visually and technically brilliant, but it is propaganda for oppression

Rating: 5/10 (13 January 2006)

I gave the film a 5 to reflect a 9 for its brilliant aesthetics and a 1 for its abhorrent message.
This movie is superb in its artistry, technical skill and engaging story. Unfortunately, if you look just a bit below the surface, this is an apologia for Chinese repression of ethnic minorities and "renegade" provinces. Though set in the warring states period, the ultimate message of the movie, as evidenced by ...SPOILER ALERT...ITS COMING NOW...Don't LOOK IF YOU Haven't SEE THE MOVIE...Jet Li's acquiescence to his own murder is that the needs of the individual, no matter how just, must be sacrificed to the cause of order. The other Chinese states, by wanting to remain free, cause disorder and war. If the King of Qin can conquer and rule them, there will be peace and less loss of life. Jet Li, who in flashbacks shows us his exploits in killing enemies of the king, is allowed close enough to the king to be able to use his finely honed killing ability. The king eventually sees through the ruse and ascertains Li's true purpose is to assassinate him. The king then engages Li in debate, defending his brutal conquest as the only way to peace and the ending of senseless slaughter. While he is brutal, his rule would ensure the end of war, and thus no more rebellious deaths. Li must decide between freedom and chaos, or conquest and order. His self-sacrifice is meant to be a lesson to people to not put their own desires ahead of order and the state. So, all you Tibetans, Taiwanese, Uighurs and other restive peoples in China, stop being so selfish and just submit to the rule of the CCP. Of course Leni Riefenstahl also made visually engrossing and technically proficient films, but in service to Hitler and Nazi ideology. Is Hero much different?