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Zhang Yimou on our Shore Thanks to Tarantino - Hero’s Hero
8.27.04
Update: Hero released in US theaters today!
You may get a chance to see Zhang Yimou's 2002 release, Hero (Ying Xiong), in the States since it’s being presented by Quentin Tarantino whose name flashes first thing on the trailer. First or not, Tarantino has done a justice to Asian cinema not only by showcasing its influences in movies like the Kill Bill Volumes but also by using his established name to bring some deserving Asian films into the light of the western world. "And I am very proud to do that," Tarantino tells Fangoria Magazine. "I had to fight for it with Miramax. I think they lost faith in it and everything. And I thought that Hero was an absolute masterpiece, so I fought with them not to cut it. Not to bring it down, but to keep it the same length as when I saw it. And finally they agreed if I would present it. So I got in touch with Zhang Yimou and he was cool with that. Yeah, he was as happy as a clam. So that's what I am doing—it's pretty much what I did for Iron Monkey." So Miramax is releasing it in the States (at least L.A. and New York), and rumors are flying that it'll be in its full glory, all 120 minutes rather than their edited, 95-minute European release, though we haven't seen the extra scenes yet.
Writer, producer, and director Zhang Yimou brings us Hero, a story of the revenge of the nameless warrior (played by Jet Li) of his people. Hero uses flashbacks to show how the nameless warrior defeats three assassins out to murder a warlord he intends to destroy in pre-unified China. The film contains stunning visuals and martial art scenes throughout, comes from the producers of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, and is hailed by critics as even better.
Western audiences may also get a chance (cross our fingers!!) to see Zhang Yimou's follow up to Hero, Shi Mian Mai Fu (aka House of Flying Daggers, aka Flying Daggers at Cannes, aka Lovers in Japan), seeing that its full trailer is now popping up online. Shi Mian Mai Fu is about a soldier and a blind revolutionary who fall in love during their journey. You can check out the trailer here on WMP (the only format so far). You can also check out the Hero trailer at Yahoo! Movies in WMP or QT.
Hero stills:
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