Judging by the wide range of views expressed in the ever enlightening IMDB boards, I'd say Hero is destined to become a "classic". Real art invites multiple interpretations.
Yes, this may be Chinese propaganda. Yes, it may be Kurosawa-lite. Yes, it's incredibly beautiful and provocative. Yes, it can be boring and indulgent. Yes, it's a post-modern assessment of what it really means to be a hero. (Jet Li told a reporter recently, "I wish the world didn't need heros.")
I quite enjoyed it, for the most part. Actually very touching near the end, if not a tad confusing. If nothing else, you can sit back and not think too hard and just let the imagery and sound wash over you.
Yes, this may be Chinese propaganda. Yes, it may be Kurosawa-lite. Yes, it's incredibly beautiful and provocative. Yes, it can be boring and indulgent. Yes, it's a post-modern assessment of what it really means to be a hero. (Jet Li told a reporter recently, "I wish the world didn't need heros.")
I quite enjoyed it, for the most part. Actually very touching near the end, if not a tad confusing. If nothing else, you can sit back and not think too hard and just let the imagery and sound wash over you.