emperor, dramatic plot, go see The Emperor and the Assassin since Hero will not be your type of film.

Even for a "beat up a lot of bad guys" film, go see something else and not Hero. You will probably feel very calm and nearly stoic throughout the film, which I find fitting since that is what a Chinese martial artist strives for.

If you want to try to appreciate Chinese cultural themes and the art in Chinese martial arts, I strongly recommend Hero.

EDIT: As for the translation in the subtitles, my mother (who can speak Mandarin Chinese) seemed to be disappointed. While she felt it was adequate, she also felt there is a definite loss in the implications in certain statements (I cannot elaborate on that). She also mentioned to me that the phrase "our land" in the film sometimes is translated into "all under heaven" or "under heaven." I am not sure why she felt that was worth pointing out, but she wanted to.

[Lady Arianrod]

I thought that this film was very well-done. It had noble themes, interesting characters, and a very different look at the typical revenge-driven, high-flying marital arts flick.


Not too much blood or sensuality. In fact,

[spoiler]The sexual scene was later revealed to be a false story that Nameless hero used to trick the Emperor. In reality, Flying Snow and Broken Sword are faithful to each other[/spoiler].


This movie is reminiscent of anime Rurouni Kenshin (complex studies of killing and peace, etc.) and Crouching Tiger/Hidden Dragon, but it surpasses the latter in story and fluidity.

The movie isn't for everyone.... Hero is a bit slow-placed and has some scenes that are out of chronological order. In fact, some plot points were entirely invented by the Nameless hero to fool the Emperor! Even so, the plot switch makes some of the characters more sympathetic and interesting. My favorite was Broken Sword ^__^.

Has anyone else seen this yet?

[true_noir_chloe]

All I can say is I saw Hero this last week and thoroughly enjoyed the visualization. It was a piece of art. Especially when they changed the color of dress for each new story that unfolded, I thought that was a brilliant use of color with emotion.

This is not a deep film, but it is a visual masterpiece.

And, I actually enjoyed watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon more. Maybe, as Omega said, it's because I was raised American - I don't know. I just know I really enjoyed it when Zhang Ziyi was in the Tavern beating everyone one up while making those cocky statements at the same time.

Probably my favorite scene in Hero was the "falling leaves" scene. I don't want to give anything away, but it was an awesome scene.

[HikariChan]

I havent seen it but from what Chloe sai
now i really wanna watch it ^__^

[Yojimbo]

Yeah I saw it last week and it was very good.

[Omega Amen]

All I can say is I saw Hero this last week and thoroughly enjoyed the visualization. It was a piece of art. Especially when they changed the color of dress for each new story that unfolded, I thought that was a brilliant use of color with emotion.

When I went to see this film, some people in the theater really did not notice the purpose of color use. So I am glad that someone here noticed it. Of course, I am not surprised that you noticed it, true_noir_chloe.

The cinematographer is Christopher Doyle. The only Internet video clip of him commenting on the movie that I found showed him speaking in Cantonese. I was a little frustrated because I wanted to know where he came up with his ideas for this film.

And, I actually enjoyed watching Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon more. Maybe, as Omega said, it's because I was raised American - I don't know. I just know I really enjoyed it when Zhang Ziyi was in the Tavern beating everyone one up while making those cocky statements at the same time.

I would guess that, yes, since you were raised as an American and did not live in Chinese society, it is possible that you cannot draw much sympathy with the social and cultural themes that defined Chinese culture for centuries, which were focal points in the film. That is understandable, and I would guess that if my mother was not Chinese, I would feel the same way like you do.

CTHD put characters and the story as the focal point in the film, and that is easier for audiences from different cultures to sympathize without having experienced a foreign culture in depth.

In an attempt, to reiterate what I said in my previous post in a concise manner, I shall make an analogy. Most films, including CTHD in my opinion, is somewhat like "visual prose." Hero is like "visual poetry."

Probably my favorite scene in Hero was the "falling leaves" scene. I don't want to give anything away, but it was an awesome scene.

I am not sure it is my favorite scene yet, but it was a great scene. And if you think about it...[SPOILER]if you were to view the leaves like snowflakes, then Flying Snow does seem to be an appropriate name for that woman and her fighting style.[/SPOILER]

[AngelSakura]

Sorry to bump this, but I just saw Hero and I am amazed. It's probably my first martial arts movie, and I absolutely loved it. I wasn't bothered by the sex scene, as it [spoiler]wasn't true[/spoiler] anyway.
I also have the "falling leaves" scene as my favorite. I liked how there was contrast between the red clothing and the yellow leaves, and when [spoiler]the girl died and everything turned red, [/spoiler] that was beautiful.
As I watched the movie, the tagline from "Kino's Journey" went through my head.

The world is not beautiful; therefore it is.

[Retten]

Hmmm I have been wanting to go see this movie maybe sometime this week I will go watch it. It sounds rather well done I have always enjoyed good kung-fu movies and comics. I read about the use of colors in the scenes it sounds like a great idea and a awsome way to express emotion. I'll definetly have to find time to see it.

[Savior_Sora]

I may be late for this, but I finally saw a preview for it the other day. It looks very good. I still haven't seen it yet, but I want to.

I just saw Resident Evil also..Now I wanna see Apocolypse!!!

[Kenchii]

I also just saw Hero about three days ago. Yes, I didn't exspect it to be "that kind" of film. So my moods had to change during it. The trailer/reviews gave the inpression that It was going to be a special effect/ 'Iron Monkey' hit. But it was more Drama, and visual art and personality mixed with a detective/ (trace back) movie. Which left me with mixed feelings after the movie. But I have to say it was a touching film that when it had its 'fight' acts, they were always purposful.

[RoyalWing]

I just saw it!! (finally!) I thought, was a wonderful movie. My favourite scene was the one with the two women in the petals.

I thought the special effects and fights were great. I have also, never seen a movie told like this before. I think, very original and dramatic. ^-^

[Lady Arianrod]

Does anyone know when it's coming out on DVD?

[Sephiroth]

Dunno, i'm probably gonna go see it when i get some spare cash, my friends have seen it and said it was cool, and that i'd like it, i heard a bit about the whole colour changing thing, it sounds kinda funky