Red Cliff

Red Cliff

Year: 2009

Runtime: 146 min

Language: Chinese

Director: John Woo

ActionAdventureDramaHistoryWar

During the late Eastern Han Dynasty, General Cao Cao seeks to conquer all of China. To oppose him, warlords Liu Bei and Sun Quan forge an alliance, uniting their forces. Guided by the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang and the skilled warrior Zhou Yu, they prepare for a monumental clash. The ensuing conflict becomes an epic struggle for survival, demanding unwavering courage and shaping the future of the empire.

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Timeline – Red Cliff (2009)

Trace every key event in Red Cliff (2009) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

The Flight of the Peasants

In the Autumn of 208 AD, a significant number of 100,000 peasants led by their commander Liu Bei find themselves in a desperate situation. They are fleeing from a formidable million-man army under the command of Cao Cao, seeking a safe refuge.

Autumn 208 AD Great River
2

Seeking Alliance

The desperate peasants seek refuge with Sun Quan, the leader of the southern territories. This meeting is critical as both factions realize they must unite against the overwhelming force of Cao Cao if they are to survive the impending invasion.

Southern Territories
3

Cao Cao's Naval Strategy

Cao Cao prepares to invade the south, intending to completely annihilate Liu Bei and Sun Quan's forces. His plans include deploying a massive naval fleet, escalating the tensions between the factions to critical levels.

Cao Cao's Camp
4

The Grand Battle Strategy

Strategists Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu formulate a bold strategy to defeat Cao Cao's naval fleet by setting his 10,000 ships ablaze. Their plan relies on manipulating the North Wind to ensure their victory through clever deception.

Red Cliffs
5

Battle of Changban

As Cao Cao's forces advance, they engage in the Battle of Changban, where chaos reigns and the valiant warriors stall for time to protect civilians. Notable heroes like Zhuge Liang and Zhao Yun exhibit extraordinary combat skills.

Summer 208 AD Changban
6

Zhao Yun's Heroic Rescue

Zhao Yun, displaying unwavering loyalty, enters the fray to save Liu Bei's family. Despite the chaos, he manages only to rescue Liu's infant son, showcasing both his bravery and the dire situation of Liu Bei's family.

Changban
7

Diplomatic Efforts

In a bid to unite against Cao Cao, Liu Bei's chief advisor Zhuge Liang embarks on a diplomatic mission to Eastern Wu to secure an alliance with Sun Quan. The negotiation involves complex political maneuvering and showcases Zhuge Liang's persuasive skills.

Eastern Wu
8

Formation of the Alliance

Initially hesitant, Sun Quan is persuaded to engage in combat against Cao Cao. This pivotal moment is further influenced by a compelling tiger hunt with Zhou Yu and his sister, Sun Shangxiang, which strengthens their resolve.

Eastern Wu
9

Preparation for Conflict

With the alliance secured, the troops of Liu Bei and Sun Quan gather to strategize for the imminent confrontation with Cao Cao. They aim to outmaneuver Cao Cao’s approaching army and hold their ground at the strategically important Red Cliff.

Red Cliff
10

Cao Cao's Defeat

The allied forces strategically bait Cao Cao's vanguard into a trap, leading to a significant defeat for his advance troops. Despite the initial victory, Cao Cao sets up camp across from the allies, hinting at the escalating nature of the conflict.

Cao Cao's Camp
11

Spy Infiltration

Sun Shangxiang successfully infiltrates Cao Cao's camp to gather critical intelligence, managing to navigate through enemy lines. Meanwhile, disease begins to spread among Cao Cao's forces, foreshadowing trouble for both sides.

Cao Cao's Camp
12

A Devious Maneuver

In a twisted strategy, Cao Cao sends corpses to the allied camp to spread disease, attempting to break their morale. This desperation serves to escalate the tensions as the plague begins to affect the allied army's strength.

Allied Camp
13

Zhuge Liang's Clever Tactics

Zhuge Liang devises a remarkable plan to gather 100,000 arrows using straw boats, which raises suspicion among Cao Cao's own commanders, leading to their executions. His cunning and strategic mind prove crucial for the allied forces.

Cao Cao's Camp
14

The Climactic Battle

With the favorable South-East Wind at their backs, the allied forces launch a fierce assault against Cao Cao's fleet. A decisive battle ensues, marked by considerable losses but culminating in a major victory for Liu Bei and Sun Quan.

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15

A Foreboding Victory

The battle concludes with Cao Cao's navy in ruins, as the allied forces push forward on land. Despite their triumph, an air of tension remains as they confront Cao Cao, leaving a warning for him to never return, full of unresolved fears and future conflicts.

Red Cliffs

Last Updated: November 07, 2024 at 23:17

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