I just had a look at the Hong Kong film awards and I must say that in my opinion Red Cliff is much overrated, but perhaps I'm spoiled after watching the CCTV-series Romance of the three kingdoms.
Those who have read the book, or have watched the series, will be disappointed if they watch Red Cliff. It's not a bad movie, but it doesn't do the magnificent story any justice. A lot of nice things from the book and series are left out and what's left is just a normal movie as so many others, except for the firescenes at the actual battle: they are great, but not any better then those in the series and the same goes for the costumes and sets.

I noticed that the torture of general Huang is mentioned in the movie, but doesn't take place! Probably they left out the complete scene!

Image attachée

From what I gathered they had to leave a lot of things out. Impossible to mention everything.

What's more, Woo based his film on the actual historical events not the 14th century novel and also developped some characters like Zhou Yu's wife or Princess Sun so as to make sub plots more attractive to any viewers, Chinese, foreigners and those who don't know anything of the Chinese history.

I think the intention wasn't to paste the book on the film. :)
But to show how Chinese are smart and refined. I really liked the battle of wits in the film. As much as the battle with weapons. Plus Woo shows that Chinese are close to nature, animals, have huge talents for arts, etc... :okay:

Is the film released in Holland yet, Pieter?

Which battle of wits? Compared with the TV-series there isn't any!
The characters of Zhuge KongMing (ZhuGe Liang), Lu Su and Chou Yu in the series are great!

As far as I know the 14th century novel is also based on historical facts, more then John Woo's movie I would say. (Females didn't count in those days :D :whistle: )

I've watched the series 3 times, my wife 5 or even more times.
I don't think we will watch Red Cliff a second time!
(As you may understand; we are not John Woo fans :blush: )

I think you are totally right.
The novel is probably 10 times better than the Tv series, itself better than the movie. But with more than 80 episodes, they have time to develop and an edge on the film.

Personnaly I like John Woo and Tony Leung, so a movie with them two is what I have been waiting for for some time now. :banana:

Personnaly I don't see anything special in the works of Tony Leung and John Woo :blink:

By the way: I think Generation Pendragon (both films! are also based on ROTK) are more entertaining then Red Cliff, but if you like Red Cliff then it's a good thing the movies are made, isn't it. :D

I didn't like the movie neither. :caesar: But thanks to it's release, the novel is re-issued in France. :okay: I'll take the chance to get it while it's available at a reasonable price because I can't afford La Pleiade's copy. :blush:

If I enjoy the book, maybe then I'll look for the TV-serie.

If you're English is good enough you can download or read the book here, but the translation isn't as good as the one of Moss Roberts and ofcourse that isn't as good as the original Chinese text (I am told).

(btw: It will be very hard to follow the TV-series if you haven't read the book!)

That's why we needed the film, Pieter! I have not read the novel, nor watch the Tv series, but understood the film :unedent: