Confucius
Seen it?2010 | 125 min | Drama, History
Weeknight Watchearly ratingWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With almost no lasting buzz and middling reviews (45% on Rotten Tomatoes), it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved The Last Emperor or The Miracle Worker, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 5 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- It's in Chinese, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
In 500 B.C., during Chinas famed 'Spring and Autumn Period', Kong Ze (Confucius), a commoner reverred for his outstanding wisdom, is made Minister of Law in the ancient Kingdom of Lu. Under his inspired leadership, Lu ascends to new heights but becomes a target of conquest for the warlike nation of Qi. Threatened with annihilation by their powerful neighbour, a desperate people turn to their greatest teacher to lead their most powerful army. When Confucius delivers a stunning victory against all odds, a jealous aristocracy sets out to destroy him, but they should never under-estimate a remarkable man whose wisdom is more powerful than the sword.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
45% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesBelow par
6.0 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$19 million worldwide on a $22 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactWeak
About 10K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Hu Mei
- Chow Yun-FatConfucius
- Zhou XunNan Zi
- Wang BanShu Sunwu
- Chen JianbinJi Sunsi
- Ren QuanYan Hui
- Yao LuLu Jun
- Liu FengchaoQi Sigong (young)
- Chen RanConfucius' daughter
- Lu YiJi Sunfei
- Zhang KailiQi Guanshi