The 2002 Chinese movie “Hero” has been one of my favorite movies since its debut. I like this movie, not because its well-known director and all-star cast, nor because its poetic virtual effects and refreshing Martial arts stunts, but because its philosophy, which contains the essence of Chinese culture and martial arts.

In this movie, after identifying the Nameless (Jet Li) as a real assassin, the Emperor (Daoming Chen) gave his own sword to the Nameless, allowing him to finish his mission. The Emperor then turned his back to face the calligraphy written by Broken Sword (Tony Leung Chiu Wai).

By examining Broken Sword’s calligraphy “sword”, the Emperor grasped three levels of meanings: at the first level, man tries to master the sword; at the second level, man and the sword become one; at the third level, man surmounts the sword and has no intention to kill. At this level the individual is in perfect harmony with the world.

The three levels contain the thinking of Chinese philosophers on how human beings improve themselves, how to be perfect and what is perfect.

Just as the movie reveals, the first and lowest level for man is to master the weapon. At this level, man has to rely on the weapon to enlarge his power.

After man exceeds this level and enters the second, any weapon can be maneuvered, any weapon can become lethal. Even man himself can be used as a weapon. At this level, the man has become the weapon.

According to Chinese philosophers, when man has trained his body to reach such a level in which he can kill anything with a touch of his finger or just with his mind, killing has become meaningless to him.

Philosophers believe that the complete command of a man’s body results in the complete command of his mind. At that time, man has conquered all the negative natural instincts of human beings. No hatred, jealousy or greed; only love is left. To have harmony and peace with nature and others is considered to be the core of Chinese culture and philosophy. It is also the highest level for Chinese martial arts.

Probably what most American audience will remember about ”Hero” is its sheer beauty. To me, the appeal of this movie lies in the philosophy revealed.

Related post:
My thoughts after watching the movie 2012

Tags: Chinese philosophy of the movie Hero, movie review of hero | From Mommy, Second Year | mommy | January 20, 2010 7:37 pm | Comments (0)