Hero

The Brief

Magnificent and Spectacular from the Master Zhang Yimou Hero was the most expensive film ever produced in China when it was released in 2002 and became a surprisingly big success in the West as well. With its spectacular set design, dazzling and meticulously coordinated colors such as autumn leaves collected and sorted by shade in one scene China’s biggest stars gathered in one film, and elegant choreography, this is a film that must be experienced on the largest possible screen. Set in a very warlike period 2000 years ago, when China was still divided into smaller states fighting for supremacy, director Zhang Yimou chose to tone down the violent aspects of the many fight scenes and turn them into beautiful ballet, where the actors’ exceptional martial arts skills truly shine. Wong Kar-Wai’s regular cinematographer Christopher Doyle masterfully captures landscapes, people, and the poetic elements of swordsmanship in all its forms. Zhang Yimou is truly a chapter of his own in Chinese film history, with films such as Ju Dou, Raise the Red Lantern, To Live, Shanghai Triad, and many other international successes. To maintain his career for so long under changing political conditions with strict (and partially unspoken) censorship, while also creating great art, is an achievement in itself. As part of the so-called Fifth Generation, who began their work after the Cultural Revolution and experienced it firsthand, it is no surprise that themes such as the individual versus the collective, historical understanding, and humanism became important elements in his films. Good to know: * Age limit 12+ * Speech: Mandarin * Text: Norwegian