film night 1: hero

[Anonymous]

I am confident that the swordplay scenes would get the interest of my students. I could probably also gain their attention by noting the cinematography and use of color. What I would like to emphasize is the concept of duty to the sovereign, even to the death, and that this theme in the code of the warrior isn't new and is in fact universal among cultures. I found the swordplay scenes tedious; perhaps I am jaded after watching "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" too many times. Would definitely use this video when I have "dead time" in the classroom.

[Anonymous]

The scene towards the end when Li Si and ministers force the reluctant king to order the execution of Nameless could be used to illustrate Legalist insistence on following the law, as opposed to absolute power for the king. In reality though, I doubt the king could be "forced" to do anything. It's nothing like the rule of law that modern democracies are founded on. Instead, Legalism and authoritarianism went hand in hand in the Chinese tradition.

[Anonymous]

Although I posted about the film earlier elsewhere, I did want to add that I would use filmclips of weaponry and military formations in my class. I am not sure about the individual fight scenes, but I do think the scene which showed the king's army ready to attack the calligraphy school would be very interesting to my students. I was struck by the soldiers whose job it was to roll backwards and hold the crossbows while others loaded them. I also think the visuals on weapons themselves would interest and inform my students.

[Anonymous]

I have watched this movie many times before. Watching the beginning of the movie yesterday reminded me that QinShi Huang was worried and concerned about his life while he was alive and even after life. That is why he had the strict rules about anyone approaching him within hundred steps. That is why he was famous for searching ways and medications to achieve eternal life. I remember when I was visiting the Terra Cota Museum in Xi'an, the tour guide mentioned that he also stratigically planned everything for after his death which include huge Terra Cota armies, possible booby traps etc.

He was a great ruler and achieved a lot in his life, however he probably was one of the emperors who could never have one worry-free day or night...

[Anonymous]

The scenery and pageantry in the movie are outstanding. The images are powerful through the beautiful colors and mountains. The plot of the story is simple. What makes this story so impressive to me is that it reminds me about the Daoism. Prior to Emperor Qin Shi Huang, much of China was divided, including the writing (characters) , the currency, and the weight system. Under his rule, for the first time, China had a consolidated form which was applied across all of his empire. After he conquered his enemies, what had the Qin Shi Huang left? He was so lonely. He had no trust to anyone. If, like Daoism suggested, wu wei - or Doing nothing, then nothing could be done wrong. Qin Shi Huang could enjoy a peaceful life with his family and friends, but not be happily buried under ground. If, he had the chance to have a second life, he probably would think it again!

[Anonymous]

8/2/11
I just recalled my memories data base, it is my 2nd time to see this " Hero" and I have a new perspective view for it.
Just over 2000 years ago, between 230 and 221 BC , seven kingdoms struggled for access to the natural resources and human capital of what is now modern-day China. the Dynasty of Qin, led by Qin Shi-Huang, waged war and conquered the other six kingdoms, unifying the country into what would become the first dynasty of China-- or as Qin Shi Huang Di called it, “Tian Xia “ ( Our Land ). In addition to centralizing the government in the Qin capital of Xian yang, China's first emperor initiated a number initiatives to create a single unified culture across China, including standardization of the written language, currency, and weights and measures-- a principle that still applies in today's merger-and-acquisition-laden business world. It was also during Qin's reign that the Great Wall of China was constructed. However, Qin Shi Huang Di was also ruthless in how he held onto the reigns of power, which included burning political writings and executing those who disagreed with his policies.
Thus, what had started with good intentions “Tian Xia” ( Our Land), became corrupted by the seductive charms of absolute power.

"Hero" begins with the arrival of a nameless warrior (Jet Li) at the palace of King Qin (Chen Dao Ming). The nameless warrior (or Nameless, as he is referred to in the film) has allegedly vanquished three of the King's would-be assassins, Sky (Donnie Yen) Broken Sword (Tony Leung), and Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung ). Because of such heroic service, Nameless is allowed to sit within ten paces of the King and asked to provide the details of his victories. However, as Nameless begins to recount his story about how he used a love triangle between the three assassins to divide and conquer them, Qin begins to see holes in the account, and senses that Nameless is not what he appears to be.
The story ends up being divided into four separate acts, as opposing accounts between Nameless and Qin gradually circle in on the truth. In the process, the divided loyalties and heartbreak between Broken Sword and Flying Snow are revealed, as are the motives behind the arrival of the nameless warrior.
“ Tian Xia” ( Our Land ) these two words that caused Broken Sword and Nameless Warrior did not kill the Qin Shi-Huang, it shown a human being in a difference time, place, mood, mind set, and with the multi dimensional motivations in one unique moment, it caused a huge different of out come.
I can show this film to our learners for their decision making exercises, to stimulate their high order of complex thinking when deal with multi dimensional issues.
edited by wchu on 8/3/2011

[Anonymous]

It was the most beautiful move I have see in a long time. Fantastic lighting and cinematography. Each scene was wonderfully stylized. However, I did not understand all of the value of scenes that had cultural undertones. After a while I was less concerned about the people and more interested in the making of the film. That may be my view through my cultural filters.
edited by jdarrough on 8/4/2011
edited by jdarrough on 8/5/2011
edited by jdarrough on 8/7/2011

[Anonymous]

A lot of us commented on the powerful role that the three women played in Hero. Today professor Ye confirmed that there were many powerful women leaders in Chinese history. I was not sure how they ascended into power, and Professor Ye said that in some cases it was a familial taking of power. When a son is in power dies the mother who was behind the leader assumed his throne. What are other ways that these women have achieved these powerful positions in Chinese history?

[Anonymous]

I agree with Wayne about the confirmation of powerfull women through out Chinese history, but according to the film, they are constantly stabbing their lovers. Then when life gets a little ruff, the woman impales herself on the sword that she stabbed her lover with. Go figure.

I am not dating a Chinese woman until I search her home for swords, knives or long mechanical finger nails.

[Anonymous]

The movie deals with themes of honor, loyalty and willingness to surrender to a goal larger than oneself. But the real beauty of this movie is the way various art forms are woven into this story - calligraphy, dance, martial arts, music, painting. Rather than seeing the women as powerful, the cinematographer seems to elevate the themes beyond gender and character; the themes resonate equally with men and with women.

The various art forms seem to be more important than the characters and the story, told from a variety of perspectives. I can see integrating this film into a variety of classes, from history to art to the humanities. The visual and emotional beauty of this movie are unlike anything I've seen in an American movie; it gives students a chance to deal with abstract themes in a very different way. From the four different perspectives of narration, it also provides an interesting analysis how the point of view affects storytelling.
edited by agreenberg on 8/5/2011

[Anonymous]

In the past when we talked about the Qin dynasty, we often emphasized the obvious: the unification, the conquering, the killing. However, the movie brought us to think what behind the unification, namely, so many people had been willingly sacrificed themselves for the cause. This willingness to die for a better land has made them true heroes.

[Anonymous]

I agree with Robin that my students would also be interested in the weapons and military formations as seen outside the calligraphy school. Seeing how the soldier rolled on his back to hold the crossbow was really interesting. The scene where Nameless meets the emperor stands out in my mind because he had to remain 100 paces away. The emperor really must have feared for his life. I would not have wanted to be in his shoes.

[clay dube]

Please post comments or raise questions about this film here. How might you use this film (or parts of it) with students?

[Author]

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