Hero
Hero

Hero

1997Movie97 minCantonese

Ma Wing Jing and his older brother Ma Tai Chueng arrive in Shanghai to make their fortune at the end of the Qin Dynasty. Be-friending a powerful mobster Wing Jing is given his nightclub in return for saving Tam Sei's life. Unfortunately, another Gangster wants the territory a well. Corruption and violence rule the streets as Wing Jing and Tam Sei must battle not only the rival gangs but the corrupt police officials as well.

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Insights

IMDb7.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Metacritic76/100
Google Users89%
Director: Yimou ZhangGenres: Action, Adventure, Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

In ancient China, during the Warring States period, a nameless soldier achieves victory against the assassin Nameless, who had previously defeated three of the King of Qin's top warriors. The soldier recounts his story to the King, detailing how he infiltrated Nameless's ranks and gained his trust. However, the King suspects betrayal and a deeper motive behind the soldier's tale, questioning the true nature of heroism and loyalty in a time of conflict.

Critical Reception

Zhang Yimou's 'Hero' was met with widespread critical acclaim for its breathtaking visual artistry, stunning fight choreography, and epic scale. While some critics found the narrative structure complex or emotionally detached, the overwhelming consensus praised its operatic grandeur and profound exploration of sacrifice and philosophy. It achieved significant commercial success both domestically and internationally, solidifying its status as a landmark of the wuxia genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually spectacular with stunning cinematography and choreography.
  • An epic martial arts film with a thought-provoking, albeit complex, narrative.
  • Praised for its artistic ambition and operatic scale.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praised 'Hero' for its gorgeous visuals, intricate action sequences, and compelling philosophical themes. Many found the storytelling captivating and the performances strong. Some viewers mentioned that the narrative could be a bit confusing at times, but the overall experience was highly regarded.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, won numerous awards at the Golden Rooster Awards and Hundred Flowers Awards, including Best Picture.

Fun Fact

The film's distinctive color palette for each storyline was inspired by ancient Chinese philosophies, with each color representing different elements and emotional states.

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