For bringing Hero to american theatres.

Last week Heather and I were fortunate enough to catch a viewing of Hero the latest offering from Director Zhang Yimou.

As always this movie was visually stunning, I relished the use of colour throughout and the slow, almost baleful shots that helped to infuse the viewer with a sense of the honor and sadness that shaped the life of each character and drove them to the extraordinary lengths seen throughout the story.  Jet Li once again shines in the role of Nameless the Hero whose sacrifice alowed the Chinese nation to be galvanized producing the first Dynasty.

Unfortunately as with most imports the film was put through the ringer and what came out the otherside was not exactly Yimou's vision.  Many important scenes were cut, and the fight scenes themselves were edited to squeak by with a PG13 rating.  The film weighs in at a light 1 hour 38 minutes because of this.

Some memorable performances were turned in by the following:

Donnie Yen as Sky

Donnie Yen has long been a favorite of mine and he does not disappoint in the role of Sky, one three assassins bent on Killing "The King".  My only complaint is that Yen is not in the movie enough.  This could be due to the shortening of the movie to appease Miramax, or a lack of appreciation on the part of the director.  Regardless the scenes that he and Li share are wonderful, hope for more in the future, fingers crossed.

Zhang Ziyi as Moon

Again, another wonderful performer who was limited to very few scenes.  My gut feeling is that she is another victim of the Mirimax hachet, but I could be wrong on that.  I hope that we can expect to see more from her, considering how well recieved her work was in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Rush Hour 2.  Thankfully Zhang has a number of films that are set to be released this year, so hopefully we might see more of her soon.

Maggie Cheung as Flying Snow

I am a little embarrased that I am not more familiar with Cheung's work, since she is wonderful as Flying Snow another of the Assassins.  This is the first movie I can remember seeing her in, and quite frankly that makes me a little upset.  I really appreciate her ability to emote, and her presence on the screen.  From doing a little research I have found that she is a staple of Hong Kong Cinema.  I hope to be able to track down more form her soon.

Tony Leung Chiu Wai as Broken Sword

Jet Li might have been the "star" of this movie, but I have to tell you that Chiu Wai stole the show.  his portrayal of Broken Sword the final Assassin, a warrior who has become enlightened enough to rise above the need for combat is brilliant.  The scenes with him writing calligraphy are inspired, but none more so than the climax of the movie from a philosophical standpoint, when he wrote two words for Nameless in the sand.  Just brilliant.

Hopefully it won't take that long for us to see more of this ensemble.  It seems that the majority of the cast of Hero, minus Li, have reunited for the film 2046 which should hit something close to us in the next two years.

Meanwhile Jet Li's next film set to be released is Unleashed, aka Danny the Dog.  This film co-starring Bob Hoskins and Morgan Freeman could be a breakthrough for Li.  Keep your eyes open for this one being distributed by Revolution Pictures in 2005.