The Chinese film “Red Cliff” presents the epic war story of the battle between the Kingdom of Wei and “rebels” – the Kingdoms of Chu and Wu. It was directed by John Woo, who tried to pass the atmosphere of ancient China - the time when the Han dynasty came to its end. The film is separated into two parts, as the story takes in total over four hours. The heroes of the film are presented greatly – they all have different characters and life positions, their hobbies differ too (“Red Cliff”).
How do the characters make reference to Confucianism and personify its value?
Confucianism considered morality, ethics and governance issues, so the main principle is humanity. The characters of the film achieve it through self-development and strict compliance with rituals and laws that are accepted by the society. The author pays great attention to the details while shooting the film. The characters lived their lives following the principles of Confucianism. They were eager to get justice anywhere they were and no matter what they were going to do. Liu Bei is the warlord, who refused to continue the battle when he realized that his people could suffer: not warriors, but civilians. He is not blinded by power, he is going to refuse any great proposal of salvation in order to help his people. Zhou Yu is the Admiral, the vice governor of the Kingdom of Wu, who devotes himself to serve to the country. He followed the methods of ruling the army that had been established by his predecessors. Every member of his family was ready to help those, who were in need.
How does the characterization echo Confucianism?
The members of the royal family progressed in everything they started: painting, archery or dancing; using the good force and thoughts, they were to enter the Heaven, according to the principles of Confucianism. They seemed to have reached Ren – they took care of others while establishing themselves. According to the studies, everyone is born with the sense of Ren, so they tried to find this sense in any person from their surrounding – they respected their citizens a lot and saw no differences between themselves and lieges. The Kingdom of Wu also preferred to being guided by the principles of Li – they thought of paying less attention to punishment and providing the studies of Li ritual. In the army of the Admiral, the soldiers practiced Li as well as warfare. Confucius once said that any prince had to employ his minister following the rules of propriety, and these ministers had to serve their prince with loyalty (qtd. in Chan).
What does the film/original story say about how to be a good king/leader and how to be a righteous person?
The film shows the story of how a young king becomes more confident and tried to rule the country in a right way. He enlists a lot of support from his family and friends, so we can consider that good governance can be reached if a person rules the country being surrounded with faithful and dedicated people. The inborn virtues ensure high esteems for the king, as the child has to resemble his parents, and it appeared to be the truth in the film. The royal family seems to be “junzi” – the superior men, who seek to help and improve those, who are named “xiaoren”. The warriors had several possibilities to kill Cao Cao, but they left him live, as he did not deserve the fast death. Everyone has to come after God`s laws to be a righteous person. All of “junzi” are righteous, because they do not consider their supremacy to be the method to rule the world.
According to the film, Sun Quan and his brother Zhou Yu are good leaders, as they analyze the whole situation in their demesnes and make decisions, which will not affect any aspect of the government. Any rude force cannot overcome courage and commitment of those people, who are ready to sacrifice their peaceful lives in order to improve the situation in the country, to save many innocent lives.
“Red Cliff” is the film, where John Woo perfectly portrayed two opposite ways of the country management. He met us with many different personalities and showed us how they were fully developed as ordinary people and as warlords.
Works Cited
Chan, Wing-tsit (1963). A Source Book in Chinese Philosophy. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.
Woo, John, dir. Red Cliff. Chengtian Entertainment, 2008-2009. Film
