Young Programmers: Hero on 35mm + Q&A 12A

First released in China in December 2002, Zhang Yimou’s Hero was a box office phenomenon in China at the time of its release. At the time, it was the most expensive East Asian film ever made and a breathtaking visual treat with cinematography by the legendary Christopher Doyle. Hero features a stellar cast led by Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung and Zhang Ziyi, which remains one of the most impressive ensemble casts of the 21st century. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the film’s Chinese release, the Showroom Young Progammers group are returning the martial arts epic for one-night only, screening from a 35mm print.

A visually stunning martial arts epic set in ancient China, an unnamed fighter (Jet Li) is being honoured for defeating three of the king's most dangerous enemies. When Nameless recounts his battles with the assassins -- Broken Sword (Tony Leung), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Moon (Zhang Ziyi) -- the king begins to question some of the details. As Nameless goes on, the king challenges the tales, interjecting his own take on these possibly suspect version of events.

Nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, Hero was a breakout global hit, both critically and commercially. Twenty years on, it has become a celebrated classic of World Cinema.

This screening will be from a 35mm print and will be introduced by the Showroom Young Programmers. This screening will be followed by 15-minute Q&A with Dr Wayne Wong, lecturer in East Asian Study at The University of Sheffield.