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Reviews of Recent Independent, Foreign, & Documentary Films in Theaters and DVD/Home Video
RED CLIFF The Battle of Red Cliffs was a famous Chinese conflict from the year 208AD, near the end of the Han Dynasty and preceding the Three Kingdoms. It is an important part of Chinese history and identity, and the subject of countless books, songs, manga, films, TV series, and even videogames. The names of the generals involved are as well known as George Washington or Thomas Jefferson to American audiences. Red Cliff, directed by John Woo, is an attempt to put this seminal Chinese battle into a Hollywood-like epic action film. Despite loving John Woo (Hard Boiled is a favorite), I entered the theatre pretty nervous about this one. Sitting through a two-and-a-half hour film exulting historic figures I didn’t know seemed dicey, especially given my recent disappointment with the attempted period action epic Ong Bak 2: The Beginning, directed by Tony Jaa. I tried to envision Woo’s take on ancient warfare—would it involve stylized slow-motion arrow quivers dropping into puddles of mud? Could he produce a compelling period piece? No and yes, respectively As the opening credits ended and the film began to unspool, I realized my fear was misplaced—rather than Jaa’s shaky directorial debut, I was in the hands of a master filmmaker and accomplished storyteller in Woo. The action and acting are both top-notch. Everything from the costumes to the cinematography to the CGI are high quality and to the benefit rather than distraction of the storytelling. Filled with intrigue, the film has a broad sweep, but doesn’t feel bulky (though perhaps it’s a touch long) or like a history book come to life—the script leaves its historical baggage to subtext.
The story involves the hopelessly outgunned and outnumbered armies of
the generals defending the fortress at Red Cliff against the attacks of
the evil warlord Cao Cao (Zhang
Fengyi )
and his army, and centers on military strategist Zhou Lu (Tony Leung).
Zhou’s profession is, in fact, the heart of the film. Red Cliff
rather uniquely treats viewers to a general’s perspective on the
battles, rather than just close-ups from a soldier’s point of view
(although there are plenty of those). Viewers become privy to ancient
weapons, tactics, and formations, and see firsthand their pros and cons,
making you appreciate the greatness of the generals (and armorers) as
well as learn how ancient (and modern) battles can be won and lost on
the drawing board. Red Cliff treats you to the sophistication of,
if I may be so bold, the art of war.
Douglas Yellin
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