Red cliff review

There's nothing like a good historical adventure movie and this is nothing like a good historical adventure movie; at least that was my initial reaction to “red cliff” international version or rather a UN-mercifully, hacked to pieces and a very confusing version of the story. This was before I saw the directors cut and boy, what an epic it was. I don't understand why the so called “international” version exists as one needs to see in in its full uncut form to truly appreciate what the director intended. Lets just hope that Hollywood doesn't decide to step in and (true to form) ruin this film with a remake. This film was a near perfect....from its characters to each of its camera shot and was very masterfully done. Being an action director, John Woo doesn't disappoint: bringing his unique style of martial arts (over the top but that's John Woo) to this epic and in places bringing a blend of Hollywood and Asian film making. The acting is top notch and all characters hold a very powerful presence which if you look at it must not have been so easy as there are so many personalities with their own chronicles. In wrapping up it has to be said that the “international” cut of the film or the “dumb” version of the film might appease a few but to really appreciate the story, go with the director's cut. I was a bit dubious buying the 2 disc blu-ray but am now glad that I did because the version I saw first made little sense.