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Product Description
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
43 of 45 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.
7 of 7 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.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
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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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A massive work about a great man, unfortunately let down by the lack...
Confucius called in this film Kong Ze is played by Chow Yun-Fat. The actor brings to screen a great deal of gravitas. Read more
Published 25 days ago by A. Shard
Excellent film
This film tells the story of Confucius from his position as Minister of Law on the Kingdom of Lu until his death, with much drama in-between. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Jamie
top quality BD
Technically the BD is top level, image and sound. Go for it if a contemplative film about Confucius is your cup of tea. Read more
Published 1 month ago by M. Hafner
Excellent!
This biopic of China's legendary philosopher is another example of the high quality films coming out of Asia today. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Ab Uffalo
Confucius very good film
Chow Yun-Fat gives a wonderfully rich and full bodied portrayal of the godfather of China in this thought provoking and emotive film. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Lichinbo
Confucius.
Great cast and acting, and superb photography. Chow Yun-Fat has a remarkable physical similarity to depictions of Confucius and does the part justice. Read more
Published 12 months ago by S. Swingler
Great visual feast but not a lot of depth.
This film is a great visual feast and the acting is very good but I must admit that the story is a bit confusing initially and needs a second viewing. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Mr. R. J. Wilson
A film of substance ?
Although I was aware of the film, it had gone under my radar as it was not one of my top priorities to see. Read more
Published 12 months ago by TheSnowmonkey
Confucius, Hollywood style
This was actually a very enjoyable movie to watch, being cinematically lush in the manner we have come to expect from big-budget Chinese cinema productions. Read more
Published 13 months ago by John Ferngrove
bookofa1000words
confucious was a man with a beard in china, a long long time ago. this much is known. he said many things, and is much quoted as such, due to his extraordinary wisdom. Read more
Published 15 months ago by 1000wordbook
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