Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon [Blu-ray] [US Import]

I've been dying to see this film for months, since I've been seduced by the beautiful trailer and the fact that three of my favorite Hong Kong actor's were in it, may had something to do with it as well. They are, the ever excellent Andy Lau, the legend that is Sammo Hung and the beautiful Maggie Q.

A little about the story, a common man named Zhao (Andy Lau) rises up the ranks to become a legendary commander of an amy of liberates. With his trusted friend at his side (Sammo Hung), they set out to save their country that has been torn by years of civil war by defeating the warlords of the land, once and for all.

I did think that this film was worth the wait and a purchase. I can't help but feel a little disappointed by the storyline and the flow of the film. I just felt that there was too many characters and not enough screen time for growth. Maggie Q was very under used, she is very believable as the granddaughter of a warlord taught the art of war form birth, a great role but with little screen time. The same also with Zhao (Andy Lau), his timeline jumps forward all too soon. I would have liked to have got to know Zhao the man, as well as the Soldier. Don't get me wrong, there is a great story and cast of characters there worthy of your viewing time.

Andy Lau and Sammo Hung, are flawless as always. Their acting draws you in, you want to find out what happens to them. It's great to see Sammo acting again, it's been a long time since I've seen him in anything. Sammo is also the action director of this film.

I did enjoy this film and I will watch it again. The battle scenes are epic and stunning with top acting from all, a magnificent soundtrack, a beautifully shot film and with a pin sharp Blu-ray picture to boot, this film has a lot going for it!

I haven't watched all the Chinese films based on ancient history, but having watched 'Warlords' Warlords [2008] [DVD]recently, and having watched 'House of Flying Daggers' House Of Flying Daggers [2004] [DVD] and a few others, this one has ranks as one of the better ones. This is proved by the fact that my wife actually gave up her siesta to watch it with me - and watched the whole thing! My wife does not do these kind of movies so it must've been very interesting to keep her attention!

The film covers about 30 years of history in a brief 1 hour and 42 mins but it is well done. The characters are developed well and although some of the film moves quite quickly, you can grasp the various strategies that were involved in some of the battles and follow through the various kingdoms.

It seems a little strange to be called 'Three Kingdoms' as it is basically about 2 kingdoms! But other than that, it is an interesting film.

I can't say how much is based on actual historical events, but I suspect not many who watch it will be avid history students.

If you enjoy this genre of film then this will not disappoint. I felt it was considerably better than 'Warlords' even though the story of Warlords sounds like it should have been interesting.

There is plenty of blood, as you would expect, but nothing more than Braveheart.

If you have never watched this genre then this would be a good place to start.

Enjoy :)

In The Warlords we see Andy Lau firing on all cylinders as we did in Running On Karma. Here, Lau puts in a good performance as does his sidekick Sammo Hung but both of these well established actors are both upstaged by the flawless Maggie Q. I'm not a fan of Maggie Q so I wasn't expecting much and although her screen-time is limited in this period masterpiece she is simply outstanding. The battle scenes are on par with The Lord Of The Rings with the correct amount of blood getting splattered across the screen.

The story is about the formidable warrior Zilong (Andy Lau) who vows to maintain the fight until peace and freedom are restored to his people. Standing in his way is the granddaughter of his old enemy Cao Ying (Maggie Q) who has sworn to herself and her army that she will capture Zilong in honour of her late grandfather Cao Cao, who failed in his quest to capture the great General Zilong.

Combine The Warlords with Battle Of Wits and you have Three Kingdoms: Resurrection Of The Dragon. All I can say is John Woo's Red Cliff has got a lot to live up to; and, I hope Maggie Q is cast in this type of role again, but with a larger part to sink her ever growing talent into, for she is the ultimate female warrior!