A Battle of Wits (2006 film)
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| A Battle of Wits | |
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 Teaser poster. |
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| Directed by | Jacob Cheung |
| Written by | Jacob Cheung Ken'ichi Sakemi (novel) Hideki Mori (manga) |
| Starring | Andy Lau Ahn Sung-ki Fan Bingbing Nicky Wu Choi Siwon |
| Music by | Kenji Kawai |
| Cinematography | Yoshitaka Sakamoto |
| Editing by | Kwong Chi-Leung |
| Distributed by | Sundream Motion Pictures EDKO Film |
| Release date(s) |  November 23, 2006 |
| Running time | 133 min. |
| Country | Hong Kong |
| Official website | |
| IMDb profile | |
A Battle of Wits (Chinese and Japanese: 墨攻; pinyin: Mò Gōng; rōmaji: Bokkō or Bokukō; literally: "Mohist Attack") is a 2006 Hong Kong historical action drama film, based upon a Japanese historical novel of the same name, which was in turn inspired by Warring States history in China. A manga series was written by Hideki Mori, also based on the novel. Directed by Jacob Cheung, the film stars Andy Lau, Ahn Sung-ki, Fan Bingbing, Nicky Wu, and newcomer Choi Siwon.
[edit] Plot
The film is set in the Warring States Period of China. The state of Zhao invades the (fictional) city-state of Liang. Ge Li (Andy Lau), a Mohist, comes to Liang to help protect the city. He warns of the dangers of surrendering to an invading Zhao army that intends to conquer Liang. The king of Liang worries about Ge Li inciting war amongst the public, but decides to allow him to temporarily aid in defending Liang.
Ge Li's creates a bulwark and various traps to slow down the invading army. The Prince and Generals of Liang question his leadership and skills as a tactician, but time after time, his tactics were right. The Prince of Liang eventually develops a high level of respect for Ge Li's wisdom and experience. After Ge Li successfully defends the kingdom from superior numbers, he becomes highly revered by the local populace.
Feeling threatened by Ge Li's popularity, the king of Liang plots to have him be deposed of rank and executed on false charges. Ge Li returns from a scouting mission and is charged with starting a war under false pretenses. The Prince of Liang fakes a fight against Ge Li so that he can use himself as a hostage to help free Ge Li. The improved arrows that Ge Li used to help defend Liang were then ironically used against him. The Prince of Liang is killed in the incident. Ge Li's sympathizers are falsely accused of being part of a rebellion against Liang, and they are tortured and executed.
The King of Liang foolishly believes the Zhao army has already left, but the Zhao army raids the city in a surprise attack. Ge Li returns with a surviving group of the Liang army to restore power to the people of Liang. After the conflict, Ge Li leaves with some orphans of Liang to promote peace among kingdoms. The King of Liang would be killed five years later, and eventually the Qin army would unite China and became the first dynasty, the Qin Dynasty.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Official website of A Battle of Wits
- Muk gong at the Internet Movie Database
- A Battle of Wits at LoveHKFilm.com
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