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 the highest-grossing motion picture in Chinese film history. Miramax Films owned the American market distribution rights, but delayed the release of the film for nearly two years. It was finally presented by Quentin Tarantino to American theaters on 27 August 2004.
In ancient China during the Warring States period, Nameless, a Qin prefect, arrives at the Qin capital city to meet the king of Qin, who had survived an attempt on his life by the assassins Long Sky, Flying Snow, and Broken Sword. As a result the king has implemented extreme security measures: no visitors are to approach the king within 100 paces. Nameless claims that he has slain the three assassins and he displays their weapons before the king, who allows the former to approach and tell him his story.
I caught a glimpse, a silhouette, across the way
No circumstance or unseen glance, could make them stay
The big black cars with cherry stars
They congregate contemplate most complain of common pain
But they don't really know
So I start to say that it's okay
If we can just survive the selfishness that we all hide
A Crime, insane well who's to blame
Another hero fades away
I hear a knock upon the door
From never never land
He told the tale of love and pain, and unseen contraband
Smoke filled room with peasants believe in Santa Claus
From history to present the world goes round and round
So I start to say that it's okay
If we can just survive the selfishness that we all hide
A Crime, insane well who's to blame
Another hero fades away
We see the world with different eyes, in different ways
From boys to men we learn to hate, never learn to pray
The tired huddled masses they need a Santa Claus
You can try and close your eyes and hide
But they won't go away
So I start to say that it's okay
If we can just survive the selfishness that we all hide
Crime, insane well who's to blame
Another hero fades away
Fade away