This is a quick message regarding Hero. I just read that Hero came out on top of the box office this past weekend. This is great, I cannot begin to tell you how great this movie is (actually, I'll try when I post my review later this week). It took in approximately $17.8 million, more than $4.5 million more than it's nearest competitor.
This is a great sign for the future of foreign cinema. Maybe now Miramax, who released this film, and the other studios will realize there is a market for these movies here. The audience will embrace something different, not to mention the critics who agree that this is a great film. I'm not suggesting all of our films be foreign, but it would be nice to see some of these bigger budget, quality releases get a chance to shine in America. It is also a plus that the film is uncut and subtitled, as it should be.
Again, congratulations to all those involved with making this beautiful movie (which is currently number 2 on my best of the year list) including director/co-writer Zhang Yimou, writers Feng Li and Bin Wang, and stars Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi, Daoming Chen, and Donnie Yen. Not to mention the people responsible for giving it such a great release over here (granted it took 2 years as this was made back in 2002 and nominated for an Oscar that year), with special thanks to Quentin Tarantino, who helped keep this film from being edited.
I know this sounds like some sort of speech, but I felt it necessary to point out some of the talent that went into this film, and recognize the fact that it did so well. I did not think it would be able to open this strongly, but give credit where it is due. Hopefully, we will get the occasional foreign film more often now, and closer to their original release.
Now, Miramax, don't you feel a bit silly? Think of what you could have done with a properly marketed and released Shaolin Soccer?
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