Hero Héros
(DVD)

Special features include: inside the action: a conversation with Quentin Tarantino and Jet Li; 'Hero' defined; storyboards.

Originally released as a motion picture in 2002.

Based on the novel by Li Feng.

Credits: Director of photography, Christopher Doyle ; editors, Zhai Ru, Angie Lam ; music, Tan Dun ; costume designer, Emi Wada ; production designers, Huo Ting Xiao, Yi Zhen Zhou ; action director, Tony Ching Siu-Tung.

Cast: Jet Li ; Tony Leung ; Maggie Cheung ; Zhang Ziyi ; Chen Dao Ming ; Donnie Yen.

Long ago, China was divided into seven kingdoms all fighting for supremacy. The King of Qin was most determined to become the first emperor of China. Though many tried to assassinate him, only three inspired fear. The King promised endless wealth and power to anyone who defeats his would-be murderers. No results come until ten years later, when a man called Nameless brought the weapons of the three assassins to the Qin King's palace. Nameless claimed to be an expert swordsman who had defeated all three warriors and had to tell his story to the King.

Canadian home video rating: PG.

DVD, Dolby digital; widescreen, region 1.

In English, French and Chinese, with optional English and Spanish subtitles; closed-captioned for the hearing impaired.

Hong Kong Film Awards, 2003: Best action choreography (Siu-Tung Ching); best art direction (Tingxiao Huo, Zhenzhou Yi); best cinematography (Christopher Doyle); best costumes/make-up (Emi Wada); best music (Dun Tan); best sound (Jing Tao); best visual effects (Murray Pope, Richard Schlein, Luke O'Byrne, Ellen Poon).