Confucius 孔子：決戰春秋

Based primarily upon Confucius' life (551-479 BCE), the film is marred by legend and idealistic propaganda instead of purely fact alone. Part of the reason for this is that the source; texts compiling the political thinker's life, are solely based on disciples of disciples' accounts long after his death. But also the film's aim is that of the People's Republic of China, the financiers of the movie, celebrating the 60th anniversary of their founding. It's a politically motivated biography on a legend, rather than an accurate historical account.

Confucius is to China what Socrates is to the West; a political thinker, educator, and philosopher, whose ideals continue to be debated and influential today.

Developed with the assistance of the Chinese government's US$20 million budget, the movie seems to be a political project to promote Confucian philosophy, with authorities even freeing up 1,500 Avatar screenings in mainland China to display the feature. Placed at the helm, but with the 'helpful assistance' of the friendly communist party, Hu Mei couldn't take many risks. And for that the film suffers.

Aside from political elements, the movie is just plain slow.

It's a feature-length biography of Confucius' life and the ideology of his teachings, with very little in the way of narrative. Lacking in any novel merit, it sticks closely to the legend but doesn't offer anything untoward, other than a meek female encounter with a vixen-like princess, played by Zhou Xun (周迅). Princess Nan Zi spends most of her time flirting with Master Kong, but ultimately it's all smiles and winks as she's only included in the film to offer another avenue for it to venture.

Unfortunately the message being preached doesn't leave any significant influence, because we get bogged down in all the rites and benevolence natter. On a side note, the dialogue comes thick and fast, so be prepared to read the far from perfect English subtitles at a pace. Coupled with the discussions at hand — cultural teachings and political beliefs — the subtitles soon become a challenge, and it undermines the whole enjoyment factor. It comes as some relief then when the action finally arrives, as the dialogue slows. But when push comes to shove, the battle scenes are like child's play.

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