The wide release of “Hero” suggests that somebody thinks this colorful Chinese film has the “Crouching Tiger” touch. It’s not at that level, but it’s definitely a kick.
Sometime in ancient China, a nameless warrior (played by martial-arts superstar Jet Li) returns to the king who sent him out on a mission. Received alone in the great room of the king’s palace, the warrior recounts, in flashback, the great feats he has accomplished: namely, victories over three assassins who were threats to the king.
These assassins are two men known as Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu-wai) and Sky (Donnie Chen), and a lethal female warrior called Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung). Each flashback is suspenseful and strikingly staged.
And yes, as in “Crouching Tiger,” the warriors seem to have the inexplicable ability to defy gravity as they fight.
The king, sagely played by Daoming Chen, listens to these stories, but is suspicious. He begins suggesting his own possible version of events. This aspect of the picture – the nameless warrior in a battle of wits with the king – is actually as intriguing as the physical battles.
“Hero” is directed by Zhang Yimou, whose films “Ju Dou” and “Raise the Red Lantern” catapulted him to international prominence over a decade ago. Here, Zhang gives himself over to spectacle, serving up a slice of entertainment that requires no translation in any language.
And what spectacle. A duel fought on a lake, its protagonists skirting the water, a mountain reflected on the surface. A showdown in a field of yellow leaves, their hue somehow morphing blood-red as the fight goes on.
The deeply saturated color brings back the early days of Zhang’s movies, when he was drunk on color (“Ju Dou” was actually set at a dye factory). “Hero” is a pictorial explosion, a comic book come to life.
I couldn’t help thinking Zhang was working a little below his talent, but he can certainly fill the screen up with pretty pictures as well as anybody else.
Plus, he’s got the powerhouse cast of actors, including the awesomely cool Maggie Cheung (“In the Mood for Love”) and the splendid young “Crouching Tiger” ingenue, Zhang Ziyi. Needless to say, Jet Li is more than up to the task of taking on all comers.
“Hero” played to big box office in Asia in 2002, but its stateside release has taken a while. Finally it’s here under the banner of “Quentin Tarantino Presents,” which simply means Mr. T liked it. If that’s what it takes to jump-start this movie’s release, so be it.
Jet Li (center) stars in “Hero.”
“Hero” HHH
A kick: Color-soaked, high-flying action picture about a warrior (Jet Li) in ancient China, recounting his exploits to a king. Not on the “Crouching Tiger” level, but a fun movie with a good cast. With Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi. (In Mandarin, with English subtitles.)
Rated: PG-13 rating is for violence.
Now showing: tk
“Hero” HHH
A kick: Color-soaked, high-flying action picture about a warrior (Jet Li) in ancient China, recounting his exploits to a king. Not on the “Crouching Tiger” level, but a fun movie with a good cast. With Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi. (In Mandarin, with English subtitles.)
Rated: PG-13 rating is for violence.
Now showing: Alderwood, Everett 9, Marysville, Mountlake, Neptune, Oak Tree, Pacific Place, Woodinville, Cascade.
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