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Trailer

Hero

2002Movie1 h 39 minPG-13

Drama
84
GreatGoodWatch score
IMDb7.9Metacritic857.9Rotten Tomatoes94%87%

A nerve-racking, gripping drama movie about history and war, with standout direction and cinematography.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Skip it if you want to half-watch while scrolling

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Not for laughs, warmth or comfort.

Movies with

Story

One man's strength will unite an empire.

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.

Feels like

  • Wuxia Epic
  • Visual Masterpiece
  • Non-Linear Narrative
  • Political Philosophy
  • Color-Coded Storytelling
  • Martial Arts Ballet
  • Historical Drama
  • Grand Spectacle
  • Unreliable Narrator
  • Chamber Piece Structure

Cast

15 of 15

Crew

Directed by
Zhang Yimou
Written by
Zhang Yimou, Wang Bin, Feng Li
Produced by
Zhang Yimou, Bill Kong, Zhang Zhenyan
Music by
Tan Dun

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

December 19, 2002 · 1 h 39 min · PG-13

Released
December 19, 2002
Runtime
1 h 39 min
Age rating
PG-13
Content
Violence
Genres
Drama, Adventure, Action, History
Original language
Chinese
Made in
Hong Kong SAR China, China
Budget
$31 million
Box office
$177 million
Available in
35 countries

Tropes

Rain of Arrows, Properly Paranoid, Rule of Cool +9

  • Rain of Arrows
  • Properly Paranoid
  • Rule of Cool
  • Master Swordsman
  • Heroic Sacrifice
  • Martial Arts for Mundane Purposes
  • Chastity Couple
  • Historical Hero Upgrade
  • The Reveal
  • Cool Old Guy
  • Signature Move
  • Wire Fu

12 of 106 tropes. From TV Tropes.

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream Hero?"

Questions about Hero

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Hero?

In the United States, you can rent or buy Hero from Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It streams in 16 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Hero worth watching?

84
GreatGoodWatch score

Yes, it's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 84 (IMDb 7.9, Rotten Tomatoes 94%, and Metacritic 85).

Is Hero okay for kids?

PG-13Violence

Yes: it's rated PG-13 in the United States for violence, and the viewing guide lists it for family nights.

Can I half-watch Hero?

Easy watchDemanding

No, it needs your attention: the title analysis rates it 8 of 10 for complexity and 8 for philosophical.

Was Hero a box office hit?

Budget$31 million
Box office$177 million

Yes, a big one: it cost about $31 million to make and earned $177 million worldwide, 5.7 times its budget.

Is Hero in English?

Chinese

No, it was made in Chinese.

What tropes does Hero use?

Rain of ArrowsProperly ParanoidRule of CoolMaster SwordsmanHeroic SacrificeMartial Arts for Mundane PurposesChastity CoupleHistorical Hero UpgradeThe RevealCool Old GuySignature MoveWire Fuand 94 more

TV Tropes lists 106 tropes for it, including Rain of Arrows, Properly Paranoid, and Rule of Cool.