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Trailers & Clips
11:31
About
During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.
Theatrical
Aug 27, 2004
Box Office
$177.4M
Budget
$31.0M
Return
5.7x
Theaters
3
Director
Zhang Yimou
Producers
Zhang Yimou, Philip Lee, Shoufang Dou
Music
Tan Dun
Studio
Beijing New Picture Film Co. Ltd., China Film Co-Production, Elite Group Enterprises, Edko Films, Sil-Metropole Organisation, Zhang Yimou Studio
Original Title
英雄
Original Language
Chinese
Latest
See all
Movie News
Quotes
See all →Understanding Through Conflict and Sacrifice
Nameless
Broken Sword said for years there has been continuous warfare, causing huge suffering to the people. Only Your Majesty has the power to bring peace by uniting our land. He hoped that for the sake of the greater good, I would abandon my plan to kill you. Broken Sword also said, "One person's pain is nothing when compared to the suffering of all." The conflict between Zhao and Qin is nothing when compared with peace for all.
King of Qin
Who would have thought an assassin would understand me best! Alone in my position I have endured endless criticism, endless attempts on my life. No one has ever grasped what I have been trying to do. Even my own court regards me as a tyrant. And yet, Broken Sword, a man I barely knew, was able to see clearly what is truly in my heart.
The Connection Between Art and Skill
Nameless
Beautiful calligraphy.
Broken Sword
Beautiful swordplay.
Nameless
But you have not seen me use my sword.
Broken Sword
Without your sword this scroll would not exist.
Legacy of a Nameless Warrior
Title cards
The nameless warrior was executed as an assassin, but buried as a hero. The King of Qin went on to conquer all of the six Kingdoms and unite the country. As China's first Emperor, he completed the Great Wall to protect his subjects. This was more than two thousand years ago. But even now, when the Chinese speak of their country, they call it "Our Land".
The Complexity of Sacrifice in War
Title cards
People give up their lives for many reasons. For friendship, for love, for an ideal. And people kill for the same reasons …Before China was one great country, it was divided into seven warring states. In the Kingdom of Qin was a ruthless ruler. He had a vision – to unite the land, to put an end, once and for all, to war. It was an idea soaked in the blood of his enemies.In any war there are heroes on both sides …
Cast
Full credits →J
Jet Li
Nameless
T
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Broken Sword
M
Maggie Cheung
Flying Snow
D
Donnie Yen
Sky
Z
Zhang Ziyi
Moon
C
Chen Daoming
King of Qin
L
Liu Zhongyuan
Old Scholar
Z
Zheng Tianyong
Old Servant
Q
Qin Yan
Prime Minister
Z
Zhang Yakun
The Qin Guards' Commander
J
James Hong
Qin Emperor (voice)
J
Jin Ming
Eunuch
