A Battle of Wits

A few hundred years before Christ, China was divided into seven states that all were after absolute power. Battle of Witts takes place in 370 BC. The state of Zhao has sent 100,000 soldiers to attack the smaller state of Liang. Outclassed in military power, Liang sends for the mysterious Ge Li (played by the experienced Andy Lau) from the pacifist tribe of Mozi to organise the defence. He warns Liang against giving up the battle and submit to the attackers, but how can one man lead the forces of a city state against such a massive attack?

Battle of Witts is a historical action drama of the highest order – one of the most exciting and most impressive among last year’s Chinese films. In renowned Chinese film tradition, this epic can offer marvellous and detailed costumes and scenography, an impressive number of extras and magnificent, well-choreographed fight scenes. Even though the battle scenes are central to the film, Ge Li’s Mozi philosophy is important to the film. This philosophical movement was at the height of its power at the time of the film’s action. In this way, Battle of Witts is different from other films depicting the same historical era.

The film is based upon a Japanese manga, Bokkou, which is again based upon a novel of the same name. Battle of Witts was nominated for as many as seven awards during this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards, including the award for Best Direction. kk