"This film "Hero" talks about the peace of Chinese people"

Jet Li, in his statement about the film "Hero", draws attention to the theme of peace as central to both the movie and the broader aspirations of the Chinese people. "Hero", a visually stunning martial arts epic directed by Zhang Yimou, is set during the Warring States period, a time characterized by division, bloodshed, and political intrigue. At first glance, the film seems to be about legendary warriors and their dazzling skills, but at its core, it engages deeply with questions of sacrifice, unity, and the greater good.

When Jet Li refers to the film discussing "the peace of Chinese people", he highlights the narrative's exploration of how true heroism may not always manifest through violence but rather through self-restraint and the pursuit of harmony. The protagonist, known as Nameless, is given a choice between personal vengeance and the possibility of lasting peace. Through his journey, the audience is invited to reflect on the heavy price of unification and what individuals might be willing to give up to end cycles of conflict.

The film’s story is also a meditation on the philosophy of "greater good", suggesting that peace sometimes requires hard, even painful sacrifices. Actions that at first appear violent or unforgivable are contextualized within the vision of a unified nation, evoking the longstanding Chinese cultural value of harmony above division. For Jet Li, this message resonates strongly, as he portrays a character whose final act is not one of destruction, but of relinquishment for the sake of a higher, collective purpose.

"Hero", then, is not only a tale of warriors and kings but a canvas onto which questions of morality, leadership, and national identity are painted. By asserting that the movie is about "the peace of Chinese people", Jet Li underscores the film’s enduring relevance as a discourse on what it means to seek and sustain peace amid the temptations and turmoil of power.