Red Cliff / Chi bi

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: June 30, 2008 (South Korea) / November 25, 2009 (USA)

DVD Release Date: July 29, 2009 (Finland)

Plot 411: Two leaders join forces to fight against the corrupt Prime Minister.

Review: For the record, I watched the American release of this film. I hope to watch the international version and compare the differences. This film was epic in scale and was set during the Han dynasty. A power-hungry, self-appointed prime minister named Cao Cao forces the emperor's hand to decree war against two other clan leaders. Cao Cao seemingly does so for the prestige it will bring him, but we later find out it is all for a woman (an homage to Helen of Troy?). The clan leaders, Liu Bei and Sun Quan, decide to join forces to defeat the corrupt Cao Cao despite their severe shortage in warriors. Their main military men are strategist Zhuge Liang and viceroy Zhou Yu. This film is rivals the artistic beauty and plot of 300. It is able to capture the beauty and ugliness of war, the selfless sacrifice of soldiers and the skills of quality leaders. The large set pieces are amazing! Even though you can tell CGI is being used, the Chinese somehow make it look artistic rather than hokey. Starring in this film are Tony Leung, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Zhang Fengyi and Chang Chen.

Watch It: For its realistic battle

Skip It: Because you might want to watch the international version instead. I hear it's four hours long!

The Spirit

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 14, 2009

Plot 411: An undead cop is a masked avenger in a city full of crime.

Review: I hated this movie despite the fact that I completely loved the Spirit's deep, throaty voice. This is the main reason I didn't eject the dvd after a mere 10 minutes. I couldn't get into the plot at all. Perhaps it's because I'm not a comic book fan and am not familiar with this character? Maybe it's because the movie is targeted at guys and girls aren't meant to get it? I'm not sure. But, in any case, this was completely bizarre to me. I enjoyed 300 and thought Sin City was watchable, but I couldn't get with the program on this one. For those of you who don't know, the Spirit used to be a cop named Denny. He died but came back to life. Now he's a masked crime fighter who helps cops bring in bad guys. Ok, that I get. What I don't get is why women are drawn to the Spirit like he's some kind of rock star. I don't get why he keeps seeing a woman who I interpret to be the messenger of death and why she seems to be in love with him too. Also, what's up with the weird Parisan girl, the demented doctor and his assistant? Someone please explain this to me. One undeniably cool thing was the graphic novel feel that the movie had. Of course, with Frank Miller behind the wheel it's bound to look amazing. The cool black/white contrast; the odd camera angle selections; the incredible CGI work - all of this was amazing. Oh and the Spirit's voice. Did I mention it's to die for?

Watch It: Mostly if you're a Frank Miller fan or into comics.

Skip It: If you're clueless about the world of graphic novels.

Trailer: