Hero (2004)
by savage on Friday 03 September 2004
There is such as thing as a work of art. With the constant barrage of mediocre films masquerading as quality, it's often easy to forget that films can be elevated beyond mere entertainment. Hero (2004) is more than just an amazing film; it's a work of art.
Director Yimou Zhang creates a brilliant moving canvas as he takes the audience through the many layers of Hero. Written by Feng Li, Bin Wang, and Yimou Zhang, Hero displays a sophistication to story and plot that, though my not be overlooked in most films, is certainly rarely obtained in most of the purely entertainment films.
Visually, the film is stunning. Tingxiao Huo, the art director for Hero, brought to both story elements as well as action sequences brilliant artistic complements. These complements allow for complexity of images on screen without breaking the tie between what is seen and what action is taking place. There is a symbiosis in this film that draws the eye all around screen throughout the film. Yet to explore the screen is not to miss something more important. Hero views such that every aspect is equally as important; each piece in this gallery is worth seeing. Credit goes to Christopher Doyle for the outstanding cinematography which produced Huo's artistic vision. Also of significant note is the musical score for the film and the inclusion of a blissfully intense solo piece preceding the first major fight sequence.
As important in creating the visual elements was casting the actors who would create the characters in this film. Tony Leung Chiu Wai (Broken Sword), Jet Li (Nameless), Maggie Cheung (Flying Snow), Daoming Chen (King of Qin), Ziyi Zhang (Moon), and Donnie Yen (Sky) each sculpted complex, realistic characters which are identifiable and at the same time legendary. Tony Leung Chiu Wai who played Broken Sword in the film continued to surprise me through his character's actions as well as through his acting ability to convey those actions. Each major and several minor characters were given dimensions to them which made them more than just amazing props in a series of fight sequences.
In so far as fight sequences can be awe-inspiring, Hero had them. Martial arts choreographer Wei Tung consistently orchestrated lethal ballets of precision. Each character had a style uniquely their own and Tung's designs made those characters that much more believable. Wai, Li, Cheung, Zhang and Chen all succeeded in displaying their character's mastery, skill, personality and ideology through Tung's choreography.
Hero is a piece of accessible art. It may be appreciated on many layers. I would give this film a 10 out of 10. For anyone who doesn't like or isn't use to subtitled films, I'd still give this film a 10 out of 10. A film of this quality is the justification used by other films that this medium can be art.
- Savage
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