Confucius: DVD/BLU-RAY Review
A peaceful adviser to warlords and emperors, it's pretty clear throughout the movie that Confucius is a man that polarizes opinion; he has his followers and students, his enemies, and he creates respect and mistrust in equal amounts.
The first half of the film looks at feuding warriors, bloodshed, violence and negotiation. The second, more contemplation and teachings while in exile from the kingdom.
As a film, Confucius is different to big hits such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Hero, and The House of Flying Daggers. In some ways, Confucius resembles Akira Kurosawa's Ran (1980), while the pacing and staging of action and plot lines fall into similar alleys as American war biographies such as Patton (1970) or Macarthur (1977).
As the main star, Chow Yun Fat generally owns this picture. As an actor, he's always watchable, and usually brings an element of underlying anger and cunning humour to most of the characters he plays.
A special mention should go to cinematographer Peter Pau, for capturing the senses and feel of the different stages of Confucius' life.
Confucius is an excellent mixture of action and plot, making it a subtle and accessible feature.
Special features include featurettes, galleries, trailers and previews.
Confucius is available on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 27.
