Ying Xiong (2002)
Hero / 英雄
Raiting: 
7,9 /10
Genre: Action
Director: Yimou Zhang
Stars: Jet Li, Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Country: Hong-Kong / China
Release date: 22 July 2002
Length: 99 minutes / 107 minutes (extended version)
Ying Xiong, known internationally as Hero, is a visually stunning martial arts epic directed by Zhang Yimou and released in 2002. Set during the Warring States period of ancient China, the film tells a complex tale of love, honor, and the pursuit of power, all centered around the concept of the titular heroism.
The story begins with a nameless warrior, referred to simply as Nameless (played by Jet Li), who is summoned by the King of Qin (Chen Daoming), the future first emperor of a unified China. Nameless claims to have defeated the king's most formidable enemies—three legendary assassins, Long Sky (Donnie Yen), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung), and Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai)—who have long sought to end the king's life and halt his conquest of the other warring states.
As Nameless recounts his battles with the assassins to the king, the film unfolds in a series of flashbacks, each rendered in a distinct color theme. The first story tells of Nameless's duel with Long Sky, which takes place amidst a flurry of autumn leaves. Next, he describes how he exploited the romantic entanglement between Flying Snow and Broken Sword to turn them against each other, leading to a duel in a starkly beautiful landscape of white snow.
The king, however, is a shrewd and suspicious ruler, and he challenges the veracity of Nameless's stories. Through his own interpretation of events, the king posits alternative versions of the encounters, leading to further flashbacks that reveal deeper layers of the characters' relationships and motivations. The king suggests that Nameless may have conspired with the assassins in a more intricate plot to get close enough to assassinate the king himself.
Through these interwoven narratives, the film explores the themes of sacrifice and the greater good. Broken Sword, in particular, emerges as a philosopher-warrior who believes that the unification of the warring states under the king's rule, despite his tyranny, could ultimately lead to peace and save countless lives. This belief leads to a pivotal moment where Broken Sword chooses to spare the king, a decision that deeply influences Nameless.
In the film's climax, Nameless is faced with a choice that reflects Broken Sword's philosophy. He must decide between personal vengeance and the greater good of the kingdom. The resolution of this choice leads to a poignant and thought-provoking conclusion, raising questions about the nature of heroism and the price of peace.
Hero is not only a narrative of intrigue and action but also a profound meditation on power and the sacrifices made in its name. With its breathtaking cinematography, masterful fight choreography, and philosophical depth, the film stands as a high watermark in the wuxia genre and a significant work in Zhang Yimou's illustrious career.
Top cast - Ying Xiong (2002)
Trailer - Ying Xiong (2002)
Zhang Yimou's 2002 film Ying Xiong, internationally known as Hero, is a cinematic masterpiece that marries the visual splendor of wuxia (martial heroes) cinema with a deeply philosophical narrative. The film is not just a feast for the eyes with its breathtaking landscapes and impeccably choreographed fight scenes, but also a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of heroism and the sacrifices it entails.
Hero tells a story of a nameless warrior (Jet Li) who presents himself to the King of Qin, claiming to have defeated three legendary assassins. The film unfolds through a Rashomon-like structure, where different versions of the story are recounted, each bathed in a different hue that is not only visually striking but also symbolically rich. This use of color is one of the film's most distinctive features, as it not only sets the tone for each sequence but also serves as a narrative device that deepens our understanding of the characters and their motivations.
The performances in Hero are sublime, with Jet Li delivering a restrained yet powerful portrayal of Nameless, a man whose skill is matched only by his depth of feeling. Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung, and Donnie Yen each bring a unique presence to the screen, embodying their characters with a blend of physical prowess and emotional resonance. The chemistry between Leung and Cheung, in particular, is palpable, adding layers of tragedy and romance to the film's already rich tapestry.
One cannot review Hero without lauding its fight scenes. Choreographed by the legendary action director Tony Ching Siu-Tung, the battles are not just displays of martial arts but balletic expressions of character and story. They are as integral to the narrative as the dialogue, revealing the characters' innermost thoughts and feelings through movement and action.
But Hero is more than its action sequences. It is a film that contemplates the heavy cost of peace and the nature of tyranny. The King of Qin, portrayed with a subtle menace by Chen Daoming, is both a tyrant and a visionary, a character who embodies the film's central conflict between the pursuit of power and the greater good. The film's resolution, which hinges on a choice between personal vengeance and the future of a nation, leaves viewers with haunting questions about the true meaning of sacrifice and the price of unity.
In conclusion, Hero is a landmark film that transcends the boundaries of its genre. Zhang Yimou's visionary direction, combined with the film's stunning visuals, powerful performances, and profound narrative, creates an unforgettable experience. It is a film that resonates on an emotional level while also engaging the intellect, a work that is as beautiful as it is wise. For lovers of cinema, Hero is an essential film that remains a benchmark for storytelling and visual artistry.