Two sword brothers of war in a historical Chinese era, running into conflicts with each other and because of a certain girl. Sounds familiar? Well it's because it has been done before many times in films. But that is just a small part of this whole well crafted film It actually has a great strategic and tactical story with characters that stand out. One is a Liu Bang who is a calm, courageous, collective, soft and yet strong-willed leader that also has a sense of wisdom and understanding. And yet manipulative and a sufficient schemer as well. His men are loyal to him for his will and heart. Liu Bang is backed up by a wise historical strategist that went by Zhang Liang, who was known for being diligent and clever. While the other side is is a powerful, confident, tough, charismatic and very ambitious leader that has good leadership qualities named Xiang Yu. His army is loyal to him for his strengths(plus he gets involved in the battles bravely). And a very wise counselor on his side that goes by Fan Zeng or Yafu. Who was even wiser than Zhang Liang was his right hand man and his mentor. Personally I liked Xiang Yu's character more, at least how he is portrayed in this film. It's a Chinese historical war movie with some exaggerated elements that has strategy and tactics. And both sides leaders are from Chu. Despite the situation it seemed like Zhang Liang or Fan Zeng should have been the emperor. Anyways both sides are on a race to defeat Qin army and save the people of Xiangyang while winning over the people. After the Chu lost to the Qin. The story is a good combination of brains, brawn, strategy, tactics and building strength and reputation within the two armies. In another words this isn't a narrow head to head, battles to battles movie. But a entertaining film that has a good story and substance and not just crazy swords and spears fighting. It's even more entertaining if the viewer doesn't know much about the outcome to this history. The whole thing is a grand-scale and thrilling power struggle. Where it doesn't pick a side but stays in the middle ground for the most part. Although it does focus more on Liu Bang's side a bit for a reason. Now a lot of what goes down in this film might be exaggerated or fictitious. A bit more development with the characters would have been better. And Crystal Yifei Liu character just seemed to be there just to add a bit or irrelevant romance element in. And give the two lead characters a bit more motivation. But it's still a enthralling, thrilling. fast-paced(for the most part) and entertaining film, sometimes that is what matters. It even had a high production and budget. Highly recommended to any one that wants to see a war/action film with substance.
8/10
8/10