HERO

The Chinese film, Hero, combines some of the finest elements of Chinese culture. The film revolves around Chinese history and the attempted assassination of the King of Qin. What is most impressive about the film is not the storyline even though it was full of mystery, intrigue, and wonder but rather the cinematography. The cinematography of the film is some of the best I have seen. The Chinese are well known for their martial art skills. What is truly amazing is how they are able to choreograph the intricacy of the fight scenes especially since wires are used for most of the fighting scenes. The director and choreographer were able to capture the beauty and fluidity of the fight scenes. The martial arts scenes were more rhythmic and dance like than traditional American fight movies. All the fighters are composed of specific characteristics such as composure, dignity, and honor all of which were translated into their fighting style. Not only where the fight scenes gracefully choreographed but also the background or setting captured the mood of the scene perfectly. The wardrobe of the characters, which included matching colored kimonos, changed with each different perspective of narrative being told. The vibrant colors of the kimonos were breath taking and really helped to bring and tie the audience into the scene. Color was an added special effect that put me in awe. The most brilliant scene in the film was when the two women were fighting and the falling and swirling of the leaves moved and danced around the movements of the characters. The scene also incorporated the use of color. The color of the leaves changed depending on the emotion the audience was meant to feel. It was truly brilliant. Too bad, reality is not quite as colorful as this film makes you feel.