Zhao Wei Movies

Too epic in scope to be contained in just one film, the historical saga that began in John Woo's Red Cliff heats up as Prime Minister-turned-General Cao Cao (Zhang Fengyi) leads the Emperor's army southward to do battle with a small but resolute coalition led by fierce opponent Zhou Yu (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai). Incensed at the rebellion displayed by southern warlords Liu Bei (You Yong) and Sun Quan (Chang Chen), Emperor Xian (Wang Ning) grants his trusted General Cao Cao permission to crush their outspoken opponents. But the journey south isn't easy for Emperor Xian's massive military, and before long, the soldiers are tiring from lack of water and sheer exhaustion. Meanwhile, Zhou Yu's army draws a line in the sand and prepares to defend it with their lives. When typhoid breaks out among Cao Cao's troops, the quick-thinking strategist successfully infects Zhou's army with the disease, causing the latter to realize that psychological warfare has finally come into play. Subsequently deserted by Liu Bei, Zhou prepares to lead an army of approximately 30,000 men against Cao Cao's massive force of several hundred thousand. The battle drawing near, Zhuge Liang (Takeshi Kaneshiro) resorts to some clever tactics in order to undermine Cao Cao, and undercover princess Sun Shangxiang (Vicki Zhao) delivers secret messages from the Cao Cao's camp. As violence erupts on the Yangtze River, Zhou Yu's wife (Lin Chi-Ling) emerges to play an unexpectedly crucial role in the historical proceedings. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

For 10 years (1966-76) during the Cultural Revolution in the People's Republic of China, the Yang Ban Xi -- Revolutionary Model Opera -- was the only medium of artistic expression allowed to be performed or broadcast in China. These were large scale opera/ballet extravaganzas, their music derived from folk material and the now-banned Beijing Opera, and their stories and words extolling the liberation achieved for China by Mao Zedong (and all produced under the watchful eye of Mao's fourth wife, Jiang Qing) and reminding the people of the miseries of life under the feudal landlords and other counter-revolutionaries. They were performed on stage throughout the country, the artists involved becoming major stars in the process, and broadcast on television, and turned into movies; and they were the only entertainment permitted by the Chinese government for 10 years. Yang Ban Xi: The 8 Model Works focuses on the eight Yang Ban Xi (there were 15 in all) that were considered most exemplary by the government, providing a look at their deliriously over-the-top productions (including huge numbers of dancers, complex choreography, huge choruses, and, in the case of the movie versions, rich Technicolor filming) and their lingering appeal, decades after the Cultural Revolution came to a grinding halt. Almost as compelling as the classic works in the genre -- which includes scenes choreographed with dancer/soldiers carrying machine pistols and rifles and Mao's quotations -- are the interviews with the actors, dancers, directors, and writers, some of whom remain active as performers decades later, others of whom have faded into obscurity. And we get the odd "chorus" of a faux commentary by an actress portraying Jiang Qing, presenting a defense of her work and her life. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi

Jiang Wen, Zhao Wei, and Fang Lijun headline this romantic urban love story about a female professor who believes she can read her romantic future in a simple cup of tea. Wu is a successful college professor who could take her pick of handsome suitors, yet she cautiously abides by Lang Lang's advice to "Predict your love with a cup of tea." Smooth operator Chen thinks Wu's method of choosing a romantic partner is hopelessly absurd, but does her really know everything about women as he so arrogantly claims? ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

One of Hong Kong's top screen comics, Stephen Chow, co-wrote, co-directed, and headlines this three-way blend of sports, action, and humor. Sing (Stephen Chow) is a modern-day Shaolin monk who has become a master of traditional fighting skills, and is renowned for his "leg of steel." However, these days there isn't much call for a Shaolin warrior, and Sing and his fellow monks earn their keep working menial jobs until a soccer coach gets the bright idea of translating Sing's talent for kicking to the soccer field. Sing becomes the lynchpin of a team playing in a tournament that could net them a $1 million purse, but even with Sing's footwork, beating the steroid-fueled champions will be no easy task. Shaolin Soccer also features Man Tat Ng and Vicki Zhao. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi