SO beautiful and brilliant ...see this film!

Rating: 10/10 (6 September 2004)

I believe this may be the most perfect film I have ever seen. I was completely blown away by this film - my jaw hanging open most of the time in just utter awe from beginning to end. The martial arts were gorgeous, fluid, and magical - like none I've ever seen. The costume design was astounding and beautiful - such difficult historical-based set and costume designs at that. The musical score is haunting and sweetly sad, just like the story - pay close attention to everything. Direction, cinematography, editing - all sharp and flawless.
It was 96 minutes of some of the most beautiful moving art I've seen.
One would be extremely hard pressed to find fault in "Hero/Ying xiong". I am hoping it may qualify as a Oscar contender, but it may not happen as it was released in 2002. But that all doesn't matter. Corny as all this may sound, I feel this picture is one everyone must see. And the end's message is so very timely and truthful.