Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Hero (2004)

9

AkumaJackSep 15, 2017

This film is a masterpiece. The use of color is brilliant, the fight scenes (although very unrealistic) are well executed and the plot is told in an amazing way. You get to know each character from different prospective while you unravel theThis film is a masterpiece. The use of color is brilliant, the fight scenes (although very unrealistic) are well executed and the plot is told in an amazing way. You get to know each character from different prospective while you unravel the truth of the story you are told. The meaning of the film is also quite deep if you think about it.

For what it concern the acting i think it was great. You can see the range of emotions and skills of almost every actor (except a few that are meant to be quite monodimensional). A masterpiece of style AND substance. Must see.… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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10

DemonDan13Dec 28, 2016

One of the most beautiful and cinematically flooring movies you will ever see. The director and fight choreographer produced perfection, and I feel this is Jet Li's best movie.

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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9

SpangleSep 10, 2016

A beautiful masterstroke from director Zhang Yimou, Hero is a beautifully constructed wuxia film that is infused with history, Chinese culture, honor, and themes of overcoming hate and the pain that can be caused from not conquering thatA beautiful masterstroke from director Zhang Yimou, Hero is a beautifully constructed wuxia film that is infused with history, Chinese culture, honor, and themes of overcoming hate and the pain that can be caused from not conquering that hate. Through this film, Zhang Yimou not only creates a terrifically entertaining martial arts action film, but he also creates a film that is a moving and stirring look at the unification of China and the sacrifices that went into that monumental step.

With beautiful cinematography to soak up every inch of the screen, Hero shows an adept use of shot composition and construction to go along with the cinematography. Used in conjunction, the significant moving pieces of each shot and the capturing of those moves creates a truly gorgeous film that is breathtaking to view. From beginning to end, Zhang's film presents a unique and melodic look at its action. Personally, my favorite shot comes when our nameless warrior (Jet Li) enters the palace of the King of Qin (Chen Daoming). The long shots in this sequence are incredible and truly soak up the entirety of the beauty of the location.

Additionally, Zhang's constant use of color in the film is incredible, namely in the battle between Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi). The changing color of the leaves is an incredible site and the significance unashamedly escapes me, but is a beautiful use of color all the same. When it comes to the battles, the Zhang's use of color emerges continuously and it is always incredible to view.

Now, of course, the main focus of these types of films are the battle sequences. As the film progresses, each battle sequence takes on new meaning, but is always steeped in Chinese culture and the Chinese concept of honor. These ideals, along with the ideals of a warrior, blend perfectly into terrific choreography of each fight with good special effects throughout. For those unfamiliar with wuxia films, seeing people flying can be a bit much. However, Zhang keeps this supernatural element restrained with a deeply human story and deeply human battles. Though they have unusual abilities, their hearts and souls and apparent for all to see.

(SPOILERS) Thematically, Hero's beauty is continued with a terrific take on the power of hatred. Driven to assassinate the King of Qin due to the King's killing of his family, the nameless warrior manages to overcome his hatred due to Broken Sword (Tony Leung). Moved by his words, "Our Land", the warrior is unable to kill the King because he now understands the motives behind his attempts to unify China. Though he is killed for this, the scene of their mutual understanding is beautiful and wonderfully scripted. However, the film continues on this theme as it shows Flying Snow kill Broken Sword due to his refusal to kill the King. Upon killing her love, she realizes just what her hate brought her: personal anguish. Zhang's execution of this theme is wonderful to watch and underscores the brilliance of Hero, which transcends borders and is a deeply human film, not just one aimed at Chinese audiences.

Overall, Hero is a beautifully crafted film that really shows its beauty in its cinematography, color, choreography, and in its themes. This is a masterful film from director Zhang Yimou that showcases all of the best qualities of wuxia genre, while also balancing the more unnatural elements with a deeply human story that is relatable for all.… Expand

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10

Kai82Sep 20, 2014

The best martial arts film I have ever seen. The visuals are breathtaking and an experience I will never forget. No other film has impressed me like this with its costumes, visuals, characters, story and soundtrack. It is just a masterpiece.The best martial arts film I have ever seen. The visuals are breathtaking and an experience I will never forget. No other film has impressed me like this with its costumes, visuals, characters, story and soundtrack. It is just a masterpiece. The characters are so perfect that I can’t imagine someone else or someone better suited for the roles. The story is fantastic and will surprise with each new revelation. The fighting scenes are poetic and my reference for the genre (Remark: Not for realistic fighting just for stylish awesomeness and defying of gravity). Overall this is as close to perfection for me as possible.… Expand

