IMDb 7.9 2002 HD

Hero

Hero

2002
Action Adventure Drama History
99 min PG-13 China
7.506 / 10
7.9 IMDB

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Zhang Yimou
Starring
Jet Li / Tony Leung Chiu-wai / Maggie Cheung / Donnie Yen / Zhang Ziyi / Chen Daoming / Liu Zhongyuan / Zheng Tianyong

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

breathtaking visually stunning epic thoughtful complex artistic philosophical action-packed deliberate profound masterful engaging

Reviews

C
Chloe Davies
May 10, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

Zhang Yimou has delivered a masterpiece of wuxia cinema with 'Hero.' Jet Li provides a compelling, understated performance at its core. The film’s genius lies in its visual poetry and its sophisticated approach to storytelling, using colour and…

O
Oliver Reed
May 10, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Prepare to be visually stunned. 'Hero' is a triumph of cinematic art, where every frame is a meticulously crafted painting. Jet Li is perfectly cast, conveying immense gravitas with minimal dialogue. The film’s innovative narrative structure, which revisits…

I
Isabelle Dubois
May 10, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

'Hero' is an undeniably gorgeous film, a feast for the eyes with its striking colour palettes and fluid, balletic fight choreography. Jet Li commands attention as the central figure, though the narrative's fragmented structure occasionally obscures emotional connection.…

M
Marcus Thorne
May 10, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

A masterclass in visual storytelling, 'Hero' transcends its genre to become a profound exploration of duty and sacrifice. Jet Li delivers a performance of quiet intensity, supported by a stellar cast including Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Maggie Cheung.…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 10, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

Zhang Yimou's 'Hero' is a visual symphony, a breathtaking tapestry woven with vibrant colours and astonishing martial arts. Jet Li anchors the film with a stoic grace, embodying the complex title character. The narrative, presented in fragmented, dreamlike…

FAQs

Absolutely. 'Hero' departs from traditional historical epics by focusing on the internal conflicts and philosophical underpinnings of its characters, rather than solely on grand battles. While the Warring States period provides a dramatic backdrop, the film delves into the personal sacrifices and moral ambiguities faced by those in positions of power and influence. It uses its epic scale to explore intimate human dilemmas, offering a more nuanced and introspective look at historical events.