Liam D
While not the best adaptation of Romance of The Three Kingdoms it has the best specialty
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
07/09/21
Full Review
Audience Member
On one hand, this movie is very long-winded and meanders quite a lot during certain segments, while simultaneously going too fast during others, with sometimes years elapsing in scenes under 30 seconds. However, I cannot deny that the story here is a very powerful one at times, showcasing the rise and fall of one of history's greatest heroes, and the movie, during its sad climax, seconds before the credits roll, PERFECTLY combine his first victorious war-cry with his last one, and honestly I'd consider this one of the best scenes I have ever seen in my life. Now, the movie does wallow in its own self-imposed misery for far too long getting to this point, and while I thought much of the drama worked very effectively (like when the last remaining General slowly walks past the displayed armor of the other heroes he used to stand beside, all now gone), this movie really could have benefited from some levity. Now, if you're looking to watch this as an Action movie, you'll find moderate satisfaction, but not much - this film is much more about the psychology of those fighting in war rather than the war itself, so it's more like 2009's Mulan than, say, Red Cliff, let alone something like 300. The additional reason why I wish that levity was put into this movie is because it ends on a sad note, making the entire movie varying degrees of misery; I was able to appreciate most of it, but when literally the entire movie shares the same tone as the closing moments, it doesn't work as a whole package quite as well.
Visually speaking the movie is very competent, but artistically is intentionally very drab - however, I do appreciate how, when things truly start to fall apart, the land takes on a look that is itself almost lifeless, and the snowfall in the final moments add to the mood. The musical score and post production is quite good, and the performances are excellent. Honestly I would strongly recommend this movie, so long as you know what you're getting yourself into: A tragic story of a hero, primarily in the fall of his final moments, rather than a war film or a kung-fu epic.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
01/23/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Poor plot with really bad fight choreography the is almost cartoonish. Too much shaky camera work, and the movie is shot with these bizarre filters that make it look like a remake of Dune. The script is amateurish, with lots of cliches. The director had some big ambitions, but not the skills to pull it off.
Rated 1.5/5 Stars •
Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars
01/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
This director must be insane to think the style he filmed in would be attractive. Seriously tried to adjust the hue and saturation to get it right and still couldn't. Whole film is just muddy and ugly. Unwatchable.
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
02/09/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Beautifully shot but that is all that film is its empty on substance and depth the script is dull and the battle scenes are not well executed using close up shots without the actual over all battle scenes. Its another film mixing fantasy and myth making and even having a wonder horse. I got to the end but glad it was over.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
01/24/23
Full Review
Audience Member
Its time jumps and dodgy storyline is saved by the fine performances by Andy Lau, Sammo Hung, and especially Maggie Q as the ferocious grand daughter of Cao Cao. The one on one fight scenes are the real highlights of the movie, as the huge battles are scattered with bad camera work. It does have plenty of style and good set design/costumes, but this movie needed more emotional ties with the puppet girl love interest rather than just showing this warrior's life highlights.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/05/23
Full Review
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