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Red Cliff
赤壁
2008 145 min China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, United States of America R 16+
★7.6
Adventure, Drama, History, Action, War
Director: John Woo
🎭 Based on
«The Romance of the Three Kingdoms»
byLuo Guanzhong
Trailers
Description
In 208 A.D., in the final days of the Han Dynasty, shrewd Prime Minster Cao convinced the fickle Emperor Han the only way to unite all of China was to declare war on the kingdoms of Xu in the west and East Wu in the south. Thus began a military campaign of unprecedented scale. Left with no other hope for survival, the kingdoms of Xu and East Wu formed an unlikely alliance.
Budget:
$80.34M
US Gross:
$627,047
Worldwide:
$250.1M
Starring
Tony Leung Chiu-wai
Actor
Takeshi Kaneshiro
Actor
Fengyi Zhang
Actor
Awards
Asian Film Academy 2009
— Best Visual Effects
Saturn Awards 2010
— Best Costume Design
Saturn Awards 2010
— Best International Feature Film
Asian Film Academy 2009
— Best Visual Effects
Asian Film Academy 2009
— Best Picture
Asian Film Academy 2009
— Best Director
Key opinion
Red Cliff is widely praised as a grand, visually stunning cinematic spectacle that successfully translates Eastern legend and military strategy to the screen. However, opinions diverge significantly on whether the film achieves deep character resonance or if it relies on superficial action at the expense of narrative complexity.
| Cinematography | The film features breathtaking cinematography and visual scope, effectively capturing both massive battlefield choreography and serene natural landscapes. | |
| Direction | The tactical battlefield sequences and action choreography are consistently cited as superior to many Western war epics. | |
| Culture | The film succeeds in crafting an immersive, mythic Eastern atmosphere that honors traditional aesthetics and cultural motifs. | |
| Screenplay | The complex historical narrative and large cast lead to mixed reception; some viewers find the plot engaging and distinct, while others struggle to keep track of the numerous generals and alliances. | |
| Acting | The characterization divides critics; supporters appreciate the noble and distinct archetypes, while detractors argue the cast remains flat and lacks emotional or personal depth. | |
| Runtime | The extended runtime is a point of contention; it is either viewed as a rewarding, uninterrupted epic or an exhausting experience that feels like a prolonged, hollow spectacle. |