Watch Confucius

Confucius is a historical epic film released in 2010 that portrays the life and teachings of one of China's most prominent philosophers, Confucius, played by legendary actor Chow Yun-Fat. Directed by Hu Mei, the film explores the complex political and social turmoil of ancient China as Confucius attempts to impart his wisdom to his disciples and the ruling elite.

The story begins with Confucius, a middle-aged scholar, who despite his humble background, has gained a reputation for his erudition and insights into human nature. As political tensions rise in his home state, Confucius is dismissed from his post as a Minister of Justice, resulting in his departure from the state.

With his reputation in tatters, Confucius travels as a nomad across China, searching for patrons who would appreciate his wisdom. During his travels, he meets Nanzi, a young woman, played by Xun Zhou, who becomes his devoted follower, as well as his student, Zigong. Together, they embark on a journey to spread Confucianism and promote peace throughout China.

As Confucius gains more admirers, he is soon called upon to offer counsel to the rulers of Lu, where he was once a minister. Despite his past grievances, Confucius agrees to return, hopeful of bringing about positive change through his teachings.

However, upon his return to Lu, Confucius realizes that the state's rulers are corrupt and hypocritical, with no interest in promoting the common good. In the face of such adversity, Confucius espouses virtues such as honesty, loyalty, and benevolence, hoping to inspire those around him to lead virtuous lives.

Despite facing numerous challenges, including imprisonment and betrayal, Confucius remains steadfast in his teachings, convinced that his philosophy holds the key to improving human society.

The film is set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes and intricate period costumes that bring ancient China to life. The attention to detail is evident in the historical accuracy of the settings and the behavior of the characters, capturing the essence of Confucianism and its impact on Chinese culture. The cinematography of Confucius is exquisite, with sweeping shots and intricate camera work that highlights the film's beauty and intensity.

Chow Yun-Fat's portrayal of Confucius is powerful and nuanced, providing insight into the complexities of the philosopher's character. The supporting cast is equally impressive, particularly Jianbin Chen, who plays Lu Buwei, an ambitious advisor to the state's ruling family.

Overall, Confucius is a resonant tale of a philosopher's struggle to promote his ideas of virtue and morality in the face of political turmoil and societal upheaval. The film provides a unique insight into the life and teachings of Confucius and the impact of ancient Chinese philosophy on contemporary society. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in Chinese history and culture.

Confucius is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.