Yet, it can be argued that if the movie focuses only on one concept, notion, and example of the divine hero, its scope may be considered narrow-minded. The movie portrays various heroic virtues, but who is perceived as the hero depends on individual values and perspective.
If one thing should be learned from the movie, it is that ‘heroism’ is not flawless. However, can it be said that Gang has the same neutral feelings towards all the characters? If a definition of a hero is needed, who would most fittingly fit this title? If one character must be argued as the hero, it would be Can Jinn (Broken Sword) portrayed by Tony Lung. The word ‘Jinn’ (Sword) written by Can Jinn remains behind Sin Shih Hung for the majority of the movie and serves as the central piece that unites the two values of power.
Power is granted through both the use of force and the moral restraint that comes from not using that power. Can Jinn represents the coexistence of these values – the ability to consider the bigger picture and the world’s fate, and the ability to renounce violence and personal revenge in order to establish peace.
Despite some people considering Www Mining’s decision not to assassinate Sin SSL Hung as heroic, they have overlooked the fact that Www Mining was merely following Can Jinn’s principles. Can Jinn was the one who explained the importance of seeing the bigger picture – a concept that Www Mining may not have fully grasped, evident in his inability to understand the true meaning behind Can Jinn’s word ‘sword’.
On the one hand, Sin Shih Hung, the enemy, was able to understand Can Jinn’s message. He emphasizes that the highest level achievable when using a sword is the ability to let go of not only the physical sword, but also the symbolic sword in one’s heart. In the White sequence, before setting off to kill Sin Shih Hung, Can Jinn asks Www Mining if his sword is driven by hatred. Www Mining confesses that it is, revealing the regretful sorrow on his face and acknowledging the 10 years of hatred and desire for revenge that has consumed his life.
Despite initially being viewed as a heroic act for his attempts to assassinate Sin Shih Hung, Www Mining ultimately becomes a different kind of hero through the incorporation of Can Jinn’s principles. In contrast to Sin Shih Hung, Can Jinn abandons hatred and lenience, and unlike Www Mining, he also embraces love. Fee Cue (Flying Snow) criticizes Can Jinn for only holding ‘Titan Ixia’ in his heart, but Can Jinn confidently asserts that ‘you’ – Fee Cue – also resides within his heart.
By sacrificing his relationship with Fee Cue, Can Jinn saves the ‘Titan Ixia,” and also by sacrificing his own life, Can Jinn manages to salvage his love with Fee Cue. The drought that surrounds them in the White Sequence is symbolically brought to an end by Fee See’s tears, as their love is restored at the very moment when their lives come to an end. Despite possibly being the most powerful swordsman in the story, Can Jinn continues to be the heroic pacifist, as suggested by his name.
In all versions of the story except the Green version, Can Jinn dies both physically and symbolically at the hands of Fee Cue. While it is uncertain what will happen to Can Jinn in the Blue sequence, it is clear that without Fee Cue, he will undoubtedly metaphorically die. Out of the four central characters – Sin Shih Hung, Www Mining, Can Jinn, and Fee Cue – Can Jinn is the only one who never kills anyone, apart from the Sin army extras.
All motivated by hatred, vengeance, and/or self-protection, Www Mining kills Change Kong (Spear), Fee She ‘kills’ Rue You (Moon), while Sin Shih Hung kills Www Mining. In the three central versions of the story (Red, Blue, White), Can Jinn hesitates to use or forsakes his sword. In the Red sequence, the only ‘sword’ Can Jinn uses is described as a word on paper that Www Mining cannot understand fully. When he has the opportunity to kill, he chooses not to and thus ends his relationship with Fee Cue.
Can Jinn willingly sacrifices his life, as well as both love and vengeance. In the final White sequence, Fee Cue demands that Can Jinn reveals his sword and engages in battle with her. Reluctant to do so, Can Jinn remarks with a bittersweet expression that Fee Cue had previously commanded him to do the same thing during their first encounter. When Can Jinn asks what he can do to make her believe, Fee Cue simply wants him to reveal his sword. It is after Can Jinn’s death that all past conflicts and misunderstandings with him are resolved with his blood and Fee.
See’s tears are only released when she finally goes home, leaving the Kiang Huh’ and all the violence, hatred, and revenge behind. Just before she takes her own life, Fee Cue comments on this moment, expressing relief that they are finally going back to where they belong. The Unite sequence, dominated by the color associated with purity, perfection, truth, and innocence, ironically uses the desert as a symbol of dryness. Despite Can Jinn’s attempts to show Fee Cue his true emotions, her heart is still driven by vengeance, hatred, and resentment.
