Hero <<Ying Xiong>>

[GeneChing]

Shame about the nomination last night. Somehow, I was really skeptical that Hero would get anything, again under the shadow of CTHD, but I was still hoping...

[Hanna B]

Originally posted by hakka mui
The political aspect of it all left a bad taste in my mouth though - the unification of China through military force.

Agreed!

Hasn't Zhang Yimou had kind of a reputation of being aginst the regime? This movie can only be interpreted the other way around. But, maybe it should not be interpreted.

[GeneChing]

This is why I think you DO need to know China's history - it's not about military might, it's about emperor Qin, the first emperor and China's founder. If you don't understand the context of Qin, you might interpret it all as military might. All the dynasties begin with a military overthrow, then collapse under the weight of their own opulence. Such is the history of China.

Anyways, we got Hero for you now, on DVD, for region 1 (USA & Canada DVD platform. Hero - $19.95 Get 'em while the last!

[Hanna B]

OTOH, it is quite possible to tell things about modern times without shouting them out too loudly, if you set your stories in ancient times. It was my impression that Zhang Yimou has done this a few times. But, maybe not in this one.

[David Jamieson]

All the dynasties begin with a military overthrow, then collapse under the weight of their own opulence. Such is the history of China.

Such is the history of the world.

cheers

[GeneChing]

I just saw Hero again - this time on DVD on a fat widscreen TV with the full on surround sound hook up (my initial viewing was off a bootleg VCD.) It was an extraordinary experience. Hero is becoming my pick for the most beautiful martial arts film of all time. Unfortunately, I still think it will go past most people. It doesn't have enough martial arts to satisfy fight scene junkies and it's a bit complex for the average viewer. But in terms of the over all message and the spectacle, it is beginning to rival The Seven Samurai as one of my all time favorite martial movies.

[Kristoffer]

I think Hero is alot better than CTHD. It has a better flow in the movie and it's story is more complex but really quite simple. Dare I say, more beautiful than CTHD? yeah I do
The only thing that I liked better about CTHD was the music....
Coco Lee - a love before time (chinese version)
Musical poetry

[kenso]

Originally posted by GeneChing
I just saw Hero again - this time on DVD on a fat widscreen TV with the full on surround sound hook up (my initial viewing was off a bootleg VCD.) It was an extraordinary experience. Hero is becoming my pick for the most beautiful martial arts film of all time. Unfortunately, I still think it will go past most people. It doesn't have enough martial arts to satisfy fight scene junkies and it's a bit complex for the average viewer. But in terms of the over all message and the spectacle, it is beginning to rival The Seven Samurai as one of my all time favorite martial movies.

*Gasp* Blasphemy! LOL

[GeneChing]

It's not there yet. Mind you, I've seen Seven Samurai on the big screen several times and I have yet to see Hero there. I'd have to see Hero a few dozen more times before it gets close to Seven Samurai, but I might do that.

Was that the blasphemy?

[joedoe]

I thought it was a good flick. I didn't appreciate the political message, but putting that aside I really enjoyed the movie.

Dezhen - I'll burn you a copy when you are in town.

[GeneChing]

That's interesting. The political message has come up here before, but it didn't really bother me. Perhaps because I know something about the history of the first emperor, it all made sense. What bothered you so much about it exactly?