CONFUCIUS (Funimation, 2010) D: Hu Mei, w/ Chow Yun-Fat, Zhou Xun. Rating: NN DVD package: NNNN Rating: NN
Chinese philosopher Confucius, (551-471 BCE) was noted for his ethical teaching and practice, among other things. At 51, he became minister of law in his home city-state of Lu.
The filmmakers use his public office as a jumping-off point to involve the sage in politics with rival factions and diplomacy/war with neighbouring states bent on conquest. Confucius is successful and rises even higher – so high that he’s perceived as a threat and exiled to years of poverty-stricken wandering.
Some of this is fairly lively, most notably Confucius’s debate with lifelong rival Gongshan Niu over the killing of a slave boy, his meeting with Lao Tzu, a couple of battle scenes, an encounter with a king’s mistress and a long trek across a frozen lake, but there’s much politicking to get through, and lots of unfamiliar names and places. Explanatory subtitles help, but it’s a bit of a slog.
Chow Yun-Fat has the gravitas to portray Confucius as a gentle man determined to live an ethical life, comfortable in his choices and strong enough to stand by them, though it isn’t always easy.
The eight-part making-of doc goes into great detail on the production but reveals little about the historical Confucius.
EXTRAS Eight-part making-of doc, more. Mandarin audio. English subtitles.
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