While Can Nan’s heart has been emptied of the sword (and therefore vengeance and hatred), he also simultaneously holds love and Titan Ixia. Fee Cue must also empty her heart of the baggage that comes with wielding the sword. Only by abandoning violence and hatred can Fee Cue fully embrace love. When the sword enters Can Jinn’s block her attack, she asks him, “now do you believe?” While she never receives a direct answer, her understanding of Can Jinn’s heart suggests that she has always known. The Sin Shih Hung portrayed in this film embodies certain heroic qualities. Whether one sees him as a hero depends on their own system and interpretation. Ghana Hi Mom focuses on the positive side of Sin Shih Hung – his genius, grandeur, foresight, and his contributions to China’s development.
The historical deeds of Sin Shih Hang are not only documented in files and statistics, but they are also depicted as the concluding act of the Great Wall of China. This textual passage highlights the heroic accomplishments of a groundbreaking King. Sin Shih Hung is transformed into a legend, known as the ‘shih Hung Did,’ being the first King to unite China. In contrast to Can Jinn, who opts for nonviolence and personal sacrifice to achieve the ideals of ‘Titan Ixia,’ Sin Shih Hung resorts to killing in order to uphold these same ideals. Although he hesitates to order Www Mining’s death, it is implied in the chant of the Sin army that ‘Titan Ixia’ may be achieved through violence and death rather than love. Despite feeling remorse over the loss of the three heroes, as evident in the grand funeral he bestows upon Www Mining and the commemoration of his friends, Sin Shih Hung believes it necessary to kill in the name of ‘Titan Ixia.’ The final expression on Sin Shih Hang’s face encompasses both pain and pleasure, reflecting his conflicting emotions.
The potential of Sin Shih Hung as a Hero is highlighted by his alliance with Can liana, which is based on their mutual understanding. However, it is unclear if Sin Shih Hung truly fits the requirements of a hero. Although he possesses heroic qualities, his actions do not fully embody Wax’s concept of ‘Ixia’ (Hero), which includes self-sacrifice and morality. While Can Jinn is a non-violent hero, Sin Shih Hung can only be seen as an idiolect hero who is associated with death.
In Sin Shih Hang’s case, achieving his goal of ‘Titan Ixia’ can only be accomplished through violence – and the movie suggests that sometimes violence may be necessary. After meeting Change Kong, Www Mining, Fee Cue, and Can Jinn, their stories will undoubtedly have an impact on Sin Shih Hang’s thoughts. The film presents both the extremes of violence and sacrifice/love to Sin Shih Hung, but whether the outcome reflects a true balance between these elements is open to speculation and interpretation.
In conclusion, it can be said that Sin Shih Hung is a capable leader and significant contributor, as indicated by the uncertain expression on his face in the last shot. However, it is not guaranteed that his name and legend will be memorialized in history books or remain in people’s hearts as that of a Hero. Those who are aware of Ghana Hi Mom’s authorship will recognize their unique influence on the overall presentation of Hero.
The production of The Gates of Hell showcases various artistic elements like Neater, blood red colors, pigments, drapes/fabric, aerial shots, and box-like auteur. These elements contribute to the death imagery of the Black/Grey sequence, which is associated with the imperial fortress occupied by Sin Shih Hung. Www Mining gains permission to enter this fortress after proving his loyalty. The architectural structure of the fortress consists of rectangular coffin-like shapes, just like the boxlike structure dominating the sequence depicting Www Mining’s fight with Change Kong.
The camera consistently highlights the architectural structure by filming from outside doorways and using aerial shots to bring attention to the box-like buildings and narrow passageways. The contrast between the characters and these structures emphasizes the oppressive and confining nature of the architecture, where they are weakened and trapped by the harsh iron and cement. The movie opens with Www Mining’s arrival at the fortress of Death, which is emphasized by the presence of demon engravings on the massive iron doors.
The movie’s structure begins and ends with Www Mining’s departure from the fortress, but this time, his exit is in a coffin. This segment showcases a bird’s eye shot of soldiers carrying the coffin through a rectangular outer corridor shaped like a coffin. The positioning of the soldiers and the presence of red in this scene combine the boxlike architecture seen from above with the thematic color, reminding viewers of Gang’s other films, Raise the Red Lantern and Juju Duo. The architecture in the Red sequence, like in Heart of Darkness, emphasizes entrapment and death. The physical entrapment is exemplified when the Sin army ambushes the Chaos school, leaving the trapped students helpless as arrows pierce through the walls to pin them down. One notable architectural element in the Red sequence is the use of hallways, which symbolize another form of entrapment.
