Zhang Yimou's Movies Get a Thumbs Down

This critical article written by Adam Graham-Silverman is entitled Why Zhang Yimou's Two Movies Shouldn't be on Top-Ten Lists: Critical Mistake. In the article, Silverman talks about two movies both directed by Zhang Yimou: Hero and House of Flying Daggers. Silverman talks about how although these two movies may be unique with their color choices and special effects, that doesn't make them good movies. Silverman goes on to say,

Critics should not mistake unique for good. Many critics are indeed snared by the surface elements of Zhang's two films: the wire-work fight scenes and the luscious use of color. But even if one examines only these formal structures, the movies still don't have much to offer.

Silverman goes on to talk about Hero by saying,

In the best classic wuxia films, the formal elements skillfully take on the functions that plot and dialogue often serve. While Zhang also focuses on these aspects, he doesn't achieve that synthesis. Like his color work, the movies look pretty but ultimately feel meaningless.

Silverman criticizes the slow-motion used in Hero by saying how it takes away from the few scenes that are interesting and making them all about the special effects instead of the plot.

Very quickly the overload becomes desensitizing and we're left feeling bored.

All in all, Silverman doesn't seem to like these two movies directed by Yimou. Not only does he criticize the overuse of special effects, but he thinks American critics are too nice towards the movies.