ALARIS' REVIEWS

4th January 2011
Three Kingdoms (2008)

With Hong Kong movie icons Andy Lau and Sammo Hung playing the leads in this period epic, there should have been melodrama, comedy, and possibly even pratfalls. Instead, we get a rather dour and unlikely history lesson with less plot than a Dynasty Warriors game.

Three Kingdoms is set in China during the tumultuous 3rd century, with the kingdoms of Wei, Shu and Wu locked in a decades long war. The film follows the story of Zhao Zilong (Lau), an ordinary villager who, through his courage, loyalty, and battle skill, rises to become one of the greatest Shu generals.

There’s nothing wrong with the premise – everyone loves a good rags to riches story. Unfortunately, the characters are lightly sketched, humourless and so underdeveloped they could have spawned from Tekken. The plot is oddly paced, with barely any time spent on Zilong’s actual rise through the ranks, and a disproportionate chunk of the film devoted to Zilong feeling nostalgic for a past we never get to see.

Hung’s character, Pingan, has even less to do as Zilong’s old friend. In fact, the most complex and engaging characters are the two main antagonists – warlord Cao Ying (Maggie Q) and her general, Rongguang Yu, who only appear towards the end of the film.

The story veers between the bland and the ludicrous, sometimes managing to be both at the same time. One scene involving Zilong rescuing a baby from an armed horde of thousands is a good example of a budget that could have gone to better things. The greatest problem in Three Kingdoms is the lack of character development, which leaves the audience uninvested in the shallowly presented players.

Having said that, Three Kingdoms is still far better than the depressingly grim Mulan (2009), but nowhere near as good as the rousing epic, Red Cliff (2008). Three Kingdoms could have benefited from more character complexity, a touch of humour, and a hint of Lau and Hung’s natural affability.

My highlight of the film would have to be the lute wielding warlord, Cao Ying. While a completely fictional character, it’s still cool to see a smart, female military commander with a mean sword arm.

Verdict: An underwhelming, Chinese period epic, with some amusingly ludicrous moments.

If you like Andy Lau, you might like this.

**