Red Cliff Review

Messages: Though this is a war movie with plenty of violence, it's obvious that it ultimately doesn't support war. The heroes enter into battle reluctantly and only when it's clear that there are no other options. It's also clear that the villain is in the wrong and that his victory would spell disaster. The heroes win by using their heads and hearts, rather than brute force or mindless attacks. It's a definite David-and-Goliath story, with the heroes standing up against impossible odds and finding clever, cunning ways to enter the fray.

Role models: Once it's established that the characters are going to war out of necessity rather than because they want to or because it looks fun, they become interesting role models. They show great respect for one another, use their knowledge and instinct to succeed, and rely on each other to make up for their own weaknesses. By teaming up against impossible odds, they become a more effective force. There are also two strong female characters, each of whom takes action and risks her life for the common good.

Violence: Some heavy battle violence, with spraying blood and falling horses. Characters are stabbed with lances, and a character loses a hand. The villain sends several rafts piled with typhoid-infected corpses, inflicting the heroic soldiers who try to bury the bodies. There's also plenty of martial arts-related violence, and a scene in which a tremendous fire spreads across a fleet of ships, causing untold damage and death.

Sex: One sex scene between married adults. No nudity is shown, and the scene is very soft/gentle, but it's very clearly sex. There's also some very tame flirting between two soldiers (one is a girl disguised as a boy).

Language: Not an issue.

Consumerism: Not an issue.

Drinking, drugs and smoking: In one scene, characters pour liquor on the ground in homage to their fallen comrades and also take a few sips. A character mixes some drugged tea for a villain to drink.