CORPORATE LINE: Using the assassination attempt of the historical figure, Chin Shi Huang Di (The first emperor of China) as a backdrop, this film attempts to explore and develop a better understanding of the Chinese concept of a hero. In a Chinese cultural context, it hopes to explore the preconceptions and misinterpretations of heroism and heroes.
At the height of China’s Warring States period, the country was divided into seven kingdoms: Qin, Zhao, Han Wei, Yan, Chu and Qi. For years, the separate kingdoms fought ruthlessly for supremacy. As a result, the populace endured decades of death and suffering.
The Kingdom of Qin was the most determined of all. The Qin King was obsessed with conquering all of China and becoming her first Emperor. He had long been the target of assassins throughout the other six states. Of all the would-be killers, none inspired as much fear as the three legendary assassins, Broken Sword, Flying Snow and Sky.
To anyone who defeated the three assassins, the King of Qin promised great power, mountains of gold and a private audience with the King himself. But defeating the killers is a near impossible task. For ten years no one came close to claiming the prize. So when the enigmatic county sheriff, Nameless, came to the palace bearing the legendary weapons of the slain assassins, the King was impatient to hear his story. Sitting in the palace, only ten paces from the King, Nameless told his extraordinary tale:
For ten years, Nameless studied the way of the sword and resolved to challenge the three assassins. Using the secrets of swordsmanship; Nameless defeated the mighty Sky in a furious showdown. Following this initial victory, he destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword. This time using a weapon far more devastating than his sword – their extraordinary love for each other.
The King hung on every detail of this curious story. But then something most unexpected happened – the King has a different story to tell of how Nameless really came to sit there, face to face with the King!
It appears that everything was not so simple. In the centre of the intrigue sits Nameless -a solitary ranger and the King of Qin – the ruler of the Kingdom, with only ten steps between them. Within those ten steps holds an earth-shattering tale of love, honor and duty, a story that moves beyond the reaches of history. A story about what it means to be a HERO.
THE MOVIE: This isn’t Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon as it doesn’t seek to make an emotional connection. Hero is mostly about tempting the eye not the heart. That is not always a bad thing. Jet Li makes this film great as Nameless. The cinematography is masterful and truly makes this a must see. With all the terror and death it never quite captures your soul even though it does keep your eyes focused throughout.
DVD FEATURES: Hero Defined is a featurette that runs 24 minutes. Even though it does boast the filmmakers and actors it’s not very interesting. There is no discussion on how some of the scenes were made and what truly made the film the most interesting. Quentin Tarantino and Jet Li are interviewed—why Tarantino gets credit is beyond me. Li is the only one who is interesting to listen to in this featurette.
FRANKLY: Hero is magnificent. For what it lacks in emotion it makes up for in sheer beauty and blissful candy for the eye. Fans of martial arts films aren’t the only ones who will be awed by Hero.
+ Charlie Craine
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