Release: 2008
Director: Daniel Lee http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0496752/
Writer(s):
Daniel Lee
Guanzhong Luo (story) http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0526824/
Cast:
Andy Lau http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0490489/
Sammo Hung Kam-Bo http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005033/
Maggie Q http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0702572/
Ratings:
Rotten Tomatoes: 47% Audience http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/saam-gwok-dzi-gin-lung-se-gap-three-kingdoms-resurrection-of-the-dragon/
IMDb: 5.9/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0882978/
Netflix: 3.7 Stars
Review:
Three Kingdoms: Resurrection of the Dragon is based on the book series written by Guanzhong Luo. Most of his works deal with the Three Kingdoms and as with tomorrows Movie Red Cliff are milatary history films and books. Which as an American we dig for some reason as these type of films are what propelled Jet Li into super stardom and is what have come to expect in modern marital arts films. Getting away from the Bruce Lee type films.
Which is honestly a growth in our part and also in the funding for Chinese Films by the government. Although for this one despite it trying to be realistic and with a huge budget. It could not have missed more than it did. With comic book type action and disbelief to the over the top fighting. This movie was a mock at the source material instead of a literal translation. Which is fine if The Asylum can do that with American Blockbusters so can the Chinese with their A-List films. Take in point Red Cliff and this film which both released in the same year and tell nearly the same story.
But unlike The Asylum productions. This movie is actually pretty good. Never great but up to par with lower A-List fair that comes out in the United States with its production, action and acting. With saying that this story centers around Zhao Zilong played by Andy Lau. Who is an above average soldier and his rise and ultimate fall. Which is a typical Chinese mythology film. Even Hero had it where he dies in the end and the same can be said of this one. That is just not a spoiler as this is more common place in Asian film than in US films.
Where if the film is a box office smash. They want the chance to milk it for a sequel or two. So I am glad that Chinese cinema does not take this approach usually. Which to me is refreshing and it is the soul reason I enjoy movies like this. At the same time there are parts of this film that made me just say oh what the fuck. As you see men flying after being shot by a crossbow, bouts of super human strength and just unbelievable moments through out.
Outside of those this a decent film. Not one I will watch again as it is easily forgotten once its over. Nor does it carry with a weight of a Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon or House of Flying Daggers. But for what it is and that is a middle of the road Asian action war movie it is enjoyable and worth at least a single viewing.
My Rating; 3/5 Stars
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