HERO EXTRACT ANALYSIS

Camera work

• Close up: you get close ups of Jet Li and Donnie Yen's faces which intensifies the battle and overall experience for the viewer because you get an insight into their emotions and facial expressions, which means you can relate to the characters better. For example, the close ups show the calm, focused expressions of the two characters, which then emphasises this emotion and so creates the solemn, respectful atmosphere of the scene.
• Establishing shot: there is a wide shot of the chess courtyard where the battle is, showing all the buildings, where the old man is sitting, and Jet Li and Donnie Yen standing opposite each other. This sets the scene for the viewer by showing where the fight is; as well as this the positioning of the two characters in the shot shows clearly that there are two sides (good and evil, a villain and a hero) which is a key convention in the Action and Adventure genre.

Mise-en-scene

• Chess courtyard: the chess courtyard is made up of oriental-style buildings, with ornate, elaborate, symmetrical architecture. These buildings are a visual code for China, so are another way of setting the scene for the viewer and showing them clearly where the fight scene is. The detailed architecture is also a clue that this is a place of beauty and reverence, and so this has an effect on the atmosphere of the fight. By associating the fight with the courtyard, it lends the scene a feeling of calm and serenity, bringing out the beauty of the battle. The shots of the chess boards also allude to the fact that this is a chess courtyard. The scenery is stereo-typically Chinese and makes the setting clear to the viewer, as well as helping create a serene atmosphere. 
• Weapons: the swords and weapons that Jet Li and Donnie Yen use to fight are a clear code for battle, which immediately sets the mood for a fight scene. The types of weapons (poles with knives on the end and swords) are again stereo-typically Chinese weapons, so this is another clue to where the fight is and what kind of warriors these men are.

Sound

• The non-diegetic sound accompanying most of the fight scene is the music played by the old man. This is another code for China, adding authenticity to the scene, because the tune is traditionally Chinese (with the unusual string instrument for example). The music is also very calming and gentle, so affects the atmosphere of the scene, creating the serious, respectful, focused atmosphere. However, it raises in intensity and crescendos at tense points in the battle, so the music also increases intensity in the battle.
• The diejetic, metallic sound of the weapons hitting each other makes the battle sound more authentic as you can actually hear the sounds of the battle happening. It also intensifies the battle because it makes it sound more realistic, helping to engage the viewer.

Editing

• Slow motion editing is the biggest editing effect used in this fight scene. The effect of it is to show the fight in more detail; you can see the battle moves without the scene moving on too quickly for the viewer to appreciate the skilled fighting. The slow motion also raises tension in moments of high suspense or danger, for example when one warrior thrusts the sword at the other and it goes into slow motion so you can see the sword stop only a few centimeters from his throat. For the slightly longer time it takes for this to happen in slow motion, the viewer is unsure what will happen, raising tension.
• Slow motion of raindrops: the slow motion effect is not just used to create suspense, but also adds to the atmosphere. For example, the slow motion allows the viewer to see the raindrops falling into the bowls, the delicate ripples and water droplets. This is another thing that creates a sense of peace and beauty, again adding an atmosphere of respect for the skilled beauty of the battle and the focused nature of the way the Chinese warriors fight.