Red Cliff 1 (2008)
Directed by John Woo, screenplay written by John Woo, Chen Han and Sheng Heyu based on the historical records of the Three   Kingdoms era, Records of Three Kingdoms, written by the historian of Jin Dynasty, Chen Shou (A.D.233–297).

The screenplay adapts the most prominent battle in Three Kingdoms, the Battle of Chi Bi (Red Cliff). Soon after Cao Cao self-proclaimed as the prime minister of the Han Dynasty, he began his road to the unification of China, exterminating any forces or any people who are in his way. His next target is Liu Bei, an extremely distant relative of the current Han’s emperor. With the help of his strategist Zhuge Liang, Liu Bei’s forces form an alliance with Sun Quan. They now need to prepare to engage a battle with Cao Cao at Red Cliff.

One seldom seen transition in movies nowadays is being heavily used in Red Cliff – wipe. As a type of transition that is viewed as cheesy in film theory, Red Cliff had successfully show how wiping can be more than appropriate. As set in the olden days of China, the wipes of the movie can be related to as the scrolls being used then. And being adapted from a novel, the idea of a rolling scroll can be seen as us the audience is reading the good old classic.

The humour added in this serious plot helps bring out the character’s personality rather then nonsensical gags. Zhuge Liang’s “I know a little” of this and “I know a little” of that showcase the humourous side and humble side of him. The juxtaposition between the Shu and Wu generals is also well shown; we see how strict the Wu generals were while the Shu generals mix and bond with their soldiers and civilians. Some people, however, might find one of the comical scene a little morbid as there is dehumanization occurring (the scene where all the Cao’s troops were captured by ropes with just one last soldier left helplessly before being killed).

Despite the many characters in the film, each and every one of them are clearly showcased and introduced. All characters’ first appearance strongly introduced them and creates great impact. Zhuge Liang was pumped with stronger emotions, as compared to the historical counterpart of him, which makes him more lively and likeable. Sun Quan’s character became more focused on his inner struggles and this make him stands out. Liu Bei is also much more assertive, as compared to the more well known wishy-washy version of him. Cao Cao had the greatest changes; he was made totally ruthless, unreasonable and invaded Eastern Wu for wanting Xiao Qiao (Zhou Yu’s wife). Cao Cao’s reputation is totally smeared for the great cause of creating a great force of evil in the film to show a contrast of the Shu-Wu Alliance’s righteousness.

This film serves as a perfect platform for introducing all the characters and introduces the conflict of the story. This sets everyone to be ready for the real Battle of Red Cliff in its sequel. As an action film that balances both action and character development, Red Cliff is definitely one of the best Asian action films of all times.

4.5 out of 5 stars

- Ng Wee Kiat