MIT Lecture Series Committee

Rated PG-13
99 minutes

view trailer

format: 35mm

Hero (2002)

During the peak of their Warring States period, China was divided into seven kingdoms all fighting for supremacy. Most determined to dominate China was the kingdom of Qin, whose king (Chen Daoming) was wholly obsessed with becoming the first emperor of China. Though he was an assassination target for many, none of his would-be killers inspired as much fear as the legendary assassins Broken Sword (Tony Leung), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung), and Sky (Donnie Yen). In hopes of thwarting his death, the king has promised endless wealth and power to anyone who defeats his would-be murderers. No results come until ten years later, when a man called Nameless (Jet Li) brings the weapons of the three assassins to the Qin king's palace. Nameless claims to be an expert swordsman who had defeated Sky and destroyed the famed duo of Flying Snow and Broken Sword by using their love for one another against them. Once Nameless comes face to face with the king, however, it looks as if the situation is more complicated than he had thought. Also featured is actress Zhang Ziyi (The Road Home, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) as Broken Sword's devoted servant, Moon. [www.allmovie.com]

In Mandarin with English subtitles.

Full of passionate performances, sizzling swordplay, bold and dazzling hues, and breathtaking landscapes.
      -- V.A. Musetto, New York Post. Read this review.