Movie Review: Confucius

After a Chinese fantasy-action film that I’ve seen, I’ve decided to watch a historical/biographical movie about a famous Chinese figure. I bet everyone else has heard about the name Confucius. In Chinese, 孔夫子 Kong Fu Zi (means Master Kung). He’s the pioneer in making education available to all. No wonder a lot of schools, and institutes were named after him.  If you’ve noticed, my blog’s header design was a saying from Confucius. I’ve decided to put a Chinese saying there, because the theme of this blog is all about Chinese. At first I really have no idea about the life story of Confucius. I thought he was a just a philosopher and a wise teacher. 

The character of Confucius was portrayed by a well-known Chinese action star, Chow Yun Fat. This is the first time that I’ve seen him play a character, that’s mellow, or someone who doesn’t fight with others, or someone who does martial arts. It’s refreshing to see him play a different role. 

I wonder why this movie didn’t make so much noise like the other Hollywood movies. I really liked the scenery, the costume of the characters, and I like just about everything in the movie. It has even a nice OST, “Virtues of the Silent Orchid”, sung by Faye Wong. For a China and Chinese studies enthusiast like me, this movie is a must-see! You’ll know more about Chinese history, and the period where Confucius live. 

I also typed my favourite lines from the movie, or statements that has strucked me the most. So it took me almost half of the day to finish this movie. I also made a drawing, sort of fan art tribute to one of the world’s greatest teacher. Like in one of my shout-outs that I’ve posted before in a social network, “If the Greeks have Plato, and Socrates, so do China. They have Confucius, (and Lao Tzu).” If you haven’t seen this movie I suggest you watch it now. You will have a better understanding of China, the man, his life, his works and the legacy that he left behind. 

Here are some of my favourite lines from the movie, and below I've included the music video, and the English translation of the song.

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My favorite lines from the movie:

Kong Qiu: Minister, benevolence is love towards our fellow men. A ritual murder is still murder, even if it complies with tradition. Lord Shu, you showed benevolence towards a pheasant.  Now I ask you, surely you must also speak up for this wounded boy?

The Zhou code of ethics teaches us to value human life above all. The burial of slaves was practiced in barbarous times. It was outlawed in our dynasty when the Zhou reign commenced. Our kingdom of Lu is the ancient home of the Duke of Zhou, known for its ethics. We should think afresh and abandon outdated traditions.

Gen. Gongshan:  It was Lord Ki Pingzi’s dying wish that those he loved should die with him. It is not cruel to bury this slave. Rather, it demonstrates the Minister’s filial piety! His love for his father!

Kong Qiu: Gen. GongShan I know you served Lord Pingzi for years. I hear he said many times that he could not live without you.

Gen. Gongshan: Right, that’s correct.

Kong Qiu: Given how close you were to him, he must still need you now that he has passed on to the next life. If you were willing to accompany your lord in death, I could not object to you taking this young slave with you. It seems the Gen. is not willing to serve his master beyond the grave. He imposes on others what he will not impose on himself. 

Kong Qiu: "Rotten wood is hard to curve."

 

Kong Qiu: The poem means, “Even while courting a gentleman observes all proprieties.”

"The hardness of the task is the measure of the gentleman."

"Poetry, books, ethics, music , a gentleman must understand all these. Rulers should treat ministers with courtesy, ministers serve rulers with loyalty. Loyalty and filial piety are the keys to humanity and harmony. All professions may prosper. Close to home, attend your parents. Further afield, placate your neighbours. There is also much to learn, including the names of birds, beasts, grasses and trees."

“Only in winter does the pine show its true strength.”

"An official wears his robes of office. But it’s his inner character and spirit which reflect his true mettle."

Kong Qiu:“A pure heart makes a pure shot. ”

 Virtues of the Silent Orchid ❀ (An Ode to Confucius)

Elegant orchid, standing tall with its fragrance spread
Its aroma faint but worshipped by all other surround flowers
If not picked and worn, what sorrow will it be to the orchid?

For days and years, I have travelled far across the land
One who goes far to search for the talented,
Will benefit himself greatly with wisdom and power
When the orchid is picked and worn,
It becomes alive in spirit and radiates its fresh scent

Even during the winter, when the ground is thick with snow and frost,
The orchids’ buds endure the coldness
The proper conduct of a man virtue,
Is the prosperity of his offspring in generations to come