Hero

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China is, of course, a land of long and magnificent history. More than 2000 years ago, the land that is now China was a variety of warring territories that eventually were united through the conquest of the Qin (or Chin) dynasty. The uniting of China so long ago is still an important idea in China, so the independence of Taiwan (and until fairly recently, the British hold on Hong Kong) continues, in the minds of the Chinese, to be a way that China remains divided. This film comes out of mainland China, and clearly reflects the attitude that all of China should be one.

Hero takes place during that ancient time when the mainland was divided. The Qin king lives in isolation, no one is allowed within a hundred paces to prevent assassins from coming near him. Into the palace comes a nameless man with a claim to have killed three extremely skilled assassins. To receive his reward, he recounts to the King how he overcame each of them. But is everything as he said? The king questions his account. Perhaps this man is an assassin himself.

The story is told and retold with different color schemes: the first version done in blue, the second in red, the third in white (plus a flashback in green). As the colors change, we see, not different perspectives but different possibilities, as each one explores deeper and deeper into the truth. The variations make for a kaleidoscopic effect to the story.

Zhang Yimou has created a stunning epic. The huge scale, use of color, and beautiful cinematography make this as much a piece of visual art as of storytelling. The martial arts scenes, reminiscent of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, are awe-inspiring. The story engages mind and emotion and draws us into the mystery of where the truth lies. Hero is one of those near perfect blends of visual and story that film makes possible.

It is epic in that it gives China's history and unity a sense of meaning. No doubt the Chinese government censors are pleased with the "One China" message that the film affirms. Certainly China (namesake of the Qin dynasty) continues to think of itself as misunderstood and only seeking the good of all its people, as the Qin king reflects in the film. But even with that focus, this really isn't a simple propaganda film in support of the Communist regime.

One of the aspects of the film adding to the visual beauty, is the way it treats violence. This is very much a martial arts film. Yet, in spite of the nature of martial arts, violence is not glorified in this film. The fight scenes are made into something beautiful, but they are beautiful in part because there is so little blood shed. When blood is seen, it actually serves to remind us just how precious blood is.

As the film moves towards it climax, it begins to show us that violence is not the answer. To describe the ways this message is conveyed would require too much information; it could spoil your experience. But the message is made clear in a number of ways. In the end, we know that it is not by killing that peace will come.

Although the political issues may discourage some, the beauty of film and the way the story is told are reward enough in themselves for seeing this film. Even the politics should open our minds to thinking not only about China but also about the way we often look at what it means and costs to be united as a nation.