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From the acclaimed producer of John Woos Red Cliff and Jet Lis Warlords, comes this powerhouse biopic of the legendary Chinese philosopher, Confucius. Showcasing a commanding and captivating performance from screen icon, Chow Yun-fat, this epic masterpiece balances breathtaking spectacle, visceral action and heart-wrenching drama to deliver one of this years most unforgettable movies. In 500 B.C., during Chinas famed 'Spring and Autumn Period', Kong Ze (Confucius), a commoner reverred for his outstanding wisdom, is made Minister of Law in the ancient Kingdom of Lu. Under his inspired leadership, Lu ascends to new heights but becomes a target of conquest for the warlike nation of Qi. Threatened with annihilation by their powerful neighbour, a desperate people turn to their greatest teacher to lead their most powerful army. When Confucius delivers a stunning victory against all odds, a jealous aristocracy sets out to destroy him, but they should never under-estimate a remarkable man whose wisdom is more powerful than the sword. With breathtaking cinematography from Oscar-winning director of photography, Peter Pau (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Confucius is one of Asian Cinemas finest achievements and is a compelling invitation to discover the remarkable story of one of historys greatest heroes.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
48 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a beautifully shot film that will open up the life of one of history's greats to many more people. Chow Yun Fat puts in a superb performance as Confucius and the cinematography is spectacular. Although on the Cine-Asia label, who are renowned for their martial arts catalogue in particular,this is categorically not a martial arts films - although the battle scenes will I am sure, please those that enjoy immense scale action. This is definitely a film for those that are in to Chinese cinema art and that want to be entertained whilst finding out more about history, philosophy and Confucianism.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a very lovingly produced version of the life of Confucius ranging from his roles in politics (including the Chinese pleasure in crafty military ruses) through to his wanderings with his faithful disciples to his return to his homeland. I cannot speak to the accuracy of the film but it certainly gave a strong narrative line as the exponent of civility of government is variously honoured, cheated and rejected by the ruling elites of the Warring States. It is not a short film and will not please those who look for Chinese cinema to be mostly wire-work and sword play.
18 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By Dr T
Format:Blu-ray
In spite of only giving this 3 stars, I'm not saying it's a bad film. It's just I think it could be a lot better with a slightly different treatment, e.g. a director's cut.
As stated elsewhere here, some of the subtitles - even though they convey very important historical information and signpost milestone plot moments - appear on the screen for only a fraction of time. If you are not already familiar with the historical Confucius (I'm not) then this is a real wasted opportunity to let the film convey this information, without the need for independent research (or the need to watch a different film).
Still, what's here is sensitively handled. By which I mean, the film is not all balletic, epic fight sequences that I worried it might be (though there are one or two) and is mainly about politics and character development. Chow Yun Fat is great in it too. Not overplayed. Not overdone. A very nice, respectful, believable rendition.
As I say, I feel I missed a lot of important information throughout, so the film didn't have the impact for me that it might have. Lastly, I found the text put up right at the end of the film, kind of like an epilogue tribute to the legacy of Confucius, was a little overdone. It's not that it was factually incorrect (on which I'm not fit to judge) but rather that the film had already left me with a positive appreciation of Confucius of my own, so I found this a bit forced/jarring.
Lastly, the Blu-ray presentation is good. Crisp and colourful images and good sound (in the original language).
As stated elsewhere here, some of the subtitles - even though they convey very important historical information and signpost milestone plot moments - appear on the screen for only a fraction of time. If you are not already familiar with the historical Confucius (I'm not) then this is a real wasted opportunity to let the film convey this information, without the need for independent research (or the need to watch a different film).
Still, what's here is sensitively handled. By which I mean, the film is not all balletic, epic fight sequences that I worried it might be (though there are one or two) and is mainly about politics and character development. Chow Yun Fat is great in it too. Not overplayed. Not overdone. A very nice, respectful, believable rendition.
As I say, I feel I missed a lot of important information throughout, so the film didn't have the impact for me that it might have. Lastly, I found the text put up right at the end of the film, kind of like an epilogue tribute to the legacy of Confucius, was a little overdone. It's not that it was factually incorrect (on which I'm not fit to judge) but rather that the film had already left me with a positive appreciation of Confucius of my own, so I found this a bit forced/jarring.
Lastly, the Blu-ray presentation is good. Crisp and colourful images and good sound (in the original language).
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3.9 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
Less Is More (more or less)
Reviewers are right to point out that this film about one of history's wisest people contains few examples of his perspicacity. Read more
Published 1 month ago by worldmusic lover
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Film
Always been interested in Confucius. Was good to learn about him as a person as well as his teaching. Well worth a watch
Published 2 months ago by John
4.0 out of 5 stars
great cinematography, acting and costumes
An impressive big budget movie that will teach you a lot about Confucius and China in the VI-V centuries B.C. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Marco Carnovale
5.0 out of 5 stars
great movie
This is a great performance by all the cast, thrilling fight scenes. The production is huge, the story moving and the whole film was entertaining. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Gill Cox
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing film
Confucius is the MAN !
This film has been made very tastefully and covers some great stories of this man's life.
This film has been made very tastefully and covers some great stories of this man's life.
Published 2 months ago by Mr. R. Pancholi
3.0 out of 5 stars
Wouldn't watch it again!
Beautiful photography, well acted and perhaps an accurate reflection of the times in which Confucius lived. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Glenn White
4.0 out of 5 stars
Enjoyable although predictable
Very nice if you are interested in the story of Confucius. But the film never does manage build up any significant suspense.
Published 4 months ago by T Johansen
2.0 out of 5 stars
Confucius - Confused !
Good acting, and decent cinematography were marred by the poor application of sub-titling which sometimes scrolled by so fast that it was difficult to keep up with which character... Read more
Published 5 months ago by slim
3.0 out of 5 stars
Confucius
I was rather disappointed that there was not much action in this movie. The story was ok the scenery was good and so with the acting. Overall i give it a six out of ten.
Published 6 months ago by aussie guy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent movie
Good seller. On time delivery. The movie is excellent and I hope they will make many more movies on Chinese philosophers, explorer etc and let the world share this valuable... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Melody
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