The shots of the characters’ movements in the labyrinthine hallways are filled with fast and disorienting cuts. These shots show the characters constantly walking back and forth, yet never really reaching a destination. It is in one of these hallways that Can Jinn is unexpectedly stabbed in the back by Fee Cue. Can Jinn’s death is believed to be a consequence of Fee See’s unfaithfulness, but it is also fueled by Can Jinn’s betrayal.
The separation of the two lovers is symbolized by a wall during the murder scene, representing hurdles of envy, misunderstanding, bitterness, and vengeance. Christopher Doyle’s artistic touch is evident in the tracking shots that capture the movements of characters like Fee Cue, reminiscent of Wong Kara Wai’s Ashes of Time and Chen Kaige’s Temptress Moon. Within the Red sequence, the characters are portrayed as the most depressed and gloomy.
The text suggests that the themes of emotional rejection and ormolu bears a resemblance to Wong Kara WAIS style, particularly in his bleakest work Ashes of Times. The dark lighting, interweaving labyrinths, throbbing lights, and the sexual metaphors commonly found in horror films are present. The sequence delves into the deep psychological terrors of Jealousy, hatred, and violence hidden in the unconscious. It becomes evident that the main characters are not physically trapped within the structure (as they can leave the school).
Instead, they are trapped emotionally and mentally by jealousy and sexual restorations. This leads to their isolation and separation, ultimately resulting in death. It is noteworthy that there is a particular hallway that repeatedly appears in different sequences, serving as a motif. In the Red sequence, Fee Cue encounters Www Mining in the hallway. They exchange words before rushing outside together to intercept an onslaught of arrows fired by the Sin soldiers.
In this scene, two characters, Fee Cue and Can Jinn, are positioned at opposite ends of a hallway with a significant distance between them. The following sequence features a Blue theme where Fee Cue and Can Jinn meet in the middle of the hallway, lightly moving aside the bamboo blinds. This contrasts with a quick shot of Fee Cue leaving Can Jinn in the same hallway after Can Jinn’s refusal to assassinate Sin Shih Hung during the Green sequence. The depiction of manmade structures on the exterior is portrayed negatively, while natural outdoor settings are not necessarily favored.
Throughout the movie, there are multiple shots of the desert. At the beginning of the Red sequence, we witness Www Mining’s arrival at the school as they journey through this very desert. The emotional stagnation experienced by the main characters exists not only internally, but also in their surroundings where escape seems unlikely. Even the scenes featuring falling leaves in this Red sequence symbolize the end of the season and the final moments of vibrant beauty before winter’s arrival.
Symbolized by the falling autumn leaves, there is a season of transition in the hearts of the characters. Tout, idealism, passion, and jealousy are all reaching their conclusion, entering their final moments. The fight between Rue You and Fee Cue concludes with a wave of blood red that covers the screen, engulfing both characters in the remnants of extinguished passion and anger. This scene represents the emotions set in motion by Www Mining’s disruption in the lives of a trio affected by sexual tensions.
Disorder unleashes chaos, causing bursts of envy, spite, and lenience to erupt and overtake the characters. This chaos ultimately leads to death and the reappearance of barren desert scenes in the White sequence. Surprisingly, the drought in this sequence is more overt and forceful compared to that in the Red sequence. Ironically, despite the emphasis on the vast and beautiful landscape of the desert in the White sequence, there are scarce sources of water available – even the expected blood from the characters’ wounds is not visible.
In the Red sequence, there are hints of Neater present such as blood red ink, tears, Fee See’s drink, and Fee See’s alternate identity ‘Lie Shut’ (flowing waters). However, the characters in this sequence are limited and trapped compared to the expansive freedom and opportunities found in the White sequence. Both emotionally and physically separated, Fee Cue and Can Jinn stand on opposite sides of mountains with a considerable distance between them while awaiting updates on the assassination.
In the White sequence of Fee Cue and Can Jinn’s relationship, their drought and stagnation is only disrupted by Can Jinn’s blood (though unseen), prompting Fee See’s tears that ultimately leads to their reconciliation. Interestingly, the film deviates from the themes of death and drought in these two segments by introducing sequences focused on life. Following the Red sequence is the Blue sequence, where the movie adopts the perspective of Shih Hung Did himself.
