Super Hero.

Rating: 7/10 (1 November 2004)

Every year as August winds down, ending with it the summer movie season, I get burned out on theatrical releases, having seen most all of the major summer flicks, as well as many independent films. Typically one release resurrects my cinematic spirit, and this year "Hero" ("Ying xiong") filled the role. It is the latest martial arts film from China to invade American cineplexes. In many ways, it reminds of the last such successful film, "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," except that "Hero" has a plot. Just kidding...sort of.
In actuality, the story is much more concise and straightforward than "Crouching," despite the non-linear method. In ancient China, the nameless...er...hero of the story, portrayed by the familiar Jet Li, arrives at the palace of the emperor. Having slain three of the emperor's enemies, Li, whose character is nameless, has come to claim his reward. As the two discuss how Nameless accomplished his deeds, we see (through extensive flashbacks) what did and didn't happen, and the truth is ultimately unearthed.
Were the plot told in a linear manner, the story would not be especially noteworthy, but how the tale is told elevates the narrative. With truths being revealed in an unorthodox order, the audience is kept off-guard and pensive, trying to match wits with the two primary characters, who are each uniquely brilliant.
Like most Chinese cinema, much about "Hero" is drastically different from the majority American cinema. Most blatantly apparent is the vivid color scheme. Exploding off the screen, the variety of dominant colors throughout the flashbacks propels the film by generating a bold yet natural vivacity that leaves viewers eager to indulge in whatever beauty may occur next. The cinematography of some films ("Lord of the Rings") rightfully soars due in large part to the scenery. But "Hero" excels using traditional photography in a non-traditional manner with a dramatically ebullient color palette that literally takes one's breath away at times.
Despite the nearly peerless visual artistry, "Hero" still presents an occasionally difficult viewing experience, one that does not necessarily detract but does sometimes distract. I say this fully aware that as I have been raised, for better and worse, on American cinema, and am thusly accustomed to such work. Chinese films are quite simply different, and these vagaries of pacing, shot length, etc., prevent full involvement for many American movie-goers.
There isn't one feature of "Hero" that causes this disconnect, as all aspects are well executed. The small cast, with Jet Li as the primary recognizable face, effectively exhibits the renowned passion of Chinese cinema. The editing is clean and efficient, maintaining a clear narrative when the story could easily have been convoluted. None of the parts produce the difference. It's more like watching a genre you've never seen before; you're simply not entirely sure how to react at times.
Bottom Line: If you're a fan of Chinese martial arts films, then you may have already obtained a DVD of "Hero," since it was released in China two years ago. If not, or if you want a different cinematic experience, then go see "Hero" to discover the upper tier of Chinese cinema. You won't regret it. A high 7 or low 8, out of 10.