John Woo has always been very skilled at filming almost operatic action sequences. His Hong Kong classics from the late 80's/early 90's, A Better Tomorrow, The Killer and Hard Boiled are all excellent, and very violent, pieces of film. His Hollywood career has been much more spotty but even in uneven films like Face/Off and Mission Impossible 2 the action scenes bordered on the spectacular. Red Cliff is his return to Chinese filmmaking and it's a pretty spectacular and epic return to form.
Based on the historical Battle of Red Cliffs, Woo's film is a 5 hour, epic piece of work (split into 2 parts) with a very strong plot, a fantastic cast and of course amazing battle sequences. To summarize the plot would require me to give away many key elements and to list a large number of character names that would likely be quickly forgotten anyway so I'll just skip it.
I will say the plot is strong and more than just framing for the action sequences. In fact just as much time is spent on character development and military strategy as is on action. There are at least 10 major characters who all get fleshed out at various times during the film and it can be a little overwhelming. I honestly couldn't tell all the characters apart and specifically who was on who's side early in the film but I eventually picked up on everything as the movie went along.
While characterization and plot are very important and are what sets Red Cliff apart from other similar films, the action scenes are going to be the biggest draw for most people and Woo does not disappoint. There's a very distinct style and poetry at the center of all the chaos. The violence is fairly graphic and spurts of blood are flying at almost all times but there's also a strong sense of control over everything. Nothing seems out of place and the action is easy to follow. While the entire movie is a visual feast, the battle scenes are where the movie really shines.
Obviously 5 hours is a long time so there is also a 2.5 hour version of the movie that was released at the same time as this version. I have not viewed that version but I can only assume that a lot of character motivations and development are probably what got axed. The "short" version has recieved good reviews so it's probably worth seeing if you don't want to sit through a 5 hour movie but I would definitely recommend this one. I watched the movie in 2 parts on 2 different days.
The blu-ray is technically spectacular. My TV does not come close to doing the cinematography justice. The whole movie is breathtaking in high-def.Colors are exceptional throughout, skin tones and facial detail are very strong. Black levels are very deep and consistent. There is really nothing to complain about picture wise. The audio as well is top notch. The films numerous action scenes are very immersive. Surround usage during these scenes is constant, low end is deep and tight and directionality is perfect. Dialogue is never lost in the mix as well. The quieter scenes could have perhaps used some more ambiance but that's a very minor issue.
While Red Cliff is a fantastic movie that feels shorter then it's 5 hour runtime although I believe the decision to watch it in 2 separate parts plays a significant role in that. John Woo has a made a film that stands up with his earlier masterpieces and Red Cliff should not be ignored. The blu-ray is a fantastic way to watch it but the the runtime will make it hard (at least for me) to give it multiple viewings.
Ratings
Movie: 4/5
Blu-ray 5/5
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