Talk about contradictions! Went to see the movie Red Cliff at 12am.
Not a wise thing to do as I need my sleep. However, I strongly recommend that this show must be seen on a big screen.
Plot after plot, the essence of SunTzu's Art of war, was well portrayed. With John Woo as director, we were mesmerized for two hours. Although I don't think there was quite so much gunpowder and explosions used in battle when one read the actual literature.
Red Cliff 2 is about the 3rd Century popular lore of the Three Kingdom - of Kung Ming (also known as ZhuGeLiang), Kuan Kung, Liu Bei and their adversary Ciao Ciao.
The Three Kingdoms period is a period in the history of China, part of an era of disunity called the Six Dynasties.
What was particularly impressive was the "Kung Ming lanterns" that lighted the sky. It is said to be invented by ZhuGeliang during the Three Kingdoms period as way of communication during war time. He was one of the greatest strategists of post-Han China, as well as a statesman, engineer, scholar, and legendary strategists. Had a thought! Imagine how threatening it would be to fly Kung Ming Lanterns during a candlelight vigil! Incidentally it is banned since 2003, in Malaysia. (http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=16940)
Though I claim first and foremost to be a Anak Malaysia, there is a certain pride that a mere chinese lore hits the big screen. Red Cliff may not hit the magnitude of popularity or box-office takings as Lord of the Rings, it sure reminds me of the pride and gleam in his eyes, when my grandfather talk of his home and country.
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