
Hero
Seen it?2002 | 99 min | Drama, Adventure, Action, History
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
More like this
The Forbidden KingdomSunday Safe BetAlso stars Jet Li, in another martial arts action film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of DestinyWeeknight WatchAlso stars Donnie Yen, in another martial arts action film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Dragon: The Bruce Lee StorySaturday SpecialAnother martial arts historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
47 RoninMonday Morning MaybeAnother martial arts drama. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Charlie's AngelsWeeknight WatchAnother martial arts action film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
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