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9

CalibMcBoltsMay 30, 2016

I was very impressed by HERO, the movie runs in a way like Rashomon (Kurosawa's famous masterpiece that came out in 1950) (although under a completely different concept) - almost entirely through flashbacks during narration. Because its aI was very impressed by HERO, the movie runs in a way like Rashomon (Kurosawa's famous masterpiece that came out in 1950) (although under a completely different concept) - almost entirely through flashbacks during narration. Because its a period film about a very much fantastic and romanticized time, the dreamy quality of the photography is brilliantly suited. The look of the film is fabulous, although it sometimes indulges in video game beauty (the fight scene on the lake, the waterfall fight, and the calligraphy sequence that could be a shampoo commercial), just as Zhang the director indulges in melodrama, especially in the second half of the film, which is filled with slow-motion shots of people running and crying and saying goodbye. But the first half is so calmly powerful that I can overlook the overly stretched second half.
However it seems to me that the most blatant fault of the film is the dialogue, the dialogues are so cheesy. Of course this is an epic film with a lot of stuff to take care off, and Zhang does something better than the others, but there is no excuse for the amateurish dialogue writing.
All that being said, I still think it's one of the great movies that Zhang Yimou made, when he was still trying to make great movies - he used to use Chinese culture, instead of exploiting it. It's a little sad to see what he's doing now, whatever the reasons that he's making those craps for.
A beautifully crafted film by Zhang Yimou with a great story and an all star cast. Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Zi Yi and Donnie Yen all performed portrayed their characters in a fine way with style and technique with outstanding stunts and martial arts. Exotic production designs by Tingxiao Huo & Zhenzhou Yi, colorful with dark looking costumes by Emi Wada, beautifully photographed by cinematographer Christopher Doyle, fast & smooth editing by Angie Lam and a relaxing musical score by Tan Dun.
The metaphorical use of colors enhances the emotion of each "chapter" of the film while telling the audience exactly what the tone of each is as well.

Possibly the greatest Kurosawa film not filmed by Kurosawa. Zhang Yimou's masterpiece combines beautiful martial arts action with ingenious Rashomon storytelling in this historical epic.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

ty92Aug 27, 2019

This is one of my all time favourite movies. I forgot to write a review on here so I'm doing it now. This is easily the best looking movie of all time. The action scenes are gorgeous and beautiful to look at. I love the wire fu fight styleThis is one of my all time favourite movies. I forgot to write a review on here so I'm doing it now. This is easily the best looking movie of all time. The action scenes are gorgeous and beautiful to look at. I love the wire fu fight style they use here. The fight scene on water and the fight scene in the leaves is just incredible. I want to make a movie like this one day. This movie makes me want to learn how to.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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10

Depose570May 16, 2021

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3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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9

Xan_RyilDec 8, 2015

A true work of art which can mesmerise anyone. Every frame of Hero is designed and presented so beautifully that one watching it forgets to blink the eye. Magnificent and giant artwork is enough to keep you with the movie and increase yourA true work of art which can mesmerise anyone. Every frame of Hero is designed and presented so beautifully that one watching it forgets to blink the eye. Magnificent and giant artwork is enough to keep you with the movie and increase your interest in Chinese history. Lavish yet clean living style of the people and the costumes, not to mention the colours and the way the events are narrated. However, movie is more about the complex love story between two assassins then another one with extreme speed. Essential Chinese arts of Qin, Wéiqí ,Caligraphy and Painting are amazingly blended with the themes while first 3 are expressive shown, Painting is rather subjective to the audience perception of colour work through out the movie. Characters are presented enigmatically, from passionate to the quite ones. Very strong movie with brave artwork and performances.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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9

GodRatiyDec 12, 2020

A good story inside a story movie. If you like Yimuo story telling style you may like this one also.

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9

Xenophobe114Jun 25, 2021

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2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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10

mayong0807Nov 27, 2011

I like this film. The picture of this film is good ,the action ,too. The story of this film is an outstanding one. It tells a story of one person and his country.

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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9

Palindrome704Jul 1, 2021

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3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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10

dalawmanNov 1, 2010

Simply one of the best movies ever made in my mind. I admit you have to be bright to figure this one out, and as you read the reviews you see many people didn't. This is totally a love story.......with the best special affects ever and a goodSimply one of the best movies ever made in my mind. I admit you have to be bright to figure this one out, and as you read the reviews you see many people didn't. This is totally a love story.......with the best special affects ever and a good amount of action. This is about loving so much you place another human being ahead of yourself or the welfare of a country beyond yourself. Believe me the ones that didn't enjoy this are the ones that love the "Three Stooges" and talk through all the movies in the theater.
Great movie!… Expand

9 of 13 users found this helpful94

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10

NShep53Jun 20, 2015

Hero is an amazing Chinese epic. Jet Li truly shines in this movie as titular "Hero". The story draws you in to the point where you actually care about these truly awesome characters. The action is filmed perfectly and is well done. BestHero is an amazing Chinese epic. Jet Li truly shines in this movie as titular "Hero". The story draws you in to the point where you actually care about these truly awesome characters. The action is filmed perfectly and is well done. Best martial arts movie I have seen. A+.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

FilmQueenOct 10, 2015

This is a thought-provoking and visually beautiful piece of art. The story is surprising and the choreography is great, I recommend this film to everyone.