The text highlights that Sin Shih Hang’s interpretation of the story may not be the most accurate or “truthful,” but it stands as the most imaginative and Romantic. The metaphorical representation of Imagination is indicated by the color blue. Water, symbolizing life and rejuvenation, as well as duality, plays a significant role in this sequence. The calm lakes reflecting the blue skies like mirrors are disrupted by the warriors’ violent presence, known as the “Ixia IQ” or death aura. Additionally, Neater is heavily used in the fight scene involving Change Kong and Www Mining amidst the black and grey backdrop.
The melodic sounds of raindrops falling and the music of the zither are both disrupted during the fighters’ duel. In the Black/Grey sequence, water drops intermingle with the fighters and their weapons. The Red sequence intensifies liquids with red pigments, symbolizing blood. The Blue sequence disturbs the serene nature with water. The White sequence experiences drought, but the Green sequence is abundant and fluid.
The sequence Green represents youth, nature, and life. It mainly focuses on Can Jinn and Fee See’s youth, documenting their love for each other and Can Jinn’s enlightenment by embracing the core essence of swordsmanship. In the first shot of Can Jinn’s flashback, we see him and Fee Cue standing near a breathtaking waterfall. This image is reminiscent of their alter egos in the Red sequence – ‘Gao Shank, Lie Shush’ (soaring mountains, flowing Natters), symbolizing the potential for a paradise brimming with vitality and beauty achievable through their love for one another.
The flowing drapery in the Green sequence of Can Jinn and Sin Shih Hang’s battle represents the fluidity of waterfalls. As they slash through the drapery, it is ironically Can Jinn’s refusal to lower his sword that causes the severing blow in his relationship with Fee Cue and leads to a drought in their relationship. Unlike the architecture of the Imperial Fortress, Sin Shih Hang’s Romantic vision is dominated by circles, symbolizing unity, perfection, and life.
The Blue sequence of the four characters in the library starts with a shot that highlights the circular motif in every element. The scene is filled with circular shapes, including the circular stage that rises from the ground, the cup thrown into the air by Www Mining, the arrangement of bookshelves in a circular pattern, and the bamboo stick books that are rolled up to depict scenes with the Sin army and Www Mining surrounding Fee Cue. An aerial shot emphasizes the circular shape taken by the army and captures the entire structure of the scene.
Although the library setting will be repeated in the White sequence, there are already subtle differences within the same elements shown in the Blue sequence. The pillars are wrapped with square-like structures near the bottom, the bookshelves are no longer arranged in an overtly circular shape, the books themselves are not centered on, Www Mining does not circle the room, and the Jade cup is not within the scene as well. The mise-en-scene of the White sequences loses some of the perfect unity that characterizes the Blue sequence.
The Red sequence in the film has a significantly different setting and focuses less on its structures. While many people discuss the different color themes in the film, not everyone recognizes the unique construction of the mise-en-scène in the ‘arioso color schemes’. After the enclosed and box-like feel of the Black/Grey sequences, we are introduced to the disjointed and fragmented labyrinth of the Red sequence, which stands in contrast to the perfect unity of the Blue sequence, the fluidity of the Green sequence, and the expansive dry landscapes and empty spaces of the desert scenes in the White sequence.
The conclusion of the film returns viewers to the enclosed and oppressive atmosphere of the Black/Grey sequence that starts the movie. However, it is worth noting that the last image shown is the Great Wall of China, a wall meant to restrict and confine, but paradoxically stretching into the distance to a point that is beyond human perception. The film Hero acknowledges Kara Scrofula’s groundbreaking and influential film Oarswoman as a significant source of inspiration. Those who are acquainted with
Oarswoman and Hero both delve into the issue of perspective, using clever cinematic techniques. While Oarswoman is not solely focused on discovering the “true” version of a story, it does explore how perspective shapes the interpretation of events. The film emphasizes that the essence of the word “Sword,” as written by Can liana, lies in one’s interpretation. Www Mining, unlike Can Jinn and Sin Shih Hung, seems to lack their “Going Cirri,” which can be understood as having a broad-minded perspective.
The Red sequence of the narrative is told from the point of view of Www Mining, representing his emotions of vengeance, hatred, and loss. Despite abandoning his name, Www Mining is driven by the desire for revenge. He believes that without a name, he can focus on martial arts without distractions. He replaces his name with the hunger for revenge and a skill in sword fighting fueled by hatred. Www Mining views Can Jinn and Fee Cue, the lovers, with both admiration and envy. The hatred that drives them apart is born from their own jealousy. Can Jinn accuses Fee Cue of seeing him with Rue rue and insists that she has no place in his heart, but in truth, Fee Cue does exist in Can Jinn’s heart.
