Red Cliff - Review

Since Ang Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon there has been a slew of wuxia and historical epics coming out of the west, more often than not becoming the most expensive films the country of origin has ever produced. John Woo's Red Cliff is no different. Thankfully unlike some other recent historical epics, Mongol, which have failed to live up to the reputations of their real life counterparts, Red Cliff, focuses more on an actual battle than an historical figure, and despite problems, feel more like a resounding success than anything else.

The film focuses on the 3rd century battle at the strategic stronghold red cliff. John Woo delivers a breathtaking action epic which contains some of the most audacious and mind bogglingly choreogrpahed fight scenes seen on screen, which is something considering the leaps and bounds made in this area over the past few years.

Tony Leung and Takeshi Kaneshiro standout as emperor and strategist who work together to combat the advancing superior forces of Cao Cao and this film differs from other recent epics by giving an insight into the strategy deployed to overcome the advancing forces, and along with the epic Woo-style action this gives the film a unique curiosity and also gives it a modicum of authenticity.

Red Cliff though is worth watching simply because it marks a return to form for John Woo. It is also his first Chinese language film since Hard Boiled in 1992. Woo 's American output never really achieved the dizzying heights of his classic action films made in Hong Kong and China, and this film feels more akin to those earlier, inventive, imaginative, exhilirating efforts made in his native tongue.

Although not quite on the level of Lee's Crouching Tiger, or Yimou's Hero, Red Cliff certainly delivers on the monumental epic, and it is the most expensive Asian financed film to date, breaking box office records in China. Hopefully this will see a return to form for Woo who was once one of the most vibrant and unique voices in Eastern cinema.