Hero is a 2002 wuxia film directed, co-written, and produced by Zhang Yimou, and starring Jet Li, Tony Leung Chiu-wai, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi, Donnie Yen and Chen Daoming. The historical background of the film refers to the Warring States Period in ancient China, when China was divided into 7 states. In 227-221 BC, the Qin state was about to unify the other six states, assassins from the six states were sent to assassinate the king of Qin. One of the most famous incidents was Jing Ke's attempted assassination of the King of Qin. The cinematography was by Christopher Doyle, and the musical score composed by Tan Dun. Hero was first released in China on 24 October 2002. At that time, it was the most expensive project and one of the highest-grossing motion pictures in China. Miramax acquired American market distribution rights, but delayed the release of the film for nearly two years. Quentin Tarantino eventually convinced Miramax to open the film in American theaters on 27 August 2004. The film received positive reviews from critics. It became the first Chinese-language movie to top the American box office, where it stayed for two consecutive weeks, and went on to earn $53.7 million in the United States and $177 million worldwide. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign-Language Film, but lost to Nowhere in Africa.
Hero (2002 Film)
Influence by
for Influence by in Fire God and Former Emperor Liu Kang
Suggested by tzekuanng
In an unexpected convergence of realms, Liu Kang, the Fire God and protector of Earthrealm, finds himself drawn into the fantastical world of Teyvat after the events of Mortal Kombat 1. Following his victory over Shang Tsung and the Titan gods, Liu Kang seeks to rebuild and maintain balance across the multiverse. However, a mysterious disturbance in the cosmic flow catches his attention, pulling him into a new reality—Genshin Impact’s world of elemental powers and ancient deities. Upon arriving in Teyvat, Liu Kang discovers that this world is on the brink of a cataclysm, as powerful elemental forces destabilize. The Archons, including the Geo Archon Zhongli, Electro Archon Raiden Ei, Hydro Archon Furina, Dendro Archon Nahida, and Anemo Archon Venti, sense his arrival and initially mistake him for an enemy due to his god-like presence. However, Liu Kang proves himself to be an ally by saving a group of adventurers from a sudden elemental eruption caused by Abyss forces. Intrigued by Liu Kang's mastery over fire and his deep connection to the balance of worlds, the Archons enlist his help in uncovering the cause of the disturbance. With the Traveler and Paimon, Liu Kang journeys across Teyvat’s nations—Mondstadt, Liyue, Inazuma, Sumeru, Fontaine, and beyond. Along the way, he learns about the seven elements that govern the land, while the Archons come to respect Liu Kang’s wisdom as a former emperor and his relentless pursuit of peace.
