A Great Foreign Film

Rating: 8/10 (30 August 2004)

This is a beautiful film, with imaginative and unique visuals. Initially I thought the film would probably be a serious fight-a-thon with probably little plot to recommend it, but it is more the other way around. It has a very stirring, emotional story that takes some time to get into. However, once you see where it's all going you begin to become more and more intrigued. Don't get me wrong - there is plenty of serious fighting. Most Americans probably dislike all the flying wire work but they should keep in mind that this has been done in Asian cinema for a long time - it's a part of their movie culture. I'm a big fan - I think it makes the fighting magical, kind of like what you wish you really could do in a fight but can't. I don't need to see brash REAL fighting (like in Fight Club) - that kind of stuff is just gruesome for the sheer testosterone shock value. So here in 'Hero' we have those cool and interesting sword fighting scenes that I enjoy. The best is between two of the women and when you see the movie you'll know what I'm talking about.
If you enjoy foreign films than SEE THIS MOVIE. Don't like them? Then I don't recommend it. As an American, you have to be willing to embrace a different culture almost to fully enjoy the film.