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Hero
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List Price: $14.99
Our Price: $9.99
Your Save: $ 5.00 ( 33% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Miramax
Starring: Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Maggie Cheung, Ziyi Zhang, Daoming Chen
Directed By: Yimou Zhang
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 0786936259223
Format: Closed-captioned
Label: Miramax
Manufacturer: Miramax
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Miramax
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2004-11-30
Running Time: 99
Studio: Miramax
Theatrical Release Date: 2004-08-27
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Editorial Reviews:
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Director Zhang Yimou brings the sumptuous visual style of his previous films (Raise the Red Lantern, Shanghai Triad) to the high-kicking kung fu genre. A nameless warrior (Jet Li, Romeo Must Die, Once Upon a Time in China) arrives at an emperor's palace with three weapons, each belonging to a famous assassin who had sworn to kill the emperor. As the nameless man spins out his story--and the emperor presents his own interpretation of what might really have happened--each episode is drenched in red, blue, white or another dominant color. Hero combines sweeping cinematography and superb performances from the cream of the Hong Kong cinema (Maggie Cheung, Irma Vep, Comrades: Almost a Love Story; Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, In the Mood for Love, Hard Boiled; and Zhang Ziyi, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). The result is stunning, a dazzling action movie with an emotional richness that deepens with every step. --Bret Fetzer
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: People just don't get the story....
Comment: It is really frustrating reading the reviews on this movie.
**SPOILERS**
If you haven't watched the movie, go watch it. If you don't get it because the translations are so bad, then you can come read this and watch it again. IF you still don't get it, email me...
**SPOILERS**
First of all, this IS a martial arts movie. For anybody who has spent any serious time study martial arts, martial arts isn't just about kicking and punching. With particular attention to Chinese martial arts, martial arts is very much more about the lifelong pursuit of peace. There is a graduation from being the fastest, strongest, most able to destroy, focusing on the narcissistic self, to being a sacrificial humble person who seeks to spread morality through influence rather than the sword.
The first "mind" fighting scene should be a HUGE clue into what's coming. That martial arts is performed more in the mind than with the body.
Next, I read a lot of people talking about the "fantasy" like aspect of the movie. This is in tradition of many of the literary novels of this period. The whole movie is about what is going on in the minds of people. It is the perfect for that purpose.
As far as the "Dances" and all this, it is so frustrating what I read on the reviews here. The characters who are fighting with each other, if nothing else, have deep respect for each other. As the stories are retold, they are being retold with admiration and respect for their peers. The point of the sequences are one to be a retelling of a story, and two, to speak of those that they respect. They aren't supposed to be "real".
And for those that hate the ending, well, I guess you haven't seen too many asian movies... Asian movies don't use Disney endings. The movies are meant to have impact, not give you a good feeling.
Further, for those that think that the last guy standing is the "good guy" in the movie, you need to start being able to see something and make your own decisions about what is right or wrong despite what you see or is told to you.
This is not a propaganda movie either, as history did show, a lot of good did come from this temporary unity, however its cost was terrible. Further, the asian audience, for whom the movie is made, know too well the history of this Emperor. Besides most already know about the real life account on the attempted assassination of the Emperor and know that this is not really what the story is about.
I really enjoyed this movie, not just because it is pretty, but because of the message it is trying to show. I mean, who is the real hero? Who was the most powerful? Who never got it? Who DID get it?
Customer Rating:
Summary: Probably my favorite movie
Comment: Watch this movie in Chinese with subtitles. This is the first way I saw it and it's much better than when it's dubbed in English. As far as the movie I can't say enough good things about it. I'm a huge fan of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and that's why I bought this movie. I like it even better which is saying something. The acting is great, fight scenes are great, storyline is great.
Customer Rating:
Summary: The Borg won
Comment: A sumptuous, beautiful movie with a disturbing philosophy.
***SPOILER ALERT***
All the remarkable, beautiful, talented people die. The nameless, faceless mass triumphs. The Hero agrees that that is good.
The Borg won. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fantastic Cinematography, Amazing story, and Brilliant film production
Comment: Hero has Fantastic Cinematography, Choreography, an Amazing story, and Brilliant film production. This is a masterful film, and a movie to treasure. I also recommend purchasing House of Flying Daggers. For those who somehow missed Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I suggest adding that to your wish list, as well.
I was only slightly interested in martial arts films, until Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was created, but House of Flying Daggers and Hero have expanded my interests. These movies are truly masterful productions, and they have inspired many other beautiful films. This genre is unique and highly recommended.
If the name Quentin Tarantino freaks you out, or makes you think only of Gore, Violence, and potty mouths....relax. This is different: not his usual fare. Personally, I love Quentin Tarantino movies, but I can understand why some people might avoid HERO, due to his other work. No worries; this is not what you might expect from Quentin Tarantino. He is a genius, and this movie fits well with the genre of oriental / martial arts / beautiful cinematography films listed above.
Don't judge the movie by the name on the cover, but by the reviews and images on the cover. You will be impressed, amazed, and gain a new respect for Quentin Tarantino.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Stunning movie
Comment: This movie is such a pleasure for the eyes to watch. The cinematography, the pace, the colors, the beautiful language just captivated me. The story has some good twists in it, but it was particularly the grace that got me more than anything. But if you are wanting a fast paced action thriller then this is not for you. Make sure to watch it in the Mandarin version with English subtitles unless you understand Mandarin, as the movie just isn't the same when it is dubbed.
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