While the similarities are many, HERO goes over the top because it tells a more powerful story. "Crouching Tigers" works on a personal level about how an untamed spirit is honed to obedience and ultimately achieves a higher form of harmony. HERO depicts kings who have to abide by even their own rules. "No one knows me better but an assassin", lamented the emperor. Although it is not new about self-sacrificing for the good of a whole people, but the twist is how it was consummated. Done here with great enguity. Others have already commented what a visual pageantry "HERO" is. See it on big screen first, then buy the DVD and enjoy it whenever you want. Those who have a bootlegged copy from Asian market, do the right thing - see it in movie theatre for all of its grandeurs.
