This is not your mother’s Bruce Lee action flick, a bare bones flailing of limbs in hypnotic frenzy. Nor is it the tongue-in-cheek antics of Jackie Chan, masterfully exhibiting his incredible athleticism.

Although Yimou Zhang’s "Hero" contains elements of both of these popular martial arts film series, it also adds lyrical poetry through visuals and music that easily brings to mind the magic of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Lush cinematography by Christopher Doyle, and a score by Dun Tan performed on the violin by none other than Itzhak Perlman, elevate "Hero" beyond the usual action movie to a film that tugs at the soul and delights the eye.

Based on Chinese legend, "Hero" tells a tale set 2,000 years ago, before the reign of that country’s first emperor. The land is comprised of seven warring states, with the tyrannical king of Qin determined to conquer them all. Constantly threatened by assassination plots, he has isolated himself with a protective shield of militia and a complicated set of rules.

When a local prefect—a minor government official—defeats Qin’s three most threatening enemies, the ruler summons the victor (called "Nameless") to tell his story.

Here, the film turns reminiscent of Kurosawa’s "Rashomon," as several different versions of the tale complete the narrative and Qin’s ruler must decide whether to believe the mysterious warrior standing only 10 feet from him.

Certainly, the comparison will be made to Ang Lee’s "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" because of the ballet-like martial arts sword fighting, complete with bodies hanging in mid air, running up trees and dancing over water. This camera trickery is a mind-boggling achievement in both films, electrifying the already amazing choreography of the battles.

Again, it is the cinematography and score, however, that sets this film apart. Arguably one of the most visually arresting films ever produced (and at $30 million, this is China’s most expensive film to date), "Hero" manages to make every shot an artistic masterpiece. Colors play a huge role here, one hue dominating a given shot. Barren landscapes of rugged mountain terrain will have a vague bluish tone, matching the character’s flowing gowns. Brilliant golden leaves swirl in the wind, filling the screen while Moon and Flying Snow clash their swords. Close ups of the lake water, rippling as each blade hits it, turn an iridescent blue, shimmering against the shiny weapons. Yes, it is a virtual feast for the eyes, perfectly accompanied by a six-note theme that repeats throughout the film via the deft touch of Perlman’s violin.

Yimou Zhang’s "Raise the Red Lantern," "To Live" and "Ju Dou" won accolades for their high drama and stunning visuals. In "Hero," he deserves kudos for taking an action-packed story that is often translated into a bloody vulgarity and turning it into a mesmerizing piece of high art.