SUBMITTED BY LClem

April 28, 2003 — The long-awaited martial arts epic Hero probably wont open in the US until the end of this year, but American audiences had a taste of the stunning images and choreography recently, during the 50th anniversary Academy Awards broadcast in March. The clip from Hero, a nominee for Best Foreign Film, featured Hong Kong superstar Donnie Yen in a high-kicking fight scene. (Although Hero was stiffed by the Oscars, I confidently predict the film will be remembered long after the other nominees have faded!) Meanwhile, US fans complain that not only do they have to wait WAY too long to see this masterpiece on the big screen, but also it appears that the film has been cut for theatrical release. Kung Fu Cinema talked to Donnie Yen last month about his scenes in Hero, and more. (Warning: contains one Hero spoiler!) KFC: What can you tell us about the editing of Hero? Was anything cut from your fight scene for the theatrical release? DY: The whole films been cut down. But I met with Harvey Weinstein in Hong Kong (last November) - he wanted to see me when he was in Hong Kong - and he showed me the final cut of the scene and told me he loved it. At that time, I didnt even notice the cuts. But at the premiere in Beijing, I saw it. The biggest change was, you know where Jet Li first attacked me? We were supposed to go around the corner, 90 degrees around those pillars that you see, while he kept attacking me, charging at me, until we were flying back across the courtyard. Now you just go right to the flying part.