In the same way, Www Mining also feels pity towards the lovers. As Can Jinn admits in the Red sequence, after being tabbed by Fee Cue, “You and I are both very stupid.” It appears that to Www Mining, the two lovers are indeed “very stupid.” However, the reason why Www Mining considers them to be stupid is open to interpretation. It could be because he sees their arguments as “stupid” since they clearly care for each other. Alternatively, it could be because he believes that their entrapment in romantic quarrels is an extremely insignificant matter.
Ghana Uzi, who plays the character Rue You in xi, has been considered by many to be a insignificant and redundant character. However, it is worth noting that Rue You is actually a versatile character. Despite her small role, the significance and themes associated with her are emphasized in every scene. One aspect of her character that is particularly interesting is her interactions with Www Mining.
The main purpose of the character Rue You in the Red sequence is to serve as a plot device. However, it can also be interpreted as representing Www Mining’s sexual fantasies and desire for a relationship like Can Jinn and Fee Cue’s. The interactions between Www Mining and Rue You in the various sequences depict his sexual yearning and longing. This is evident when Can Jinn forcefully opens Rue Hue’s clothes, and the camera captures the intensity of the moment as he prepares to engage in sexual activity with Rue You.
We do not have a similar shot from Rue ruse’s POP that would show Can Jinn’s face. As a result, the actual face (and possibly identity) of the individual involved in this sexual act is concealed and interchangeable. Irish strange adoption of the POP shot allows for potential displacement, especially when considering that we are viewing the story from Www Mining’s perspective. Hence, it could be argued that in Www Mining’s contrived fantasy, it is his own sexual desire that drives him to adopt the POP of the active participant in this sexual act.
Displaced desires are prevalent in this scene, causing frustration, anger, and violence, leaving no one happy. In the other two sequences featuring Rue You, she frequently interacts with Www Mining. The scene of their parting, prior to Www Mining embarking on the assassination, is repeated twice. In these two segments, Rue You portrays a slightly varied character, highlighting a different virtue that influences Www Mining.
In the Blue sequence, Rue You is a faithful servant who delivers Can lion’s sword to Www Mining. Upon giving him the sword, she emphasizes its significance and the mission’s objective – to assassinate the Sin King. In the White sequence, Rue You appears once more as a devoted and patriotic servant, but her request to Www Mining before their departure is entirely unrelated. Rue You discusses how Can Jinn has not only taught her martial arts but also imparted life philosophies.
She only knows that whatever her master says and does must be right. So, she reminds Www Mining not of the mission, but of the words that Can liana leaves for him, imploring him to heed her master’s words. Her final words to him are ‘ABA too’, which can be very clumsily translated as ‘please, we are counting on’. Similarly, Fee See harbors this thirst for revenge. However, in Fee See’s heart, there is also Can Jinn who offers her the chance to be redeemed. Www Mining can find his redemption by abandoning hatred and vengeance. On the other hand, Fee Cue takes the extra step of embracing love once again.
Both Can Jinn and Sin Shih Hang have a heart that exists both in Fee Cue and Titan Ixia. However, while there is a possibility of redemption through true love for Can Jinn and Fee Cue, Sin Shih Hang’s life only knows fear and loneliness when it comes to Titan Ixia. Therefore, the Blue sequence as observed by Sin Shih Hung portrays a romantically nostalgic vision of the Swordsman’s life.
The love between Fee Cue and Can Jinn is romanticized to a high degree, and the different connections of patriotic understanding and heroic unity among the assassins demonstrate honor, bravery, and respect instead of the dishonesty and trickery that permeates Sin Shih Hang’s existence. The restricted and meticulously controlled environment in which Sin Shih Hang resides (where every approach toward him is carefully planned and regulated) is juxtaposed with the mise-en-scène of the Blue sequence – the scenes of peaceful lakes, expansive forests, and the promise of freedom that the mountains represent.
Thus, Sin Shih Hang not only admires the life of a swordsman, but also feels jealous. It is interesting to note that the color Red is prevalent in this sequence, as can be seen in the red fall leaves that line the upper corners of the frames during the aerial shot of the lake where the two swordsman fight.
The text showcases the utilization of red color and fall leaves, which can be seen as a representation of Sin Shih Hang’s connection and comprehension of the different characters. This interaction between them only exists on a higher level of understanding, solely within the mind. However, in reality, external factors will impose numerous restrictions. Ultimately, the King will always maintain his position.
