6 of 6

Nicolosi makes a good point. The film does end up viewing the unification of China as a good thing, trying to justify, to some extent, the cruel conquest of the king. But, as I wrote in my review at Christianity Today Movies, I don't think the film is just a simple, straightforward endorsement of the king's right to slaughter those who oppose him. In fact, the film subtly subverts that very theme by focusing on the way that those who resist are able to overcome the enemy forces more powerfully through art than through violence. Further, it makes those who stand against the king the most colorful, inspiring, and memorable characters. And finally, the king is reminded that the true "hero" is he who does not use a sword at all, but uses ideas instead. The film is called Hero, not Heroes, and it is clear that the film's most revered character is not the king, but the one who makes an impassioned appeal for the end of violence.

The film may indeed be a celebration of China—that is no surprise, considering the origins of the story. What I find great about the film (aside from the extraordinary visuals) is that, in spite of the film's China-centric perspective, the film glimmers with honorable truths that are worth acknowledging and discussing. The story gives us examples of what Christ described as the greatest love—laying down one's life for one's friends. It affirms the importance of excellence in art, and the timeless power art can achieve. It draws our attention to the importance of individual voices as opposed to a vast and impersonal force. And it demonstrates the righteousness of putting down the sword, something that the king will not do, even at the end when he has seen an example of a greater man who could. Thus, Hero remains a conflicted masterpiece. Even if Zhang Yimou did set out to make a film to please the government, his finished work raises too many questions to be written off as mere propaganda. Moviegoers would do well to examine the film closely and discuss it rather than ignore it.

By the way, the film took first place in the box office race for the second week in a row.

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

first page |  6 of 6