If you don't read the opening credits, you might be completely confused until the very end of the movie.

The film "Hero" is roughly divided into three stories: the version told by Nameless and the King of Qin, and the truth of the matter. Zhang Yimou used three colors to distinguish them.

First, there's the nameless version about red, which is the most bizarre, as red itself is a symbol of desire.

In his account, heroes like Feixue and Canjian were ultimately just narrow-minded martial artists, unable to escape the shackles of worldly conventions. Therefore, after learning about their relationship, Feixue and Canjian were completely thrown into chaos, which gave Wuming the greatest opportunity to defeat them one by one.

However, King Qin had met Broken Sword once, so he had some understanding of Broken Sword's character. He believed that a swordsman like Broken Sword could not possibly be a petty and mercenary person, but a true hero.

Therefore, in the blue version told by the King of Qin, Fei Xue and Can Jian are the most perfect heroes, and blue symbolizes ideals. So they are willing to sacrifice for each other and are willing to become donors to the nameless assassination attempt on the King of Qin.

However, this version of the two characters is too flawless; they exist only in human narratives and ideas, and could not possibly exist in reality. They are destined to be nothing more than a utopia.

Finally, there's the white version, which is closest to the truth. In this version, Broken Sword Flying Snow isn't the kind of person who's petty and calculating, but he's not exactly an ideal knight-errant either. They're more like a compromise between the two versions.

White represents justice and symbolizes that this version is closest to the truth. Therefore, Broken Sword and Flying Snow cannot escape the fate of revenge, but they also have the world in their hearts. In Broken Sword's understanding, their hatred for the King of Qin is only a personal grudge, and the King of Qin is the only person in that chaotic world who can end the war. Therefore, for the sake of the world, Broken Sword must give up his personal grudges.

Ultimately, Broken Sword's ideals inspired Nameless to abandon his assassination attempt, and also deeply moved King Qin, one of the most famous emperors in Chinese history. At that moment, however, he felt gratified to have a confidant like Broken Sword, and tears streamed down his usually stern face.

Therefore, according to the three versions of the story, Zhang Yimou has imbued the spirit of Chinese chivalry into the rich history. Chinese people have always pursued the sacrifice of the individual for the greater good. Zhang Yimou has used thousands of years of accumulation to make Chinese audiences today feel the shock of traditional power. Perhaps this kind of shock cannot be understood by experiencing it once at the time.

The two-hour-plus film brought a great deal of shock to the audience.

The production is grand in scale, with the military involved in the performances. It is magnificent, awe-inspiring, and breathtaking. The visuals are also stunning.

Multiple martial arts scenes showcase the chivalrous spirit of heroes. From shielding the enemy from arrows in front of the library, to the battle at the chess hall, the battle on the lake, the battle in the poplar forest, and the battle at the Qin army camp, the film's martial arts choreography is elegant and fluid, and Jet Li's portrayal of the nameless hero is incredibly cool.

It not only has a visually impactful fight scene, but also integrates martial arts with Chinese aesthetic art.

Guilin's landscape is beautiful and picturesque, embodying the unique beauty of China.

In Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia, amidst the golden leaves of the poplar forest, the wind swirls the fallen leaves, and two beautiful women in red are engaged in a duel.

The fight scene on the lake in Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is light and graceful, with dragonflies skimming the water, making it a visual feast.

The vast deserts of the Western Regions, with their raging sands and biting west winds, present an atmosphere of boundless desolation! These scenes perfectly embody the word "beauty".

The expression of pure color! Those who have seen the movie "Hero" will notice that the actors' costumes are based on three colors: red, blue, and white.

Martial arts and musical music. Inside the chess hall, Chang Kong first played chess with someone, then Chang Kong fought against the seven masters of Qin Palace, and Wuming fought against Chang Kong. The two fought with their minds, which can be described as cutting-edge.

Martial arts and the art of playing the guqin, though different, share the same principle: the pursuit of the ultimate state of profound silence. In the film, the old man's guqin performance unfolds simultaneously with the martial arts battle. When the guqin string snaps, the fight abruptly ends, and Nameless kills Changkong.

Calligraphy and swordsmanship share a common realm, their mysteries entirely dependent on comprehension. It is proposed that calligraphy and swordsmanship share the same principles, both emphasizing wrist strength. One can discern a person's martial arts skill level and the direction of their swordsmanship from the character for "sword" in the name of Broken Sword. Nameless attempts to find a way to defeat Broken Sword by examining the character for "sword" in Broken Sword's name.

The battle between Man Shen and Zhang Ziyi amidst the red maple forest pushed the film's aesthetic beauty to its climax, with a rain of arrows and the Qin army. The thunderous wind and howling air further amplified the atmosphere and brought the action to its peak.

The entire film can be described as a shock to the audience on three levels: visual impact, spiritual impact, and humanistic impact.

After the movie ended.

Thunderous applause erupted in the hall.

With a smile, Shen said, "From today onwards, Master Zhang's slogan will be used!!!"

Film critic Liu Qingsong, sitting not far away, heard Shen Fang mention Master Zhang and his eyes lit up with excitement. The title was just right.

They shouted enthusiastically, "Master Zhang! Master Zhang!!! Director Zhang Yimou, you are a master director in our country's film industry!!!"

Others followed suit upon hearing this.

The hall resounded with chants of "Master Zhang! Master Zhang! Master Zhang!"

Sitting in the second row, Chen Kaige's mood instantly soured. He had always considered Zhang Yimou a formidable rival, even though he somewhat looked down on his peasant classmate. But after seeing this film today, despite his reluctance, he had to admit that his old classmate had truly created a great work, in every aspect.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!