After 2 years, 'Hero' finally washes ashore on U.S. screens

By Jack Garner
Gannett News Service

"HERO" (PG-13) Four Stars (Excellent) A magnificent martial-arts epic of myth and history, artfully filmed by China's greatest moviemaker, Zhang Yimou, and employing some of China's most charismatic stars, including Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi, Tony Leung, and Donnie Yen. Miramax, 96 minutes.

Yes, it's about time. But, yes, it's been worth the wait. "Hero" is a magnificent epic of myth and history, artfully filmed by China's greatest moviemaker and assembling some of China's most charismatic stars including Jet Li, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi, Tony Leung, and Donnie Yen.

The popular "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" is an undeniable comparison for Western audiences, for both films elevate martial arts into the realm of myth and magic realism. Ancient warriors clash over noble causes — sometimes in midair or even along treetops.

But as good as "Crouching Tiger" is, "Hero," which is also available on imported Chinese DVD, resonates with even more poetic power and more memorable visual imagery, thanks to Zhang's craftsmanship.

"Hero" also incorporates real-life elements of China's distant past, not unlike the way "Robin Hood" and the Arthurian legends are framed by English history.

Here the filmmaker creates his first martial arts epic after the colorful glories of his rich tone poems, "Raise the Red Lantern" and "Ju-Dou," and his more realistic modern stories, "Not One Less" and "The Road Home."

It is the third century B.C., and China is divided into seven warring states. The king of Qin is determined to unite the states with brute power into one nation. The events form what is, in effect, the birth of China.

"Hero" tells of a warrior (Jet Li) who combats three different assassins, all seeking the death of the king. Two are the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword (Cheung and Leung), veteran fighters and lovers. The third fabled swordsman is Sky (Yen).

But rather than a straightforward depiction of their encounters, Zhang gives viewers alternate points of view, depending on who is telling the story or whether the storyteller is lying with an ulterior motive. The result is what filmmakers call a "Rashomon" effect, named after the classic Japanese film depicting a tragedy from different perspectives.

Working with noted cinematographer Christopher Doyle, Zhang brilliantly color-codes his film, emphasizing green or red or white or blue in different sequences to help set them apart. Even more astonishing is a scene in which a fight between Li and Yen is shown as they imagine it, not as it actually is. (To differentiate, it's shot in black and white.)

Further enhancing the visual splendor is a beautiful score by composer Tan Dun, with its poignant themes played by violinist Itzhak Perlman.

The most expensive film in Chinese cinema history, "Hero" employs exotic locales, with opulent costumes and sets to match.

Ultimately, "Hero" soars on the tragic lyricism and poetic passion of Zhang Yimou's vision and the heartfelt performances of his cast.

Rated PG-13, with stylized violence. In Mandarin, with English subtitles.