About Red Cliff

Red Cliff, released in 2008, is a war epic film directed by John Woo. The plot incorporates a beautifully intertwined story that is based on the Battle of Red Cliffs (208–209 AD) and the events leading up to the end of the Han Dynasty. The film is rich in complex politics, ambitious personalities, and masterfully choreographed battle sequences.

Making / Production

The production of Red Cliff followed the pattern of painstaking attention to historical accuracy and detail that is characteristic of director John Woo's style. The movie was shot predominantly in China, with shooting sites in both the Beijing and Hebei provinces to capture the beautiful landscapes and topography. Special effects and digital enhancements were meticulously added to create stunning, large-scale battle scenes.

Actors

• Tony Leung Chiu-wai as Zhou Yu: Played his role with a strong sense of duty and honor, along with a depth of character that made his portrayal very memorable.
• Takeshi Kaneshiro as Zhuge Liang: His calming presence and strategic intelligence were evident in his portrayal of the character.
• Fengyi Zhang as Cao Cao: He was able to portray his character's ambition and ruthlessness effectively, making for a compelling antagonist.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Red Cliff is the most expensive Asian-financed film to date.
• This is the first Chinese film to be released in IMAX format.
• The film was released in two parts in China due to its long duration.

Awards

The film received critical acclaim and a host of awards, including the Best Director and Best Film Editing at the 3rd Asian Film Awards. It was also nominated for Best Film at the 29th Hong Kong Film Awards.

Quotes

• "Never underestimate the enemy." - Cao Cao
• "The world under heaven, after a long period of division, tends to unite." - Zhuge Liang

Music, Soundtrack

• "Red Cliff Overture" composed by Taro Iwashiro
• "On the Battlefield" performed by Alan
• "The Beginning" performed by Ayaka Hirahara