As much as I wanted to and tried, I just couldn't really get into this movie. Despite some amazing set pieces and good fight sequences, I was never blown away.
I had a problem with some of the characters, who weren't well motivated. Even towards the end, characters were introduced I was supposed to care about, but couldn't due to lack of characterization and back story. The protagonist, Ge Li (Andy Lau), a Mozi warrior, arrives in the city of Liang to offer assistance in their fight against the Zhao army. We actually never really learn his true identity throughout the film. At one stage he tells the Prince he goes wherever he is needed, to offer warfare advice. This means he will even go to the very enemy they are fighting, to help them fight. I therefore never really viewed him as a hero. Ge Li is a brilliant strategist, though, with some fantastic tactics - beautifully displayed during the course of the film.
The story was told from both perspectives, although mainly from the Liang offensive. As the film progressed, I started rooting for the enemy instead, and later wasn't really sure who's side I'm meant to be on. The film's visuals also looked a bit dated. I also found the film slow moving and overlong.
I often find it difficult to follow Mandarin war stories - especially films set in medieval or ancient times. If you're into this genre, there are far better films out there. 'Red Cliff' and 'Saving General Yang' comes to mind. Personally, I prefer South Korean war films or period pieces, which I find far more superior. 'Battle of Wits' is nevertheless a very good production, which deserves at least one viewing.
I had a problem with some of the characters, who weren't well motivated. Even towards the end, characters were introduced I was supposed to care about, but couldn't due to lack of characterization and back story. The protagonist, Ge Li (Andy Lau), a Mozi warrior, arrives in the city of Liang to offer assistance in their fight against the Zhao army. We actually never really learn his true identity throughout the film. At one stage he tells the Prince he goes wherever he is needed, to offer warfare advice. This means he will even go to the very enemy they are fighting, to help them fight. I therefore never really viewed him as a hero. Ge Li is a brilliant strategist, though, with some fantastic tactics - beautifully displayed during the course of the film.
The story was told from both perspectives, although mainly from the Liang offensive. As the film progressed, I started rooting for the enemy instead, and later wasn't really sure who's side I'm meant to be on. The film's visuals also looked a bit dated. I also found the film slow moving and overlong.
I often find it difficult to follow Mandarin war stories - especially films set in medieval or ancient times. If you're into this genre, there are far better films out there. 'Red Cliff' and 'Saving General Yang' comes to mind. Personally, I prefer South Korean war films or period pieces, which I find far more superior. 'Battle of Wits' is nevertheless a very good production, which deserves at least one viewing.