Hero (Blu-ray + Digital)

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. Fantastic, melodramatic in the Asian style, expert expert, directing, and a really good and clear story told in the Asian style. A good picture of Chinese thought also. I really loved it.

I have seen numerous martial art films over the years and this one (Hero) is one of the better ones out on DVD. As a lifetime student of numerous martial arts (Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Kobudo, etc), I have loved seeing good Asian and other martial art films that also have a good story with the action. This one (Hero) has a somewhat complex plot which actually makes it interesting to watch the story unfold. If you are not used to seeing these Asian martial art movies, you could become confused in some parts of this video; nevertheless, it is a compelling and enchanting movie to watch. Like many well-made Asian films, this one has many dazzling colorful scenes which makes this movie a pure visual joy to the senses.The story centers around a famous warrior and his desire to seek revenge against a dictatorial emperor, but as the story unfolds we discover the tale becomes much more complex. The emperor and the no name warrior (Jet Li) play a cat and mouse game as the warrior relates his experience in killing the emperor's enemies. The martial arts action is nothing short of fantastic and the story moves along quickly in each scene.In conclusion, if you like Asian martial arts films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, or the American made Kill Bill, you will enjoy this film.Rating: 5 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Haiku Moments: How to read, write and enjoy haiku)

First of all let me clarify something, this is NOT a QUENTON TARENTINO movie. "Hero" is a foreign film, that came out originally in 1999 but was brought just now to the US thanks in large part to QT (who loved the film and thought US audiences would too).Hero is set in china during it's "warring states" period. During this time, China was not a united country as we know it today, but consisted of 6 or so smaller kingdoms which were almost always at war with one another. Then the king of Qin (chin) attained military supremecy and began to ruthlessly conquer his neighbors, swallowing up all the kingdoms of china "like a silk worm gobbles up mulbury leaves". The king of Qin then proclaimed himself "Shi Huang Di" China's First emperor... china as we know it is born of this empire.The story is full of twists and is told in a Roshomon style (showing different perspectives of the story until we finally arive at the truth). The entire movie is really a conversation between the King Of Qin and a bounty hunter who has killed 3 assassins from the rival state of Zhou that were trying to kill the king. The Hero, tells the king his stories of how he defeated each, and the story takes a few twists.Our Hero, and his opponents all possess almost super-natural kung fu powers. And the fights are utterly amazing. The fight scenes and martial arts choreography are OUT OF THIS WORLD. In fact they're so over the top that many might find them "silly". But this is supposed to be more of a legend or a myth than a story based in reality and that should allow you to watch on with awe at thier powers rather than chuckling at seeing men walk on water or fly through the air.The acting is superb. Jet Li and all the others do an OUTSTANDING job! This combined with amazing vivid visuals and innovative use of striking color give Hero a very complex and heartfelt emotional depth that other movies are lacking now a days. Everything from the diologue to the story to the acting to the fabulous soundtrack is touching and moving.Amazing visuals, great cinematography, a wonderful score, excellent actors and a deep and engaging story... what more do you want? One word summurizes this film - FANTASTIC... in every possible sense of the word. Those just wanting a kung Fu Swordplay movie with some crazy fight scenes will get more than they could have possibly hoped for. Those wanting a deep and engaging historically based epic will also be pleased. And the passion with which this film was finely crafted ensures that it touches on every emotional aspect of life - love, hate, peace, war, passion, dedication, compassion, regret... you name it. You dont just watch this movie, you feel it - so those seeking a movie with depth and meaning behind it and a real story to tell should look no further than hero. It's a martial arts historical epic that has many levels and layers and you can come away from Hero with as much as you are willing to look for in it. A GREAT movie. a big big 5 stars.

Hero has me still wondering what kind of tricks it played on my definitions of hero, leader, nation, terrorist... I didn't know if I was watching a parable about a society being enslaved or set free. Like Kurosawa's Rashoman, Yimou Zhang gives us a feast of perceptions dressed in a pageant of flowing and brilliant color and characters prepared to defend their convictions. Even if the actors are not emotive, the camera plays to their strengths. They are wonderful in fleshing out the strong male and female characters by playing with our sympathies and sense of adventure. No moment is wasted or prolonged. Every movement is rich, even if it is not fighting. We are pulled up into the rafters to safety or into the saddle to ride like the wind before all is lost. I could watch it over and over again. As mentioned in another review, Hero has its hunks and beauties. I loved watching Jet Li, Tony Leung, and Donnie Yen like I enjoyed watching Scott Glenn, Danny Glover, Kevin Kline & Kevin Costner in Silverado. Horsemen on the Roof or Hidden Fortress come closer to this movie in how beautifully it is filmed and the underlying meaning. I miss the idea of choreography used for dance. These days, it seems to be used exclusively for fighting (or even martial crafts for some movies). It would be wonderful if dance could become as important again. In the meantime, as long as a movie like Hero or Crouching Tiger can reach even the most stubborn xenophobe, there is a place for martial arts movies. While I am complaining, it also would be great if the trailers would quit giving the endings away, too.

Hero (2002) is a wuxia film that is similar to Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, released in 2000. After the huge success of that film, we’re offered another visual feast, complete with a good plot, characters who walk on air, and even pacing. I think that Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon is the superior film, but Hero can hold its own with its abundance of action and beautiful images. I do think, however, that some scenes with CGI are a bit indulgent and sort of unrealistic, such as the sequence with literally hundreds of flying arrows. Overall, Hero is a solid martial arts film that’s essential to your collection. The blu ray is of premium picture and sound quality, and there are some nice special features.