Hero is a 2002 Chinese wuxia film directed by Zhang Yimou. Starring Jet Li as the nameless protagonist, the film is based on the story of Jing Ke’s assassination attempt on the King of Qin in 227 BC.

Hero was first released in China on 24 October 2002. At that time, it was the most expensive project and one of highest-grossing motion pictures in China. Miramax Films bought the 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 became the first Chinese-language movie to place No. 1 at the American box office (where it stayed for two consecutive weeks) and went on to earn $53.6 million.

Kung Fu Film Festival

Summerhall presents Scotland’s first ever Kung Fu Film Festival this September. From classics including Bruce Lee’s Enter The Dragon to hidden comedy gems like Shaolin Soccer and Kung Fu Hustle, celebrate some of the greatest action film-making ever with us across 1 week only.