Certainly worth the wait

Rating: 8/10 (30 August 2004)

After being in limbo for so long and waiting for two years, Hero was certainly all that it cracked up to be.
Great cinematography, solid action and interesting use of color, the film was far more impressive and grand than I thought it would be.
Jet Li's performance in the film didn't really leave a lasting impression, which to me, is the only reason why the film doesn't get a 10. He was great in the action scenes, but unfortunately, his character was far too one-sided. However, I did like the portrayal of Broken Sword and Flying Snow, for they were really the heart of the film and gave the movie its lasting impression. People will credit the action and the audacity, but the movie was really came together in the editing and production design. Without those two elements, the film would have been just another Crouching Tiger knock-off. Also, the musical score created by Tan Dun was incredible, mixing in with the fighting and the sound design to make a deep and layered experience.
But the real question is, how will this film be remembered? History buffs will certainly like, and fans of Asian film will find it interesting. To me, the potential for this film has yet to be seen, and I hope it is considered a classic of martial arts and art intertwining perfectly.