Zhang Yimou's Hero

This week’s film, Hero, directed by Zhang Yimou, was totally different than any other film I had seen before. While the beautifully choreographed fight scenes and colorful landscapes were striking and set this film apart from many other low-budget Chinese films, I found its general plot outline difficult to follow. Different elements, including the constant flashbacks, unusual names, trickery and unfamiliar cultural customs, contributed to the film’s confusing nature. There was little interaction between the characters in the story and audience members. As viewers, all we could do was admire the artistic qualities of the film, instead of relating to the characters and their situation. However, it was a fascinating look at part of China’s culture. The reverence for high powered officials and country leaders may have been astounding to some, but this inside look at the ancient cultural traditions were vital in progressing the movie’s themes and plot line. Another element I found particularly fascinating was the blending of history with more futuristic elements. From the beginning, we see how this is part of the story of the unification of China, and yet the director introduces many components that give the film a modern-day feel. The graphic nature of the film, especially the dominance of single-color schemes created a contemporary and fresh experience for viewers. While the fluid motions and theatrical fight scenes in which the character fought in Chinese gardens, forest clearings or above a lake pushed viewer’s sense of what is possible, their exaggerated movements created a melodramatic and sensational tone.