Review: Hero
I just got back from seeing Hero at Metrotown. I have to say that all comparisons to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon are very apt when you look at the action sequences. The only difference there is the lack of blood in Hero. There are very few shots of any red substance (not that there was much in CTHD either mind you.)
What is different is the story and how it is presented. I now fully understand why Quinten Tarintino paid the money to bring this movie over. The film takes a twist on his disjointed time-line style of film-making. I can't say much more without giving away some of the movies twists, but just know that the trailer for the film is very misleading. It is far from a conventional revenge tale.
The action sequences are spectacular and the cinematography throughout the film is flat-out stunning. The use of colors and natural surroundings puts most films to shame. One standout scene takes place in a small grove where one character uses wind to blow leaves into her attacker's path. A simple concept but it is executed with such grace that it is a treat to behold.
The overall effect of this movie was positive although I found the movie's overall message somewhat disturbing. I left wondering if people would draw connections from the film to current events as a way of justifying certain things. (Again, details withheld to prevent spoilers)
What is different is the story and how it is presented. I now fully understand why Quinten Tarintino paid the money to bring this movie over. The film takes a twist on his disjointed time-line style of film-making. I can't say much more without giving away some of the movies twists, but just know that the trailer for the film is very misleading. It is far from a conventional revenge tale.
The action sequences are spectacular and the cinematography throughout the film is flat-out stunning. The use of colors and natural surroundings puts most films to shame. One standout scene takes place in a small grove where one character uses wind to blow leaves into her attacker's path. A simple concept but it is executed with such grace that it is a treat to behold.
The overall effect of this movie was positive although I found the movie's overall message somewhat disturbing. I left wondering if people would draw connections from the film to current events as a way of justifying certain things. (Again, details withheld to prevent spoilers)
posted by Mike at 10:02 PM
2 Comments:
My gripe: I personally hate it when people connect "artsy" martial arts films with CTHD. No, it is not CTHD. It is different. The only similarities are that both involve martial arts, and artsiness.
In China, HK, and Taiwan, and probably Japan and Korea too, martial arts is a genre unto its own. Basic plot of a martial arts film/novel would be: some unknown dude has secret art. Evil bad guy rapes his girlfriend, or oppresses village/country/whatever. Unknown dude kicks ass using secret art, and loses. Dude retreats, but baddie gloats. Baddie kicks ass, and gets whupped by unknown dude. Unknown dude gets gf, and saves village/country. The end. Think of it as the Chinese equivalent of a western.
I do believe that I never implied that either film was an "artsie" film. I know many people do consider them as such, but I am simply commenting on visual style and storytelling. Just wanted to be clear on that.
All film is art technically. It's just that some directors fail to do anything interesting with the canvass.
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