Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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34 of 37 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Film Called Exceptional, May 30, 2004
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
WAY better than Matrix, September 28, 2001
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.
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9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Heroic effort..., August 21, 2000
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.
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