Customer Reviews

A Man Called Hero: Special Cut

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

While I've been a longtime fan of the Woo-influenced Hong Kong action pics and I've been any even longertime (is there such a word?) fan samurai films, I've had a dubious love/hate affair with the more traditional 'martial arts' films where would-be superheroes dance on air whilst wiggling and waggling their magical swords to dice and slice the villains. I've loved CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON, and I've meddled with THE BRIDE WITH WHITE HAIR. I don't know. Something about traditional martial arts films have seemed to extremist entertainment to me ... but then along comes A MAN CALLED HERO and I find myself in a curious predicament: I'm hooked.

I won't go into a massive rehash of the plot b/c the film does suffer a bit from some of the hallmarks of Hong Kong cinema: there's far too much story to be told in two hours, but, somehow, it all manages to fit together. There are a few plot points (Sword Hua's search for his sister, Hero's love-hate relationship with the Elements, Shadow's real intentions, etc.) that don't get enough screen time -- surprisingly -- but sacrifices were made, and what's left for the story is more than enough to chew.

This film is dazzling to watch, and I think it so for a variety of reasons. It takes the traditional martial arts formula of the mystical hero, and it turns the film upside down to avoid going overboard in every way possible. Also, it strives to be much more of a contemporary 'period piece' -- set in what one could guess is America, circa 1920/1930 (I honestly don't remember that a date was mentioned) ... a creative choice that does give the principal characters far more of a 'superhero' feel and less of battling martial artists. That and EVERYTHING THAT COULD POSSIBLY BE WRITTEN ABOUT THE FILM'S CLIMAX ON THE STATUE OF LIBERTY MUST BE BELIEVED! While there are a few parts of the Statue's final battle that are hard to swallow, it's easy to look the other way and just be dazzled in the way many other blockbuster films have tried to do.

A MAN CALLED HERO (not to be confused with Jet Li's HERO) is a remarkable find, and it's a remarkable piece of work from a man called Andrew Lau.

This is a definite owner. While parts of it are more guilty pleasure than anything else, A MAN CALLED HERO is wonderfully entertaining and even manages to tug on a few heartstrings along the way.

Simply put, this is a fun and very captivating movie. Many will complain about the hard to follow story layout, but it's more of a long flashback than a Mission Impossible confusion. The special effects are top notch making Hollywood wonder where they put all their money because this movie was made cheaply compared to anything the US puts out.
It's an action story so the occasional poor acting by some (Nicholas Tse mainly) can be forgiven. It's nothing worse than Will Smith, so don't be scared. But everyone else is right on with their skills. Yuen Biao's cameos lend his real kung fu expertise. And fans of the Hong Kong actresses will have more than special effects to stare at. Everyone will envy Ekin Cheng's character.
Fight sequences will make any action/martial arts fan cheer. The last battle is one for the record books. Anyone out there wishing for a DBZ movie will be more than happy with this in its place. The only flaws are small ones which do not ruin the experience at all. Expect to see a great action film with an engrossing story and you won't be disappointed.

Following the success of Storm Riders, Andrew Lau and his crew return in the visually stunning but choppy A MAN CALLED HERO. It was made in half the time Storm Riders took - and it becomes painfully obvious when you try to understand what's going on.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the movie, but hell... It tried to do way too many things at once. There's a great deal of characters, subplots, and confusing flashbacks (the editing could've used work). The first half of the movie is also quite slow. But dammit, forget the story and watch the actors and special effects.

Ekin Ching does a good job of protraying Hero and Bad guy Francis Ng is excellent as usual (he's such a badass). The surprising role was in Shu Qi - who is usually protrayed as a ditzy, young, immature, and spunky girl (Storm Riders and Gorgeous). Here, she plays a serious and quiet (!) Japanese Ninja who becomes emotionally involved with Hero (although the movie never develops this point... in fact, the movie never really develops anything at all). Overall the movie has an impressive cast - although it's kinda funny to watch the Japanese roles given to Chinese actors. Yuen Biao is also present with a very small part.

Special effects are excellent, although I'm not sure how to compare it with Storm Riders. The climatic fight has a little bit of corniness and is sped up to the point of being unrealistic. When Francis Ng calls Ekin Ching and his voice zooms through the entire city of New York, I tripped out. Never in my life have I seen such a concept on film. Other great moments belong to the sword fight in the rain and the run in with Hero and the Japanese Ninjas (although the outfits were silly).

In the end I was wondering what the hell I just watch and tried to make sense of the story... After a while I realized that it didn't matter - it was fun to watch and I was very satisfied with the effort put into this production. I'll be waiting for the sequel - for now, this Special Cut DVD was worth the money.

I just rented this movie the other day as the front cover boasted that it was from the makers of Iron Monkey and Legend of the Drunken Master and the story sounded cool. Let me tell you, this film surprised me greatly in that it was nothing like what I expected but it was a brilliant piece of work. I have never seen this many elements from different genres thrown into one film in a truly bizzare mix. I mean, battling it out with brutal magical powers in the streets of new york? Crazy... and the final battle must be seen to be beleived. An excellent story, fascinating characters and ingenious direction make this an experience like no other.

