MCN: Hero

Ravishing, astounding, spectacular, unbelievable — these words can only begin to convey the experience of Hero, a wuxia-style martial arts film from director Zhang Yimou, best known for art films such as Raise the Red Lantern. In a China divided by war, three legendary assassins — played by Asian superstars Maggie Cheung, Tony Leung, and Donnie Yen — have vowed to kill the Emperor. The only man capable of stopping them is a lone warrior, played by Jet Li. With cinematography by Christopher Doyle, Hero is such a sumptuously shot, breathtakingly choreographed delight that viewers will have a tough time believing their eyes.

Cast: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung, Donnie Yen, Chen Daoming, Zhang Ziyi

Writer: Li Feng, Zhang Yimou, Wang Bin
Producer: Bill Kong, Zhang Yimou
Executive Producer: Dou Shoufang, Zhang Weipin
Cinematographer: Christopher Doyle
Editor: Zhai Ru, Angie Lam
Music: Tan Dun

Rotten Tomatoes: Hero Reviews

Hero
Director: Zhang Yimou
Release Date: August 20, 2004
2002 - 93 min
Rated: PG-13
Miramax

Len Klady: Why didn't Miramax open the film at a time when Oscar attention would have been beneficial? A year later, Hero has grossed more than $100 million internationally including a record $32 million in Japan for a non-local Asian film.

The Hot Button: Zhang Yimou’s film is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Yimou, director of such beloved films as Raise The Red Lantern, Not One Less and The Road Home, has taken on the Asian action genre with a classic true fable from China’s past, The Emperor & The Assassin.

5/31/04
Welcoming Asian Film

5/20/04
Zhang Yimou's Heros & Flying Daggers

4/29/04
Five To Watch This Summer

12/15/03
Don't Sell DVDs, Don't Link To Anyone Who Does, And, In Fact ...

11/06/03
Len Klady: Why didn't Miramax open the film at a time when Oscar attention would have been beneficial? A year later, Hero has grossed more than $100 million internationally including a record $32 million in Japan for a non-local Asian film.

3/21/03
Can Buy The DVD Already

1/2/03
Another Hero Story...Buzz Buzz