Many martial artists are now involved in film-making in America, working on high-budget projects with awesome special effects and ropework. However, many feel that the best martial arts films are those made in Hong Kong and China, without the mainstream influence of Hollywood. These films retain the stylised acting and pure martial arts of the classic kung fu movies.
Hero manages to combine the best parts of both American and Oriental influences. Special effects are used in a limited manner and, although impressive, are completely in harmony with the film's roots. Some scenes bear a marked similarity to Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, but these extraordinary flying and water-fighting episodes are not used gratuitously and are executed more artistically than in Crouching Tiger.
The storyline is complex and may take some thought to decipher, particularly when watching the subtitled version. The stroy is set in warring China, where the seven kingdoms fight among themselves to maintain their independence. Qin is the most powerful kingdom, and seeks to amalgamate them all into a peaceful whole.
Li plays an assassin, presented to the King of Qin - his target - in honour, for killing three other assassins that posed a threat to the King. As the story unfolds, Li's tale breaks down under careful scrutiny, and the truth behind his relationship with the other assassins, and the moving story behind his success, becomes apparent.
Martial arts play less of a part in this film than the plot line and intricate character relationships. Despite this, it is an excellent prodution, and worth seeing for action, romance or drama.
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Martial Arts - Director: Prachya Pinkaew - Original Language: English\Vietnamese\Thai\Mandarin - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Tony Jaa, Bongkoj Khongmalai, Petchtai Wongkamlao
Production Year: 1981 - Martial Arts - Director: Kenji Misumi, Robert Houston - Original Language: English - Classification: 18 years and over - Starring: Kayo Matsuo, Minoru Ohki, Akiji Kobayashi, Shin Kishida, Masahiro Tomikawa, Tomisaburo Wakayama
Hey there! thanx for the op!! i planned to watch this one for a long time already just could nt put my hands on the dvd or vhs i am a big kong fu movies.
Mattroberts 13.05.2003 17:14
I hate Martial arts, but Im glad you enjoyed it! Matt x x x
Calypte 13.05.2003 15:40
A very warm welcome to the site! This is a really great start, but as someone has mentioned, it would be nice to have more of a personal opinion feel. Other than that, though, very well done - hope to see lots more from you! Enjoy being a Ciao member :)
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