Today’s quick review: Hero. After slaying the three most feared assassins in the land, a nameless swordsman (Jet Li) is summoned by the king of Qin (Daoming Chen) to recount his exploits. In the king’s chamber, the swordsman describes how he defeated Sky (Donnie Yen), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung), and Broken Sword (Tony Chiu-Wai Leung) through his cunning and swordplay. But as his story unfolds, the king begins to suspect deception.
Hero is a martial arts drama set during the Warring States period of Chinese history. Hero is notable for its fast-paced and acrobatic swordplay, its gorgeous scenery, and its unreliable narration. The majority of the movie is told through flashbacks, focusing on the circumstances around the swordsman’s duels with the three assassins. The tone is a mixture of larger-than-life heroism, political intrigue, and historical tragedy.
Hero’s most obvious draw is its action. The cast is packed with talented martial artists who show off their skill with the sword and the spear. The fights are well-choreographed but fanciful, with physics-defying wire stunts that feel like they are part of a tall tale. However, the airy approach to combat robs the fights of some of their impact. Swings miss by a wide margin, jumps don’t land where they should, and fight outcomes can feel arbitrary at times.
Hero’s hidden strength is its artistry. The film deals with simple but poetic themes about honor, jealousy, and national identity. The swordsman’s unreliable narration introduces an element of mystery to what would otherwise be a straightforward action film. The scenery is also gorgeous: each fight takes place in a unique, beautiful environment that enhances both the visual appeal of the movie and the quality of its choreography.
Watch Hero when you are in the mood for a serious martial arts movie with artistic storytelling. Though not the best choice for sheer action or adventure, the film’s combination of interesting swordplay, beautiful imagery, and narrative twists make it a worthwhile watch. Skip it if you are looking for an upbeat story or weighty, realistic combat.
7.9 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for good action and appealing artistic elements; your score may be higher depending on how the fight scenes and dramatic themes strike you.