Hero (2002)
Zhang Yimou's breathtaking wuxia masterpiece weaves color, myth, and sacrifice into one of Chinese cinema's most visually arresting epics.
Hero - Movie Information
- Original Title: 英雄
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Zhang Yimou
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Adventure, Action, History
- Age Rating (US): PG-13
- Runtime: 1h 39m
- Original Language: Chinese
- Spoken Languages: Mandarin
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 19, 2002 (China), August 27, 2004 (United States - PG-13), September 24, 2004 (United Kingdom - 12), June 5, 2003 (Germany - 12), September 24, 2003 (France), March 17, 2004 (Australia - M), October 8, 2004 (Italy), November 14, 2003 (Spain - 12), January 24, 2003 (South Korea - 12)
- Alternative Titles: Herói (BR), Hero 2002 - Anh Hùng (VN), Jet Li's Hero (US), Hero (MX), Hero (CA), Jing1 Hung4 (CN), Hero (PL), Yīng Xióng (DE)
- Production Companies: Beijing New Picture Film Co. Ltd., China Film Co-Production 中国电影合作制片 (CFCC), Elite Group Enterprises, Edko Films, Sil-Metropole Organisation, Zhang Yimou Studio
- Production Countries: Hong Kong, China
Hero - Plot
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 on the king's life three years ago.
Hero - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Zhang Yimou's stunning visual world come to life:
One man's strength will unite an empire.
Where to Watch Hero
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Hero - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Zhang Yimou
Main Cast
- Jet Li
- Tony Leung Chiu-wai
- Maggie Cheung
- Donnie Yen
- Zhang Ziyi
- Chen Daoming
- Liu Zhongyuan
- Zheng Tianyong
- Qin Yan
- Zhang Yakun
Writers
- Feng Li
- Zhang Yimou
- Wang Bin
Producers
- Zhang Zhenyan
- Bill Kong Chi-Keung
- Zhang Yimou
Hero - FAQs
What is the meaning of Hero's ending explained?
At the end of Hero, Nameless chooses not to kill the King of Qin, believing that unifying China under one ruler will bring lasting peace to its people. He sacrifices his own life willingly, accepting death as the price of that conviction. It's a deeply philosophical conclusion about the cost of a greater good.
Who are the main actors in Hero?
Hero boasts a remarkable ensemble. Jet Li leads as Nameless, with Tony Leung Chiu-wai as Broken Sword, Maggie Cheung as Flying Snow, Donnie Yen as Sky, Zhang Ziyi as Moon, and Chen Daoming as the King of Qin. It's one of the most celebrated casts in Chinese cinema history.
What is Hero (2002) about?
Hero follows a nameless prefect who arrives at the palace of the King of Qin claiming to have defeated three legendary assassins. As he recounts each encounter, the film peels back layers of truth, loyalty, and sacrifice, revealing a profound meditation on what it truly means to serve one's country.
What is the color symbolism in Hero?
Color is central to Hero's storytelling. Each version of events is bathed in a distinct palette — red for passion and jealousy, blue for melancholy and truth, white for purity and sacrifice, and green for nature and serenity. Zhang Yimou uses color as a narrative language, shifting meaning with each retelling of the story.
Where can you stream Hero (2002)?
You can watch Hero on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home — all available to buy or rent. It's also available for free on Kanopy and Hoopla, making it accessible without a purchase if you have access to those platforms.
Is Hero (2002) based on a true story?
Hero is inspired by real historical events. The King of Qin depicted in the film is based on Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, who did face assassination attempts during the Warring States period. The story's characters and narrative are fictional, but the political backdrop draws directly from documented Chinese history.
What is the age rating for Hero?
Hero is rated PG-13 in the United States, meaning it's suitable for most audiences but may contain some content parents find inappropriate for younger children. The film features stylized martial arts combat and mature themes around war, sacrifice, and political power, though it avoids graphic violence.
How long is Hero and when was it released?
Hero runs for 99 minutes — lean and beautifully paced. It premiered in China on December 19, 2002, and reached US theaters on August 27, 2004, where it was released under the title Jet Li's Hero. Despite the two-year gap, it became a major international box office success.
More About Hero
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