by Kerrin Ross Monahan
The Asian interest in balance and symmetry is so very evident in this lovely movie. A visual pleasure — each move of swordplay or stylized court manner, (beautifully synchronized and intricately orchestrated), is offset by a different one that is as equally compelling. Fantastically bright, swirling colors, then whitish pearlescent tints, or frigid washed out blues or dead grey blacks.
The harmony is also heard: loud rustling leaves, howling winds, the whooshing of a thousand arrows — then the soothing sound of dripping water and the soft plucking of an ancient instrument. (No extraneous swelling of background orchestra or chorale.) Minimalism at its best. And the posing of the actors! Tableaux vivants of heart rending beauty — a still life full of meaning.
Hero‘s historical and intelligent storyline, is told, then retold in different ways by different characters — a choreography of words.