In John Woo’s current film, “Red Cliff,” the director wanted to bring

In John Woo’s current film, “Red Cliff,” the director wanted to bring life to this epic Chinese tale on the big screen. After working for over sixteen years in Hollywood, he felt it was time to take what he learned and apply it to story that would match the caliber of Woo’s directorial artistry. Woo didn’t feel daunted by tackling this project as he felt it would help the Chinese film industry. “There are so many young Chinese filmmakers eager to learn and who are so passionate about movies.” Woo adds, “They all would like to work on a big budget Hollywood type movie. I think if I gave it to them, the opportunity would be a new experience for them.”

“Red Cliff” is based upon the story of the legendary Battle of Red Cliff during the Han dynasty in China 1800 years ago with excerpts also based up on the historical text “Chronicles of The Three Kingdoms.” In Woo’s version, The power driven Prime Minister/General Cao Cao asks the Han Dynasty Emperor to approve the right to squash two alleged warlords Liu Bei and Sun Quan to the south of the dynasty. However, Liu Bei’s military strategist Zhuge Liang realizes that to ensure the defeat of Cao Cao, he must persuade another warlord Sun Quan to align with the other two to win the war. Liang must also persuade Sun Quan’s trusted adivsor, Zhou Yu to follow through in joining in the quest to fight off General Cao Cao.

For Woo, the overall goal of the film was to take the story of the battle and transcend its importance as film in its cultural and historic importance in order for the Western audience to connect with the battle and its characters in the film. He has accomplished this feat as initial screenings of the film has been met with positive reaction. The film has also been released throughout Asia and Europe also with good reviews. It has also been an epic experience for Woo to make this film since ten years ago, it would’ve been impossible for it to be made. Woo states, “The technology and resources were not available.”

Bringing the project together was a challenge in itself. Woo assembled an enormous production crew from China, America, Japan and Korea to ensure the global quality of this film. Through the years of Hollywood experience and his Chinese background, the director was able to bring the crew as one to overcome any obstacles and differences to bring forth a global quality film to be enjoyed by both the Eastern and Western World.

I loved the movie. with it’s battles and subtle humor… it’s based upon the legendary battle of red cliff. Woo pairs the story down to one man creating a war to avenge his loss of a woman to another man.

Definitely a world class film period piece film.

By Peter of Pacific Rim Photo Press