Hero

Martial arts for the sake of beautiful images. That's all I can think about while watching this film. I get the inherent message of tyranny leading to martyrizm and self sacrifice. I don't get why someone would mix action, politics and amazing cinematography into a movie. The film itself is gorgeous. The story is convoluted and rife with political undertones. I went in wanting to love this movie, but came out with the same bad taste that I would have received if I saw a hybrid of Crouching Tiger and Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song. Call me old fashion, but I think beautiful movies, like "Hero", should be about beautiful subjects. Once you throw in politics and a jumbled message, I lose interest. Otherwise, this is the best shot movie I have seen in years. I'm aware that I'm in the minority about my opinion of this film, but I just couldn't get into it. It's a fantastic piece of art with too much headiness for it's own good.

Grade: C+