Green in Zhang Yimou's Hero

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The five minute sequence chosen is the entirety of the “green” scene. Camera work, setting as well as colour play major roles in giving the film Hero (Zhang Yimou, 2002) meaning as well as eliciting the intended responses from the audience. The close-ups of Broken Sword (BS) and Falling Snow (FS)’s in the beginning of the sequence directly contrast that of the end. In the beginning, FS looks happy while BS looks stoic yet wary. However, in the end, FS wears a shocked expression while BS carries a mature expression. This is because he knows that the Emperor’s vision is for the greater good. It also shows how both characters react to BS’s change in heart. Also, slow-motion was used at the beginning of the attack on the palace. This demonstrates the assassins’ exceptional skill after three years of training. Their sword skills are emphasised through the concentrated of slashing through shields and spears. A variety of camera movements including such as using a track and dolly, crane and the zoom during the fights, especially between the Emperor and BS serve to intensify the scene. The rapid camera movements also put the audience on the edge of the seat, wanting to know of the outcome of the fight sequence. Sound was also used to signify the moment when BS realises the purpose of the Emperor’s vision. While the scene started off on a gentle and happy tune, midway, coupled with temporal editing to show the passing of time, a low bass note enters. It alerts the audience that there has been a change. Although it is a normal setting, the waterfall at the beginning of the sequence serves to explain the balanced spacing between the characters. While unnoticeable to a Western audience, the waterfall carries meaning for a Chinese audience. In Chinese symbolism, a waterfall represents yin and yang (The Waterfall, 2013) with the waterfall being feminine and the rock on

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