Red Cliff

Red Cliff

Year: 2009

Runtime: 146 min

Language: Chinese

Director: John Woo

ActionAdventureDramaHistoryWar

As power-hungry General Cao Cao launches a brutal campaign to crush rival warlords Liu Bei and Sun Quan, a desperate alliance forms between the two leaders, with Zhuge Liang's strategic genius and Zhou Yu's battle-hardened expertise guiding their valiant resistance. Against overwhelming odds, they wage an epic struggle that will shape China's destiny and test the mettle of their unwavering courage.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Red Cliff yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Red Cliff (2009)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Red Cliff (2009). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Autumn of 208 AD

The Autumn of 208 AD was marked by intense military conflicts in ancient China as warlords vied for power and control. This period is prominently featured in the historical narrative of the Three Kingdoms, which encapsulates themes of strategy, loyalty, and betrayal. The events during this time set the stage for the eventual division of China into rival kingdoms.

Location

Yangtze River, Red Cliff

The Yangtze River, known as the Great River, is the longest river in Asia and has historically served as a critical transportation route in China. It is often associated with pivotal battles and events, such as the Battle of Red Cliffs, which was a crucial moment in the Three Kingdoms period. Red Cliff itself is an iconic site that symbolizes the strategic military operations that took place during ancient China.

🌊 Great River 🏰 Historical Site

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Main Characters – Red Cliff (2009)
Meet the key characters of Red Cliff (2009), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Liu Bei (Tony Leung Chiu Wai)

Liu Bei is a noble and compassionate leader who fights to protect his people from the tyranny of Cao Cao. His deep loyalty to his allies and family drives his actions throughout the film, showcasing his dedication even in times of despair. As a character, he embodies the values of righteousness and moral integrity in a tumultuous era.

⚔️ Warrior 👑 Leader

Zhou Yu (Takeshi Kaneshiro)

Zhou Yu is a brilliant strategist and commander who plays a pivotal role in devising plans to outsmart Cao Cao. He is depicted as courageous and loyal, often torn between personal feelings and his duty to his country. His character reflects the challenges of leadership and the burden of making tough decisions during war.

🎖️ Strategist 🔥 Brave

Zhuge Liang (Fengyi Zhang)

Zhuge Liang is portrayed as a wise and resourceful strategist, instrumental in uniting the forces against Cao Cao. His intelligence and quick-thinking abilities often save the day, showcasing the critical role of cunning in warfare. He symbolizes the ideal of selflessness and wisdom amidst chaos.

🧠 Genius 🤔 Diplomat

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26

Major Themes – Red Cliff (2009)
Explore the central themes of Red Cliff (2009), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ War & Strategy

The movie explores themes of war and strategy as characters navigate complex political alliances and military tactics to achieve victory. The ingenuity in battle plans, such as the use of fire and manipulation of winds, illustrates the importance of cunning and foresight in warfare. This theme resonates throughout the narrative, showcasing how strategy can shape the tide of battle.

🤝 Alliance & Betrayal

Alliance and betrayal are central themes in the film as it tells the story of historical leaders forming temporary alliances to confront a common enemy. Characters grapple with the dynamics of trust and loyalty, especially in the face of betrayal from within their ranks. This theme underscores the fragility of alliances in times of conflict.

🔥 Courage & Sacrifice

Courage and sacrifice are prevalent throughout the story, emphasizing the lengths to which the characters will go to protect their loved ones and their land. The bravery displayed by warriors in the face of overwhelming odds reflects the human spirit's resilience and determination. This theme resonates deeply, highlighting both personal and collective sacrifices amid war.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:26