So much more than what I had anticipated...

Rating: Null/10 (1 September 2004)

Of all the films I've had the opportunity of catching in the theater this year, 'Hero' was by far the most unexpected and pleasant surprise of them all. Though I count myself as having no real expectations for the movie itself, I certainly NEVER expected it to be the film it turned out to be.
But I'll stop before I start confusing you...
My original thought walking into the theater Monday afternoon was basically that I would be enjoying some sort of epic warrior tale (set in a very 'Crouching Tiger' esque fashion) that happened to be directed by one of Hong Kong's finest directors. I was intrigued to see what kind of substance Zhang Yimou could bring to an 'action' film... seeing as the majority of his finest material has been much more subtle.
Well kids, the movie did indeed deliver. It delivered in a way that completely threw me (and the other five people sitting in the theater) off guard. To say that the choreography and cinematography were nothing short of brilliant is an understatement. Words fail me as I'm typing this. Perhaps I'm over-exaggerating or building it up more than it needs be, but my enthusiasm has completely taken over my writing.
The real depth to this film though, as most others will tell you, lies in the story of the the warrior and the three assasins. This has to be Jet Li's crowning performance. And I never get tired of seeing Zhang Ziyi lending a supporting role in a film. But the real show stealers are undoubtedly Tony Leung and Maggie Cheung. Their portrayal of fated lovers Flying Snow and Broken Sword is the films greatest emotional center. The concept, though, is what makes the film memorable.
Get's the clowns_n_cookies ten out of ten.