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10

Exigent93Jun 6, 2021

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9

Pluto744Jun 22, 2021

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2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

ReceptacleJun 24, 2021

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9

Stagger74Jul 13, 2021

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9

Acquit77Jul 18, 2021

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2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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10

kyle20ellisMar 29, 2022

There have been comparisons to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, these comparisons are perhaps inevitable, some say Crouching Tiger is superior, some say this is superior. I am not going to say which I prefer, both are masterpieces in their ownThere have been comparisons to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, these comparisons are perhaps inevitable, some say Crouching Tiger is superior, some say this is superior. I am not going to say which I prefer, both are masterpieces in their own way. The story is very gripping and diverting. While there are the underlying themes of love, betrayal and loyalty, there is one big theme that is explored very well even if a tad surprising, the defence of totalitarianism against the chaos and insecurities of freedom. As good as Jet Li is, as thoughtful the script is, as haunting the music is, as intriguing the characters are and as fine the direction is, it is the visuals and choreographed sequences that make the film. The cinematography is ravishingly gorgeous and the scenery is stunning with each scene more beautiful and inventive than the one before it, and in terms of effective scenes the highlights in my view are the battles in the rain-drenched chess arena and autumnal forest and the midair sword fight above a crystal lake. In conclusion, a beautiful and memorable film and one of the best of its kine. 10/10 Bethany Cox… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

alejandro970Oct 15, 2022

It has been said that legends are based on something real. This story that takes place in ancient China fits what a hero is described as legend; the film has its own voice to avoid similarities with any other, with spectacular choreographyIt has been said that legends are based on something real. This story that takes place in ancient China fits what a hero is described as legend; the film has its own voice to avoid similarities with any other, with spectacular choreography and fights. Some of the best of the new millennium.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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0

SaskiaS.Feb 27, 2006

Where can I begin... I cannot understand all the good critics this movie got. Even the cinematography that got the only bonuses with many who disliked this film didn't do it for me. It was just overkill. In a movie, I expect to be told Where can I begin... I cannot understand all the good critics this movie got. Even the cinematography that got the only bonuses with many who disliked this film didn't do it for me. It was just overkill. In a movie, I expect to be told an interesting, or better yet, compelling story. But Hero was just a catenation of way too artful imagery. It had no plot substance whatsoever and lacked logic in a way that it was sometimes cringeworthy. Of course it didn't help that only ten minutes into the film I could easily foresee where the storyline was heading. So there were no surprises for me and I really like surprises in a movie.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

7

FilmJunkie2020Apr 8, 2017

This is a movie for the fans, whose beauty mirrors the culture and legends from which it draws inspiration. For all its great qualities, however, its lacking plot may come across as tiresome to the novice viewer.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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4

cameron326Mar 11, 2011

Occasionally spectacular. Often ridiculous and pretentious. Wooden acting. Bad dialogue. Unconvincing story. Completely unbelievable ending. With this movie, Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower, once respected director Zhang YimouOccasionally spectacular. Often ridiculous and pretentious. Wooden acting. Bad dialogue. Unconvincing story. Completely unbelievable ending. With this movie, Flying Daggers and Curse of the Golden Flower, once respected director Zhang Yimou has stopped making films with any meaning or social significance and simply gone after the money.

Shame.… Expand

1 of 7 users found this helpful16

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0

stevej.Jan 5, 2006

WOW who ever liked this movie is very very wrong about movies. this so called film caused me too waste 20 dollars......I left 30 minutes into the movie. by far one of the worst movies ive ever seen.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

1

JasonF.Mar 4, 2006

I really don't understand why so many critics are so awfully wrong about this movie, you'd think that at least some of them would see this as the blender it really is. The plot and characterization are pathetic and one-dimensional. I really don't understand why so many critics are so awfully wrong about this movie, you'd think that at least some of them would see this as the blender it really is. The plot and characterization are pathetic and one-dimensional. Kitsch galore! But even if you tend to be forgiving about such things and are only watching this movie for the visuals, you'll be disappointed. Asian movies usually have a knack for artful cinematography and tasty color schemes, this one however is just pretentious. It's like the kid in class that only gets attention because he screams the loudest. The much-heralded fight sequences are formulaic and boring. Wide angle shot with both fighters flying towards each other, blades connecting, repeat ten times until one opponent falls. This movie is an incredible bore. If you're into mystical martial arts movies, go watch "A chinese ghost story I - III". These movies are everything this one isn't.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

