Hero (2002)

Synopsis of Hero

Hero is two-time Academy Award nominee Zhang Yimou's directorial attempt at exploring the concept of a Chinese hero. During the peak of their Warring States period, China was divided into seven kingdoms all fighting for supremacy. Most determined to dominate China was the kingdom of Qin, whose king (Chen Daoming) was wholly obsessed with becoming the first emperor of China. Though he was an assassination target for many, none of his would-be killers inspired as much fear as the legendary assassins Broken Sword (Tony Leung), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung), and Sky (Donnie Yen). In hopes of thwarting his death, the king has promised endless wealth and power to anyone who defeats his would-be murderers. No results come until ten years later, when a man called Nameless (Jet Li) brings the weapons of the three assassins to the Qin king's palace. Nameless claims to be an expert swordsman who had defeated Sky and destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword by using their love for one another against them. Once Nameless comes face to face with the king, however, it looks as if the situation is more complicated than he had thought. Also featured in Hero is actress Zhang Ziyi (The Road Home, Crouching Tiger, Hiden Dragon) as Broken Sword's devoted servant, Moon. ~ Tracie Cooper, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

99 mins

Director(s):

Zhang Yimou

Writer(s):

Zhang Yimou, Wang Bin, Li Feng

Producer(s):

Bill Kong, Zhang Yimou

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

PG13(Sexual Situations, Violence, Suitable for Teens, Not For Children)

• 2003 - Berlin International Film Festival - Alfred Bauer Prize
• 2004 - Chicago Film Critics Association - Best Cinematography
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Music
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Sound
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Action Choreography
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Art Direction
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Costumes/Make-Up
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Cinematography
• 2002 - Hong Kong Film Awards - Best Art Direction
• 2004 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Director
• 2004 - National Society of Film Critics - Best Cinematography (Runner-up)
• 2004 - New York Film Critics Circle - Best Cinematography
• 2004 - Toronto Film Critics Association - Best Foreign Language Film

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