Hero

Rating R Genre Action Starring Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai, Maggie Cheung and Ziyi Zhang Directed by Zhang Yimou Publisher Miramax External Links Miramax

The most expensive Chinese movie in history, "Hero" conquered the box office and won nominations for Best Foreign Language Film at both the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Has Asian cinema finally found a place in mainstream American film?

Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung play two warriors who stand in the way of a ruthless king in one of the several kingdoms of war divided China in the third century B.C. With a desire to become emperor of a greater nation, the king offers a bounty reward to anyone willing to kill the undesireable pair. Jet Li, an unknown swordsman until this point, enters the story with desires of his own.

"Hero's" action packed thrill ride takes us through an eclectic mix of adrenaline packed action, unveiling a number of welcomed surprises. Director Zhang Yimou's (also responsible for the amazingly well told Raise The Red Lantern) precise direction and talent are unleashed upon a very capable group of convincing leading actors. Ziyi Zhang gives a solid performance. Cheung and Leung seem on top of their games and have a wonderful ability to express themselves through body language. Some honorable mention should also go to Action Director Tony Ching Siu Tung and costume designer Emi Wada.

Some crossover appeal to broader audiences seems highly appropriate here, but "Hero" is unlikely to surpass the impressive international success of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon."