Great acting. This film preceeded "Hero" which is on the same topic. How ever,No fancy flying kicks or sworder play. Just an epic tell of how somtimes what is important to us will be lost to a greater good. At a cost to our own happiness. Love, greed and betryal. All in a political driven story line to rule. For acting this movie. For action "Hero".I have seen so many films that I look at acting and story line first.

The film, albeit fine cinematography and good acting from the main characters, felt like a half-baked pie. I can see that the director wanted it to be a more historically correct version than "Hero" was; and I appreciate the fine-grained character study on the infamous First Emperor. However, the characters and the story they weave should have been bigger than life. That's one of the conventions of the epic genre. Unfortunately, as depicted, they seemed petit and insignificant. Besides, production value was low and editing was mediocre at best. All in all, I am disappointed.

Gong Li does a stellar job in this film, which is an incredible historical trip back in time. It's carefully woven and emotional, definitely worth a view! Not sure it's worth the $14.99 on iTunes, but if that's the only way you can get it--do!