Hero

Bernie LaPlante, a petty thief, witnesses a murder and then finds himself implicated. He attempts to clear his name and find the real killer, a dangerous detective with a hidden agenda, while also protecting a young woman who could be a key witness. The film follows Bernie's desperate race against time through the criminal underworld and the corrupt police system.

Stephen Frears' 'Hero' received a mixed to positive reception from critics. While praised for its stylish direction and strong performances, particularly from Dustin Hoffman, some found the plot convoluted and the tone inconsistent. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the neo-noir elements and others finding it less engaging than anticipated.

• Praised for its atmospheric direction and Hoffman's compelling performance.

• Criticized for a plot that, at times, feels underdeveloped or overly complicated.

• The film's blend of crime thriller and character study divided opinion.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a decent crime drama, appreciating Dustin Hoffman's performance and the film's gritty atmosphere. However, many felt that the story lacked a certain spark and could have been more tightly plotted, leading to a less memorable experience for some.

Dustin Hoffman's character, Bernie LaPlante, was originally conceived as a more conventional, heroic figure, but his character was rewritten to be more flawed and morally ambiguous during pre-production.