Red Cliff (Film) Discussion Thread

[Sun Fin]

Watched part 1 today.

I really enjoyed it.

The fight scene with the formation was a little bit ridiculous I thought and some of the moves felt like they'd been pulled straight out of the DW games! I loved that Gan (N)Xing was armed with a falchion, is that something that is attached to his legend apart from DW? As a character he always looks so grumpy though! Zhang Fei to be honest just felt like comic relief.

I enjoyed Lady Sun's presentation, I felt like it captured what we think we know of her personality even if it wasn't entirely (/at all) historically accurate!

I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Zhou Yu's relationships; first with Xiao Qiao and also with Zhuge Liang. ZGL comes across as a lot less of a jerk than in the novel.

Looking forward part 2 tomorrow!

[DaoLunOfShiji]

I just finished this entire film today, and despite my reservations before watching it I ended up truly enjoying it. Tony Leung, who also played Broken Sword in Hero, stole the show for me as Zhou Yu. I was truly fearful this would be another "Zhuge Liang is so perfect and flawless" adaptation of the Three Kingdoms, but Wu really seemed to get the attention they rightly deserved and that was truly wonderful. As like all John Woo movies the cinematography was top notch. Beautiful film. The score was excellent. My only complaint was that there was too much involvement by Liu Bei in his crew, but that's the historical stickler in me.

All in all, despite it's ridiculous length, I truly enjoyed it a lot.

[Sun Fin]

It's not a movie you watch for historical accuracy but for fan service it does a better job of promoting Zhou Yu and the Wu faction than the novel!

[Jia Nanfeng]

Yeah, I agree with you DaoLunOfShiji and Sun Fin.

The attention and fair treatment that Wu gets is a big reason I like Red Cliff. It was also cool seeing SSX have a role in the war, even if historically unlikely. And I found that Zhuge Liang was played very well — he was there to help others think rationally, not just do all the thinking for them. (Like a therapist. )

I have not seen the American cut but I do wonder if the Wu was represented as well there.

[Sun Fin]

I've also only seen the full version so can't confirm if the shorter cut gives Wu fair screen time!