Poster for Hero

Hero (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

During China's Warring States period, a district prefect arrives at the palace of Qin Shi Huang, claiming to have killed the three assassins who had made an attempt on the king's life three years ago.

Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 39m

7.5
2K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Overall: A nameless warrior tells the King of Qin the story of how he defeated three assassins — but each retelling reveals a different truth. Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi. PG-13 covers martial arts violence. One of cinema's most visually beautiful films.

Cast

Jet Li
Jet Li
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Maggie Cheung
Maggie Cheung
Donnie Yen
Donnie Yen
Zhang Ziyi
Zhang Ziyi
Chen Daoming
Chen Daoming
Liu Zhongyuan
Liu Zhongyuan
Zheng Tianyong
Zheng Tianyong
Qin Yan
Qin Yan
Zhang Yakun
Zhang Yakun
Chang Xiao Yang
Chang Xiao Yang
Jin Ming
Jin Ming
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Is Hero appropriate for kids?

Overall: A nameless warrior tells the King of Qin the story of how he defeated three assassins — but each retelling reveals a different truth. Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi. PG-13 covers martial arts violence. One of cinema's most visually beautiful films. Read more — free account

Content severity in Hero

Sex None 0/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language None 0/10
Substances None 0/10
Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Hero, moment by moment

  1. 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
  3. 0:38 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
Unlock all 7 flagged moments — free account →

Sex and nudity in Hero

There is no actual sexual content or nudity depicted throughout the film. The focus remains on historical drama and martial arts choreography, with romantic relationships portrayed through longing glances and artistic symbolism rather than physical intimacy.

Violence and gore in Hero

Martial arts combat — colour-coded sequences of extraordinary beauty. Action violence consistent with PG-13.

Language in Hero

The dialogue contains very infrequent mild language that is consistent with a PG-13 rating. Most of the speech is formal and honor-bound, resulting in a script that avoids profanity and relies instead on philosophical or poetic terminology.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Hero

There is no mention or use of illicit drugs, tobacco, or alcohol in the movie. Characters are depicted engaging in scholarly pursuits or combat preparation, with no scenes taking place in settings where substance use would be expected or portrayed.

Mature themes in Hero

A film that uses Rashomon's unreliable narrator structure to explore what sacrifice for a greater peace costs. The film's political argument — that one man's tyranny might produce a greater peace — is presented without endorsement. Visually among cinema's greatest achievements.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hero appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Hero is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Overall: A nameless warrior tells the King of Qin the story of how he defeated three assassins — but each retelling reveals a different truth. Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi. PG-13 covers martial arts…

What age rating does Hero have?

Hero is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Hero about?

Overall: A nameless warrior tells the King of Qin the story of how he defeated three assassins — but each retelling reveals a different truth. Jet Li, Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi. PG-13 covers martial arts violence. One of cinema's most visually beautiful films.

Is there sex or nudity in Hero?

There is no actual sexual content or nudity depicted throughout the film. The focus remains on historical drama and martial arts choreography, with romantic relationships portrayed through longing glances and artistic symbolism rather than physical intimacy.

How violent is Hero?

Martial arts combat — colour-coded sequences of extraordinary beauty. Action violence consistent with PG-13.

Is the language in Hero appropriate for kids?

The dialogue contains very infrequent mild language that is consistent with a PG-13 rating. Most of the speech is formal and honor-bound, resulting in a script that avoids profanity and relies instead on philosophical or poetic terminology.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Hero?

There is no mention or use of illicit drugs, tobacco, or alcohol in the movie. Characters are depicted engaging in scholarly pursuits or combat preparation, with no scenes taking place in settings where substance use would be expected or portrayed.

What mature themes appear in Hero?

A film that uses Rashomon's unreliable narrator structure to explore what sacrifice for a greater peace costs. The film's political argument — that one man's tyranny might produce a greater peace — is presented without endorsement. Visually among cinema's…

How long is Hero?

Hero runs 99 minutes, directed by Zhang Yimou, released in 2002.

Where can I read the full Hero parent guide?

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