Anti-hero

Please DO NOT WATCH the movie "Hero"! It is basically propaganda disguised with martial art packaging. Just look at how much the Chinese government has endorsed the movie and you know what I'm talking about. This movie praises the brutal totalitarian Emperor Qin. I'd expect this comes from the Communist Party but really disappointed that it comes from Zhang Yimou's movie.

Zhang Yimou, the director, is selling out, IMO. It's hard to remember this is the guy who used to make movies that criticize the backwardness of Chinese villages and injustice done to the people. In fact, the Chinese government used to censor his movie for exposing the dark side of the country to outside.

Maybe the crave for power has changed Zhang. Now the government rewards his "conversion" by putting him in charge of 2008 Beijing Olympic ceremonies, a big step forward for a showbiz guy. I gotta admit this is hard to resist.

Here is another reason to boycott this movie. Quoting from Joseph Kahn "Film on Ruthless Dynasty Delights China's Leaders" The New York Times January 2, 2003:
"In an interview with B International, a Hong Kong- based magazine, [Tony] Leung said he applauded the message of 'peace and human kindness' in Hero, then reflected on the Beijing government's suppression of the democracy movement 13 years ago. 'During the June 4 incident, I didn't join any demonstrations, because what the Chinese government did was right to maintain stability, which was good for everybody,' he was quoted as saying. Mr. Leung later said that his comments had been taken out of context and that he was speaking from the perspective of his character in the film. 'My interest is in making movies, not politics,' he said."

Other reviews:
Fighting for Peace (and Art Films), Zhang Yimou on "Hero" (incl. interview)
Hidden dragon
Zhang Yimou's Hero The Temptations of Fascism
Martial Arts Worldwide Network's review

A true hero will never condone oppression.