By the time Hero made its way to Chinese theaters, Zhang Yimou had already firmly established himself as a highly acclaimed and multi-award winning director. Yet, with eleven feature length films to his credit, he had yet to direct an action film. Chinese action films have never been the simple blood-soaked battle between flawed heroes they appear to be on the surface and Hero furthers that complexity to create a visually stunning story that should be considered a modern masterpiece of filmmaking. The film begins in ancient China as the King of Qin, the man destined to become the first Emperor of a soon-to-be unified China, grants an audience to a nameless prefect. Nameless shows the King the weapons of the King’s greatest enemies, weapons the King know could only be surrendered in death. Thus earning the King’s trust, Nameless relates the tale of how he battled to the death with three great warriors. This story is refuted by the King who guesses he own version of the events before Nameless tells the true tale and reveals his true intention in appearing before his King. Face with his would-be assassin, the King shows the wisdom that will help make him Emperor, which leads Nameless to a decision which earns him the film’s eponymous title.
In fact, there is more than one hero in this film, but since hero is both the singular and plural form of the word, the title remains highly appropriate. In each of the iterations of Nameless’ tale, there is one color that dominates. White, Blue, Green, Red, Black and Yellow are used prominently and to great effect. This is one of director Yimou’s signature hallmarks and in this case it elevates an already fantastic story to heights of unparalleled stunning beauty. Trying to describe this is much like attempting to write a description of the perfect sunset; words significantly fail to do it justice.
The acting is well above par, the main roles superbly executed by Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung, Chen Daoming, Donnie Yen and Zhang Ziyi. The highlight, both in terms of this film in particular and Chinese film fans in general, is the fight between Jet Li and Donnie Yen. Li and Yen had faced off ten years prior in Once Upon a Time in China II and there had been anticipation building in a rematch for the decade between.The actors give very emotionally complex performances amidst some jaw-droppingly near balletic martial arts fights. The performances and story that comprise this film will indeed stay with you long after you’ve seen it.
I have not seen the original 2004 DVD release of this film, so I can’t speak to the differences in the transfers. However, Hero looks gorgeous on this Special Edition re-release. The colors are rich and vibrant and the blacks are deep with no noticeable artifacting on my 36″ LCD flat panel. The Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound plays exceptionally well, even on my meager home theater system. There are still slim pickings in the special features department, but the ones presented here are at least entertaining. From the previous release you’ll find the highly entertaining “Inside The Action” featuring a short conversation between Quintin Tarantino and Jet Li. Tarantino was ultimately responsible for Hero being released in the US and I think it’s safe to say there is no bigger Chinese film fan than the Pulp Fiction director. The comparision of storyboards to scenes presented here is worth watching, but you’ll probably only go through it once. The Making-Of Featurette, “Hero Defined” is very insightful and hearing everyone involved talk about the film serves to only enhance one’s enjoyment and appreciation of this fimic work of art. New features include a Soundtrack Spotlight, focusing on Tan Dun’s amazing score (featuring Israeli-American violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman and drum group Kodo), and “Close-Up Of A Fight Scene”, which shows how the fight between Li and Yen was put together.
Bottom line, there is every reason to pick up this newly released Hero Special Edition. If you bought the 2004 edition, the new features plus what is sure to be at least an enhanced transfer make this an exception to any “no DVD double-dipping” rule. If you don’t have this as part of your personal DVD library, you now no longer have an excuse. Pick it up ASAP and then come back here to talk about it.
BONUS FEATURES
*Close-Up Of A Fight Scene New!
*Inside The Action: A Conversation With Quentin Tarantino & Jet Li
*”Hero Defined” Making-Of Featurette
*Storyboards
*Soundtrack Spot