Chinese martial arts thriller Hero continued to reign at North American box office during the US Labor Day holiday for the second week.

Hero, released by Miramax Films, earned about US$9 million in the three days beginning September 3.

Directed by Zhang Yimou, the beautifully made martial arts epic stars action hero Jet Li with Maggie Cheung, Zhang Ziyi and Chen Dao Ming, a rare lineup of Asian superstars.

The film tells about a story about the plot by a nameless warrior, played by Jet Li, to assassinate the first Chinese emperor of Qin Dynasty. The film was released in China two years ago, and nominated for a foreign-language Oscar last year.

Meanwhile, the Paramount Pictures' adventure comedy Without a Paddle claimed the No. 2 place with US$7.1 million.

(CRI September 6, 2004)