When it was our turn, we picked this movie, which was also on my to-watch list; just that I was not sure on DVD or live in cinema and seems like fate has decided for us.
There were no worries of tickets running out or even losing the good seats to desperate movie-goers and we had good seats to ourselves.
In fact, the theatre was kinda empty when we went in; showing the level of interest people had in this movie.
I find it rather sad; for both the producers and also the audience.
I have always been interested in literature, and when I heard about this movie, I was looking forward to checking it out =)
So, here's my review after spending RM10 watching it in GSC and chilling myself in the cold air-conditioned theatre for two hours:
Director: Hu Mei
The greatest sage of all time is played by veteran and award winning actor of international fame Chow Yun Fatt in this philosophical movie.
Confucius; known as Kong Qiu or his honorary title Zhong Ni, was an educator and a teacher of his time, serving the Duke of Lu in the Lu Kingdom.
(Chow Yun Fatt as Kong Qiu)
His wisdom and capabilities were recognized by the ruler of the country and was appointed the Acting Interior of the kingdom in assistance to the Prime Minister in a short time.
His shot to fame and power in the government stirred the jealousy and displease of the ministers and three affluent and influential families. Together they try to drive Kong Qiu out of the government by all means, however, to no avail due to the ruler’s high opinion of the wise man.
Kong Qiu’s performance in running the kingdom and maintaining the peace and harmony according to his virtues pleased the ruler to no end and appeased the minister and noble families until Confucius presented his idea of Razing the Walls in the city; which borders the territories of the families.
Confucius was intent on breaking the influence of the noble families whose extent of authority and status were displayed through the elevated height of the border walls and could prevent the formation of an ideal society as depicted in Confucius’s teachings.
The Duke/Ruler of Lu Kingdom was resistant towards the idea initially but reluctantly allowed for the proceeding, angering the noble families which led to the Prime Minister Ji presenting a threat message to the ruler to abandon the idea or risk the attack from the alliance of the families.
The ruler’s decision disappointed Confucius but at the same time, the Prime Minister, under the influence of the other families, took advantage of the situation to drive Confucius out in exile.
Confucius was then forced out of Lu Kingdom and wandered; stopping at Wei Kingdom where he was welcomed by the Duke and his royal consort, Nanzi who was in full awe of him.
Their brief meeting resulted in Confucius’s departure from Wei Kingdom to avoid an dangerous liaisons with the royal consort who had clearly expressed interest in him but yet impressed him with her wit and wisdom.
Confucius then started wandering for years, from one place to another and with no place to call home. His loyal disciples escorted him along the way, staying diligent by his side even in the harsh condition such as suffering from starvation and the weather.
Slowly, his disciples were summoned by the different kingdoms which recognized their potentials and requested for their services in their kingdoms.
As Confucius grew older, he had to face the fate of losing his disciples to the harsh condition and also war and he slowly gained enlightenment of his old teacher’s teachings and his own perceptions.
(Aged Kong Qiu - picture from Sina for illustration purpose)
He was finally invited to return to the Lu Kingdom by the aging and sick Prime Minister who realized his talents and sent his son on an official entourage to bring Confucius back.
Confucius agreed, upon one condition, that he only wanted to teach in the kingdom and will not meddle in the political affairs anymore.
Confucius finally returned to his motherland, and was full of heartfelt passion as he bowed at the gates into the city; a place where he called home and finally continue his mission to educate the people.
It remained his duty until his dying days and he was well known for his writings and also virtues which gained him the title of the Great Sage and Educator of all time and his teachings remained influential till this very day.
This is probably the first movie that made me feel calm and virtuous.
Of course, being a movie of the greatest philosopher of all times, it is bound to be full of virtues and moral values.
I found myself enjoying this movie, despite the dull background which was practically full of only grayish and blue attires prominent of scholars of that time.
The message which was delivered in the movie is useful for the young generation and in instilling the good values for their future development.
It is a philosophical based movie, but I think it emphasized on the right values in educating the people of today and in forming the basis for a harmonious and peaceful society.
Initially I even had doubts of Chow Yun Fatt’s portrayal of the great man as he lacked the mannerism and charisma of the wise sage, but in the movie, he proved me wrong as his graceful mannerism was truly convincing of that of the wise philosopher.
Zhou Xun had a brief cameo appearance her as the Duchess of Wei Kingdom who admired Kong Qiu and even expressed her interest in him. She had an interesting role of the woman behind the ruling curtains in the kingdom and yet was the scandal of herself.
Besides the scene where Zhou Xun had a face to face meeting with Kong Qiu, there is no other element of romance in this movie and yet, it made up in the loyalty and friendship factor among the disciples of Confucius.
It is definitely a heart-warming and purpose driven movie which I would highly recommend to all the young and old alike, as long as you don’t mind listening to the moral education being taught throughout the movie but I think that is the main purpose in watching this movie!
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