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Poster for Hero

2002 | 99 min | Drama, Adventure, Action, History

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (94% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (7.5 out of 10), it drew serious awards attention and it made about 6 times its budget. Make plans for this one.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for action fans and history buffs. If you loved Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Exciting.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 39 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated PG-13: peril. Probably too much for younger kids.
  • It's in Chinese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 85 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesStrong

    7.5 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Berlin award: Berlin International Film Festival: Best Supporting Actress. Also nominated for 1 Oscar and 1 Golden Globe. Plus 12 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $177 million worldwide on a $31 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactStrong

    About 279K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Zhang Yimou

  • Jet LiNameless
  • Tony Leung Chiu-waiBroken Sword
  • Maggie Cheung Man-yukFlying Snow
  • Donnie YenSky
  • Zhang ZiyiMoon
  • Chen DaomingKing of Qin
  • Liu ZhongyuanOld Scholar
  • Zheng TianyongOld Servant
  • Qin YanPrime Minister
  • Zhang YakunThe Qin Guards' Commander