Frame: Ancient China
Rating: 5 stars
Movie lovers enthralled by the first part of the Red Cliff saga will be rewarded for watching Red Cliff Part 2. John Woo and his excellent cast starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Leung and Zhung Fengyi create an epic worth raising more than $ 100 million in the Asian market. With great special effects that recreate colossal naval battles and a brilliant script full of intelligence and subtlety, Red Cliff Part 2 entertains every moment.
The story picks up exactly where Part 1 left off. The imperial forces of the Han Dynasty led by Cao Cao (Zhang Fengyi) have descended upon the fortress at Red Cliff where Grand Viceroy Zhou Yu (Tony Leung) of the Kingdom of East Wu. takes refuge with his allies led by Liu Bei. Liu Bei’s master strategist Zhuge Liang (Takeshi Kaneshiro) is working with Zhou Yu to come up with plans to thwart Cao Cao’s overwhelming invasion.
Red Cliff Part 2 features a wonderfully conceived dramatization of many principles explained in Sun Tzu’s classic Art of War. The character Zhuge continues to reveal his keen intellect and powerful knowledge as he counters Cao Cao on many levels, both physical and psychological. Zhuge uses the weather to his advantage and bets heavily on the likelihood of the winds turning when a great naval battle begins. His tricks and cunning use of fire are truly ingenious when he makes war.
The fight also emphasizes the critical role of spies in warfare. The spies provide many advantages to allies as the confrontation unfolds, both by gathering information about Cao Cao’s camp and feeding it with disinformation that undermines their trust in crucial commanders. Another elaborate tactic is accomplished when Zhou Yu’s wife, who is highly coveted by Cao Cao, surrenders to Cao Cao. She hopes to avoid battle by surrendering to him, but her goal is much more devious. No war that has already gathered so many resources will be stopped by a woman, but it significantly distracts Cao Cao when he should be paying attention to his battle.
Red Cliff Part 2 rewards movie lovers with a clever action adventure that uses but is not dependent on special effects. The script and the actors are the strengths that enhance this wonderful film inspired by Chinese history and culture. Numerous plot twists and elaborate battle scenes constantly propel this film that was a pleasure to experience.
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