Title - Red Cliff (part 1)
Director - John Woo
Language - Mandarin
Country - China
Finally got to see the full version of the first movie of John Woo's Red Cliff. I was annoyed to find out that the West is going to get an edited down 2 1/2 version of both films smashed together which was somewhat alarming considering that both films are over 2 hours long themselves. But I got my copy and gleefully watched the first half ready to bask in the glory of a Kwan Yu appearance as I am something of a Three Kingdom/Dynasty Warriors nerd.
Here's Kwan Yun not in the least bit bothered that he's surrounded by quite literally an army of armed men. Right after this he shoulder charges a general on a horse, steals back his flag, and makes his escape. I'm sorry let me be more clear -- he shoulder charges the horse the general is sitting on. Did I mention that Kwan Yu is not to be messed with unless your name is Lu Bu? But enough of my nerdiness...
Overall the movie was pretty satisfying. It tries to straddle the line between fact and fiction in both story and realistic combat and succeeds to a degree. There are moments when formations and attacks get a little bit over the top, but generally speaking they don't revel in the moment so it doesn't really become oppressive. This was probably a good call as all the generals and fighters in this film are considered to be somewhat god-like figures and there's a great need to amplify their abilities and deeds.
The film is well shot and I enjoyed most of the framing and editing choices. There were some moments however when John Woo's tricks of old snuck in here and there, such as a few camera freezes to denote an close bonding situation, which seemed somewhat out of place for this film. Zhang Fei was also just a tad too cartoonish for my tastes. He's a scary enough guy as it is and he doesn't need over the top antics to make a point.
Tony Leung and Kaneshiro Takeshi are both just great though and really carry the film well. Zhang Fengyi is also great as Ts'ao Ts'ao and with those three in the driver's seat I was fairly hooked throughout the 2 1/2 hours. I'm very much looking forward to the second part which I know is being releasd this month in China so hopefully I get to see it soon to watch the epic battle conclude.
At the moment I'll give it a reactive 8/10 as I did really enjoy it but there were some elements that gave me reservations even through a first sitting. The film is a bit slow as it's setting up for a massive battle next movie but it does start and end with some decent skirmishes so there's some action to be had for those looking for some fisticuffs. Time will tell whether the whole package of both movies will seem satisfying or whether it will just seem a huge bloated monster.
