Hero

2002

"Unite for honor, fight for freedom."

Also known as: 🇬🇧 EN: Jet Li's Hero^? 🇪🇸 ES: Hero de Zhang Yimou^? 🇩🇪 DE: Jet Li Hero^? 🇵🇹 PT: Herói^? 🇯🇵 JA: ヒーロー^? All international titles (18) →

Drama Action Adventure 99 min 7.9/10

Synopsis

Hero is a movie released in 2002.

In a visually stunning tapestry of ancient China, this epic tale unfolds during the tumultuous Warring States period, where loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for power intertwine. A district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, the formidable king poised to unite the fractured lands under his rule. With a gripping narrative that pivots on the prefect's audacious claim of having eliminated the three notorious assassins who once targeted the king, the film invites viewers to question the nature of heroism and the price of peace. Delving into themes of sacrifice, honor, and the complexities of truth, the story weaves together breathtaking action sequences with poignant character development. The film's stunning cinematography and choreographed fight scenes elevate it beyond mere spectacle, immersing audiences in a world where every choice carries monumental consequences. As the prefect recounts his tale, layers of deception and ambition unfold, revealing that the greatest battles are often fought not with swords, but with the heart and mind. This gripping adventure is not just a historical recount; it’s a profound exploration of what it means to be a hero in a world rife with conflict and moral ambiguity.

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Parental Guide — Suitable for 13+

13+

Content guidance for parents

Category	Level	Indicator
Violence	3/5
Sexual Content	1/5
Language	1/5
Drugs / Alcohol	0/5
Frightening Elements	2/5

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Detailed explanations

Violence

The film contains scenes of battle and conflict, which may include weapon use and physical confrontations. Some moments may be intense but are presented in a historical context.

Sexual Content

There are brief references to romantic relationships but no explicit sexual content is depicted.

Language

Mild language is used, including some insults and historical terms that may be considered inappropriate.

Drugs / Alcohol

There are no significant depictions of drug or alcohol use.

Frightening Elements

Some scenes may be intense or suspenseful, particularly those involving battle, which could be frightening for younger viewers.

Summary for parents:

The film presents historical themes with a focus on heroism and sacrifice. Parents should be aware of the moderate violence related to battles and conflicts, as well as mild language and minimal sexual content. It is suitable for audiences aged 13 and older.

Parental Guide Hub

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Connections with other movies

This movie has thematic and stylistic connections with the following productions:

The Great Wall

2016

Same Director Zhang Yimou

House of Flyin...

2004

Same Director Zhang Yimou

The Expendable...

2010

Same Actor Jet Li

Shang-Chi and...

2021

Same Actor Jet Li

GOAT

2026

Similar Theme

Spider-Man: No...

2021

Similar Genre

Where to Watch Hero Online

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Box Office

Budget: $31,000,000

Revenue: $177,394,432

Profit $146,394,432

ROI +472.2% (5.7x)

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Hero is directed by Zhang Yimou .

Cast of Hero

Jet Li

Nameless

Tony Leung Chiu-wai

Broken Sword

Maggie Cheung

Flying Snow

Donnie Yen

Sky

View Full Cast Cast Filmography

See the complete cast and other films with these actors.

Crew & Production

Zhang Yimou

Director

More from Zhang Yimou

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The Great Wall

2016 5.9

House of Flying Daggers

2004 7.5

The Flowers of War

2011 7.5

Raise the Red Lantern

1991 8.1

Ju Dou

1990 7.6

Keywords

#loss of loved one 118 #martial arts 90 #admiring 88 #countryside 27 #grand 25 #kung fu 23 #right and justice 12 #wuxia 7 #patriot 3 #3rd century bc 1 #warring states period 1

Production Companies

China Film Co-Production 中国电影合作制片 (CFCC)

Edko Films

Beijing New Picture Film Co. Ltd.

Elite Group Enterprises

Zhang Yimou Studio

Trivia & Fun Facts about Hero

5

• The film was shot primarily in the deserts of China's Xinjiang province, where the stark landscapes added to the film's visual storytelling.

  Behind the Scenes ai

• Jet Li performed most of his own stunts in the film, showcasing his martial arts expertise and dedication to the role of the nameless hero.

  Fun Fact ai

• In the scene where the protagonist recounts his battle with the assassins, the swordplay choreography is inspired by traditional Chinese martial arts forms, reflecting historical practices.

  Movie Connection ai

• In several scenes, background characters can be seen wearing clothing that does not match the historical period depicted, which can be distracting for attentive viewers.

  Movie Mistake ai

• Zhang Ziyi, who portrayed the character Moon, initially had to train rigorously in martial arts to match her co-stars' skills, which was a significant challenge given her prior experience.

  Fun Fact ai