Hero is a man born under an unlucky star with a terrible fortune: (Everyone close to Hero will die an unnatural death). After an assassin kills his family, Hero must flee to America to start over.

Traveling to New York to begin his new life, Hero (Ekin Cheng) is taken to work at a mine. Along the way, he befriends a Buddhist monk, who admires his devotion and sense of honor. Falsely accused of murder at the camp, Hero is forced to flee yet again. When Hero discovers his wife, Jade, has also come to China town, Hero risks all to be with her... With some unforeseen consequences.

"A Man Called Hero" has some excellent special effects, martial arts fans will enjoy. For instance: there is a scene where Hero and the villian are battling on top of the Statue of Liberty which was really breathtaking. There were also several really cool scenes where Hero is battling in the city as well.

What really prevented me from giving this movie a five star rating was the choppy plot, and the way it was narrated. Half of the movie is told in 'real time' and the other half seems to be relayed by Hero's friend Shadow. The movie jumps from present to past, without much sense, and this was distracting. Also, the plot seemed to meander a bit, with Hero just taking what life dished out, and never doing much of anything. On the good side, Ekin Cheng was absolutely WONDERFUL as Hero, lending the role the fire it needed to breath life into an otherwise cardboard stiff character. With some editing and a decent script, I'd give this movie five stars!

Having finally seen "A Man Called Hero" after reading endless debate as to its entertainment value, I must say that overall, it was an enjoyable film. Granted there were enough flaws to fill a black hole, but it still had some excellent production values. As Andrew Lau's follow-up to "Stormriders," it's hard to not to make any comparisons when many of the cast and crew worked on both movies. While the special effects didn't break any new ground, the situations were more far-fetched and befitting a comic book.

As the movie was made from another comic book by Ma Wing Shing (I haven't read any of them), it had more of a comic book feel. That is both its strength and weakness. The pacing was more fluid by sacrificing characters, reducing them stereotypes. Thankfully there was less brooding from the main characters than in "Stormriders." Good guys were all morally righteous and the bad guys were all venal and heinous, except for Hsu Chi, who was spared by Hero during one of the fights between Hero and the Japanese ninjas. The stereotyping of the "foreigners" was particularly painful, due to the black and white depictions and the contrived plot. The narrative technique of using flashbacks to tell the story grew tiresome quickly. What saved the movie was the pacing and the interspersed action sequences, but shortchanging the characters into cardboard cut-outs. Regardless, it's always good to see Yuen Biao, as limited as his role was in this outing.

The finale duel at the Statue of Liberty is totally outrageous, but it doesn't measure up to the fight where Hero and Shadow go against the Japanese ninjas. Although it's apparent that the actors are in front of a blue or green screen, you soon forget when the action goes overboard.

"A Man Called Hero" is something that you can watch during a lazy Saturday or Sunday matinee, when you don't want to strain your brain and can suspend your disbelief with more abandon. The surprising roles were filled by Ken Lo and Francis Ng. Ken Lo seems to have broken out of his bad-guy image of being only a bruiser, playing a monk in this flick (he must have a better agent these days because he seems to be in a lot more than just Jackie Chan movies), and Francis Ng, becasue I always notice that he's left-handed (strange way of identification, I know), and that he has become more of an actor and less of a snarling reactionist. Ekin Cheng appears to have only one expression: stolid and emotionless. He's gotta do something with his hair and the same coif in all his movies. The "Young and Dangerous" look is way over. The opening credits with the comic book-inspired background images were great.

Now the film itself as far as I could tell was a good story that was all fantasy but real emotions. I really liked it but canot say that I appreciate the version that i recieved from a seller on amazon:(

The world media version is cut by at least 15 minutes and most of this musta been action cause I didn't see shlt. I heard the movie was bloody, nop, didn't get that. Which proves, you need to see the full 119 minute version of this. Also kungfucinema saisd the pictrue quality was great, world media version SUCKS!!!!!!!!!

So please people, DO NTO BUY THE WORLD MEDIA VERSION OF THIS. I am sure it is a good film, but thought it was average after one viewing and may watch it again but I was irate upon finding out I got a cut version and will for sure sell this at the local used store the first chance i get.

I Will Give The Film 5 Stars For The Awesome Special Effects Story Line And Fight Scenes...If Your Into Really Good Special Effect Fight Scenes This Is What Your Lookin For !!!!1 Also Try There Sequal " The Storm Riders " Which A Great Movie Also !!!!! WTG Guys !!!!

The creators of Storm Riders delivers another blast for the senses! This movie focus more on the martial arts aspect compared to Storm R., but there's also tons of awesome special effects that are equal to or surpass western movies(ie: Matrix). The Man Called Hero is based on a Jademan Comic book character who is a tragic figure, He is born on the sign of a death star, and is destined to be alone. All who gets closed to him will suffer an untimely death. If you like a good story, lots of spectacular stunts and martial arts with high tech special effects look no further, I cannot recommend this title highly enough to do it justice! Buy it!!!

I grew up watching martial arts movies and always wanted to see one that has more depth and meaning. This movie does not follow the sterotypical path of most chinese martial arts films. The actors communicate on many different levels that one would not expect. I was very pleased and inspired by this movie. This will be on the top of my favorites list for many decades.