Red Cliff (2008)

About Red Cliff

Red Cliff is a Chinese epic war film directed by John Woo that was released in 2008. The movie is based on the Battle of Red Cliffs and the events during the end of the Han dynasty and immediately prior to the Three Kingdoms period in ancient China. The film is split into two parts, with the first part setting up the alliances and building the emotional stakes, while the second part involves the epic battle itself.

Making / Production

The film was directed by John Woo, who returned to the Asian cinema scene after several years in Hollywood. The film was produced by Terence Chang, Han Sanping, and Woo's long-time collaborator Lion Rock Productions, with a budget of about US$80 million. Backed by a large ensemble cast, the film employed a mix of both elaborate costumes and digital effects to bring the historical setting to life.

Actors

• Tony Leung as Zhou Yu - Plays the role of a brilliant strategist and warrior with extreme elegance and wit.
• Takeshi Kaneshiro as Zhuge Liang - Represents the epitome of intelligence and strategic skill in this movie.
• Zhang Fengyi as Cao Cao - Perfectly portrayed the merciless and ambitious warlord.
• Chen Chang as Sun Quan - Gives a captivating performance as the young and ambitious leader.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Red Cliff is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date.
• The film is John Woo's first Chinese film since Hard Boiled (1992).
• Around 1500 extras were used just to shoot the initial battle scenes.
• The film is loosely based on the historical text Records of the Three Kingdoms.

Awards

Red Cliff has won multiple awards including the 3rd Asian Film Awards for Best Visual Effects, and the 28th Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Art Direction and Best Costume & Make Up Design.

Quotes

• "In a land torn by turmoil and war, a new warrior leader comes forth."
• "My fear is not of death itself, but a death without meaning."
• "To die in the service of the cause, and the lord, is to die well."

Music, Soundtrack

• "Red Cliff Theme Song" - End credits song performed by Alan.
• "The Battle of Red Cliff" - An intense orchestration accompanies the war scenes.
• "The Dawn" - A hauntingly beautiful melody that emphasizes the sufferings of war.