3

IanB.Aug 27, 2007

Over the top martial arts madness. The fight scenes are fun but waiting in between each scene is like getting your teeth pulled at the dentist. Although the DVD special interview with high as a kite cocaine and X filled Quentin Tarantino Over the top martial arts madness. The fight scenes are fun but waiting in between each scene is like getting your teeth pulled at the dentist. Although the DVD special interview with high as a kite cocaine and X filled Quentin Tarantino stumbeling over every word and making the interviewer and Jet Li very nervous that he was going to either jump out of the window or eat a dog is funny and better than the movie itself.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

RamzeezeB.Jul 17, 2006

uninteresting and boring and one of the worst movies ever made. i was watching it on dvd and i kept checking when the atrocity would end. i would have died if i watched it in the theaters.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

4

LolcanoFeb 5, 2012

Desperately disappointing. Could have been so much more but, despite amazing visuals, a vaguely interesting twist, and an intriguing justification for China's... unique style of governance this movie is a waste of time. Both the plot andDesperately disappointing. Could have been so much more but, despite amazing visuals, a vaguely interesting twist, and an intriguing justification for China's... unique style of governance this movie is a waste of time. Both the plot and fight scenes were far weaker than anticipated.… Expand

0 of 4 users found this helpful04

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7

spadenxJan 5, 2012

It loses something when you listen to it with english voice overs, The film is must better in its native language. I enjoyed it and I thought it was rather good. I enjoyed the plot and it was nice to see the film play out as it did. TheIt loses something when you listen to it with english voice overs, The film is must better in its native language. I enjoyed it and I thought it was rather good. I enjoyed the plot and it was nice to see the film play out as it did. The cinematography was alright but I have seen a lot better, To be honest it was rather generic if you ask me. Still it was a solid film none the less and worth the watch.… Expand

0 of 5 users found this helpful05

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6

Compi24Mar 31, 2016

Jet Li, Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, and Maggie Cheung team up in Zhang Yimou's fancifully endearing tribute to the mythical kennels hidden within Chinese history. "Hero's" narrative might be hard to follow at times, but its beautifullyJet Li, Tony Leung, Donnie Yen, and Maggie Cheung team up in Zhang Yimou's fancifully endearing tribute to the mythical kennels hidden within Chinese history. "Hero's" narrative might be hard to follow at times, but its beautifully choreographed fight scenes sure aren't. Yimou's brilliant use of color and stylized photography guides the audience towards an easier shot at sitting back and enjoying this ride for what it is - pure entertainment.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

JarvisJan 29, 2019

By far, this is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Firstly there's it's use of color. While the first twenty minutes of the film generally look pretty standard, the rest of the film is a complete spectacle, with almost every shotBy far, this is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Firstly there's it's use of color. While the first twenty minutes of the film generally look pretty standard, the rest of the film is a complete spectacle, with almost every shot being a work of art. Most scenes challenge the idea that a monochromatic color scheme has to be boring, with each major sequence focusing on using every available shade of the same color to compose some of the most breath taking visuals in cinematic history. On top of it's unique use of color, most major sequences are full of interesting visual themes that never fail to satisfy. (Small ripples in water, hundreds of orange leaves flowing through the air in the same direction, etc.) As for the plot, it takes on an original style I haven't seen many other films attempt. Rather than simply tell a single narrative with a clear direction and plot, the film instead portrays several renditions of the same events, all with wildly different accounts of what happened and why, all providing slight hints at the truth. Where this starts to run into problems is how the film reveals the "True". To put it simply, it's complicated, and a lot of important events are explained in what feels like passing lines. On top of all that, most of the fight scenes feel gratuitous, with minimal stakes resting on most of them. And the actual choreography can take some getting used to. Most characters have completely impossible abilities and talents which are never properly explained. The fighters will really just do whatever looks cool in this scene regardless of if the audience knew they could do it,or if they will ever try it again. Finally, the last twenty minutes of the film are just kind of a downer, almost negating all of the positivity you experienced from the sheer eye-candy the rest of the film had. Ultimately, the plot is over complicated, and a lot of the events feel meaningless. This movie is saved by it's unique story structure, and incredible visuals. Worth a watch if you have eyeballs.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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10

mshm.Jan 1, 2006

Legendary film.