An action code is a device in which action is used to produce a resolution. Hero is an interesting film to apply this theory to not merely because it has many well choreographed fight scenes but because several of the fight scenes are completely imagined and symbolic and the resolution at the end of the film involves the triumph of non-action over action. Here I will attempt to decode 3 of the film's fight scenes.
Nameless vs. Sky
In the first major action sequence we see the protagonist nameless battle against the assassin Sky. According to Nameless, who narrates the sequence, much of the fight occurred only in the minds of the participants. The black and white sequence symbolises this mental battle of wills. However later on in the film we learn that Sky willingly let Nameless win in order for him to get close to the King of Qin. The fight was staged to convince the King's guards that Nameless was his ally when in truth he is his enemy.
Nameless vs. Broken Sword
The King believes that after Nameless defeated Flying Snow he fought another mental battle. To complicate matters further we learn that this fight never took place because Flying Snow is in fact still alive. Therefore this fight exists only in the imagination of the King. In the documentary Hero Defined director Zhang Yimou describes it as "Two men using their swords to convey their sorrow." The King was impressed by Broken Sword and Flying Snow's valour and dignity. He imagines this fight took place not because of a mutual hatred but because of a mutual respect between the two men and also out of respect for Flying Snow. The fight resolves without a winner.
Nameless vs. King of Qin
The King comes to the realisation that the ultimate ideal for a warrior is to feel hatred or the need to use a sword. He then throws his own sword towards Nameless and turns his back, willing the assassin to kill him. However Nameless chooses not to kill the King despite knowing that this means he will die. He asks the King not to forget the ultimate ideal. The resolution in this scene is one of peace brought about by non-violence.
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